Fluffy Baked Potato Cheese Balls Recipe: Comfort Food Magic

Golden, crispy potato cheese balls spark joy at every gathering, delivering mouthwatering cheese-stuffed goodness that melts hearts.

These delectable baked potato cheese balls combine comfort and excitement in one irresistible bite.

Creamy potatoes blend seamlessly with sharp cheddar, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Each ball promises a delightful crunch that gives way to a molten cheese center.

Packed with simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe transforms humble potatoes into a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Serving these cheese-filled treasures guarantees smiles and requests for seconds.

Prepare to become the star of any party with these addictive potato cheese balls that everyone will devour.

Baked Potato Cheese Balls Tasty Bites

• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Perfect for parties, game nights, or potlucks, these cheese balls bring everyone together with their irresistible crispy exterior and cheesy interior.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced kitchen enthusiasts.
• Versatile Snack Option: Customize with different cheeses, add herbs, or swap bacon for vegetarian alternatives, making these balls adaptable to various dietary preferences and taste buds.
• Crispy Comfort Food: Delivers a satisfying crunch and rich flavor that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming ordinary potatoes into an exciting, indulgent treat.

Ingredients for Potato Cheese Balls

• Potatoes: Starchy base that provides creamy texture and hearty flavor.
• Cheese: Adds rich, melty goodness and enhances overall taste.
• Bacon: Brings smoky, salty dimension to the cheese balls.
• Onions: Provides sharp, aromatic flavor to complement other ingredients.

• Flour, Eggs, Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden exterior that adds crunch and helps balls hold their shape.

• Salt, Pepper, Cooking Spray: Enhance flavor and help achieve perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Ranch or Sour Cream: Optional dipping sauce that adds creamy, tangy complement to the cheese balls.

Making Baked Potato Cheese Balls

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Give the paper a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

• Mashed potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Finely chopped green onions
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Mix everything together until the ingredients are best friends and totally combined.

Step 3: Shape Your Delights

Using a spoon or small scoop, gather a tablespoon of the mixture.

Roll it between your palms to create perfect little balls.

Place them on a clean plate.

Step 4: Coat With Crunch

Set up three shallow dishes for your coating station:

First dish: All-purpose flour

Second dish: Beaten eggs

Third dish: Seasoned breadcrumbs

Roll each potato ball through flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.

Make sure they’re completely covered for maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the coated balls on your prepared baking sheet.

Give them a light spray of cooking oil to help them turn beautifully golden.

Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re crispy and looking irresistible.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Let the potato cheese balls cool for a few minutes.

Serve alongside ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping.

Watch them disappear faster than you can say “delicious”!

Tips for Crispy Cheese Balls

• Use leftover mashed potatoes for extra flavor and a smoother texture.
• Choose sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for more intense taste.
• Freeze balls for 10 minutes before breading to help them hold shape and create crunchier exterior.
• Crisp bacon beforehand for maximum crunch and deeper smoky flavor.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly version.

Potato Cheese Ball Variations

• Vegetarian Potato Cheese Balls: Replace bacon with diced bell peppers or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican Cheese Balls: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and mix in taco seasoning for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Cheese Balls: Substitute potatoes with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.

Serving Up Potato Cheese Balls

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Bites: Perfect for game nights and potlucks, these cheesy potato balls will vanish quickly from the appetizer table.
• Dip Delight: Serve alongside ranch, marinara sauce, or homemade spicy aioli for extra flavor punch that guests will love.
• Brunch Bonus: Add these crispy balls to weekend breakfast spreads as a delicious side dish next to scrambled eggs or alongside a fresh green salad.
• Leftovers Hack: Reheat gently in air fryer or oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness and restore their golden exterior.

Storing Potato Cheese Balls for Later

• Store leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover carefully to prevent moisture from making them soggy.
• Prepare these cheese balls and freeze uncooked for maximum freshness. Place on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll keep well for 2-3 months.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cheese balls in the oven at 375F for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispy exterior. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.
• Make the cheese ball mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Roll and bread just before baking for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Are these potato cheese balls healthy?

While delicious, they’re more of an indulgent appetizer due to cheese, bacon, and breadcrumb coating. They contain protein from potatoes and cheese but are higher in calories.

• Can I make these potato cheese balls vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit bacon and replace with finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or add extra herbs for flavor. The cheese and potato base remains the same.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese provides the best flavor and melting properties. Sharp cheddar adds more tang, while mild cheddar offers a smoother taste. Shredded cheese melts most effectively.

Baked Potato Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden cheese balls elevate classic baked potatoes into irresistible appetizers that sparkle with comfort and cheesy delight. Potato lovers will savor these bite-sized treats packed with melted cheese and crisp exterior, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a quick snack.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) mashed potatoes
• 1 cup (240 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 green onions, finely chopped

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray or olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by preheating the oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, then lightly coating with cooking spray.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, diced onions, and selected seasonings until the mixture is evenly distributed.
3. Using a spoon or small scoop, portion out the potato mixture and carefully shape into uniform round balls, ensuring they hold together compactly.
4. Create a breading station: gently coat each potato ball first in flour, then dip into beaten egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs to create a crisp exterior coating.
5. Arrange the breaded potato cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each ball to ensure even cooking.
6. Lightly mist the balls with cooking spray to promote golden browning and enhanced crispiness.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the tray midway to ensure consistent coloration and crunch.
8. Remove from oven and allow the cheese balls to rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing the interior to set and exterior to maintain its crisp texture.
9. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping and enhanced flavor.

Notes

• Customize the potato cheese balls by swapping bacon for crispy vegetarian alternatives like sun-dried tomatoes or roasted mushrooms to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Ensure potatoes are completely cooled and dry before mixing to prevent soggy texture and help balls hold their shape during baking.
• Try different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic recipe.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness, and consider adding herbs like chives or parsley to boost the overall taste and visual appeal of the cheese balls.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 70mg