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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace by preheating the oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, then lightly coating with cooking spray.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, diced onions, and selected seasonings until the mixture is evenly distributed.
- Using a spoon or small scoop, portion out the potato mixture and carefully shape into uniform round balls, ensuring they hold together compactly.
- 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.
- Arrange the breaded potato cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each ball to ensure even cooking.
- Lightly mist the balls with cooking spray to promote golden browning and enhanced crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the tray midway to ensure consistent coloration and crunch.
- 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.
- 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