Name: Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large russet potatoes; 1 tablespoon milk; 1 teaspoon salt (divided); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons crumbled bacon bits; 8 ounces block mozzarella cheese (cut into ½ inch cubes); 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; Canola or vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep in a pot)

There’s something truly comforting about bites of golden, crispy outside giving way to melty mozzarella and fluffy potatoes inside. This Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe is that perfect fusion of textures and flavors, an easy-to-love snack that always disappears fast at gatherings or family nights.

The image shows a golden brown fried ball with a crunchy and slightly rough outer layer. Inside, there is a creamy, soft white filling with a smooth texture, and some green herb pieces sprinkled on and around it on a piece of white paper, all placed on a white marbled surface. The fried ball is broken open, revealing the different textures between the crispy outside and the soft inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I’m hooked on these Crispy Potato Cheese Balls because they combine the best of comfort food with a fun, crunchy twist. Once you get the hang of the process, making these will feel like second nature—and everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Perfect Crispy Texture: Thanks to the panko breadcrumbs, these balls get a golden, crunchy crust that’s just right—not greasy or soggy.
Melty Cheesy Center: The gooey mozzarella inside is pure magic, making every bite a warm, cheesy delight.
Simple Ingredients: Most of what you need is probably already in your kitchen, so you can whip these up anytime.
Great Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a snack, these potato cheese balls are an instant hit!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe has its role to play. From the creamy mashed potatoes that hug the cheese to the crispy panko coating that seals everything beautifully—you’ll appreciate why I stick to this combination.

Flat lay of a large russet potato, a small white bowl of milk, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of black pepper, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small pile of crumbled cooked bacon bits, a block of fresh mozzarella cheese cut into half-inch cubes, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of panko breadcrumbs mixed with dried parsley, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes mash up smooth and fluffy, providing the perfect base that holds its shape well when fried.
Milk: Helps create a creamy, smooth mashed potato texture without making it runny.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the potatoes just right and balancing the flavors inside.
Garlic Powder: Adds a cozy depth without overpowering the cheese.
Bacon Bits: Crumbled bacon brings a smoky, salty punch that takes these from simple to superstar bites.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star melty filling that makes each ball a gooey, irresistible surprise.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates the first layer of crispiness and helps the breadcrumbs stick.
Eggs: Bind the coating layers so nothing falls apart in the oil.
Panko Breadcrumbs: My secret weapon for that unbeatable crunch and lightness.
Dried Parsley: Adds a touch of herbal freshness and color to the coating.
Canola or Vegetable Oil: For frying—these oils have a neutral flavor and great heat tolerance, perfect for even frying.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love sharing this Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe with my twist—and you should feel free to make it yours, too. Adding or swapping ingredients can keep things exciting, and I’ve found several ways to personalize these little bites.

Variation: One time, I swapped mozzarella for sharp cheddar and added a pinch of smoked paprika—oh man, that smoky, sharp flavor combo was a game changer.
Dietary Tips: For a vegetarian-friendly option, skip the bacon bits or replace them with sautéed mushrooms for that umami hit.
Spice it Up: Toss in chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne in the mashed potatoes if you like a little heat.
Make It Mini: For parties, roll these into bite-sized balls for perfect finger food.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe

Nine golden-brown round fried balls with a crunchy texture are arranged closely on white parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. Next to the balls, on the top right, is a small white bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce, sprinkled lightly with green herbs. The balls have small bits of green garnish on them, adding contrast to their warm, crispy outer layer. The scene is lit naturally, highlighting the texture and color of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook and Mash Potatoes Just Right

Start by washing, peeling, and cutting your russet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender—think fork can easily slip through, about 15-20 minutes. Don’t rush this step; fully cooked potatoes give you that fluffy mash we’re aiming for. After draining, mash with milk, seasonings, and bacon bits. Let the mash cool so it’s easier to handle and won’t melt your cheesy center when shaping.

Step 2: Shape Balls with a Cheesy Surprise Inside

Using a scoop helps keep your balls uniform—two tablespoons of mashed potato per ball is my go-to. Make an indentation with your thumb, press in a cube of mozzarella, then gently enclose it with the potato mixture. Roll smooth to seal that cheesy center—we don’t want cheese leaking while frying!

Step 3: Bread Those Balls Perfectly

Set up your breading station: flour spiced with salt and pepper, beaten eggs, and panko mixed with dried parsley. The triple coating locks in moisture and creates a crispy crust. One thing I always do is gently press the panko onto the balls to avoid bare spots—that extra step pays off in crunch.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Crispy Perfection

Heat your oil to around 375°F (190°C)—this temp is key to crispy, not greasy balls. Fry gently, turning often for even color, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and let them rest for a bit; they’ll firm up and stay crispy while you serve.

Top Tip

From making Crispy Potato Cheese Balls many times, I’ve learned that small details create big results—here are a few tips to make sure yours turn out party-perfect.

Don’t Skip Cooling Your Mash: Warm potato balls soften the cheese too early, causing leaks during frying.
Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to keep your oil steady at 375°F—too cool means greasy, too hot burns the crust.
Handle Gently: When transferring balls into the hot oil, use a slotted spoon and place gently to keep them intact.
Press Your Breading: Lightly pressing the panko coating helps it stick better and crisps evenly.

How to Serve Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe

potato cheese balls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh minced parsley on top right before serving—it adds a pop of color and a clean herbaceous note that lightens the richness. A little pinch of smoked paprika dusted on the plate is a fun twist, too.

Side Dishes

These potato cheese balls pair beautifully with marinara or a tangy garlic aioli for dipping. I also serve them alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies when making them part of a meal rather than just a snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try stacking them pyramid-style on a decorative platter with small bowls of different dips—think spicy mango chutney or creamy ranch. Adding toothpicks makes them easy to grab, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze around the plate ups the wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover potato cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—refrigeration keeps them from getting soggy, though they don’t stay as crisp as fresh.

Freezing

These freeze surprisingly well! I flash-freeze them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want a quick snack, just fry or bake them from frozen—no thawing needed!

Reheating

To get that crispy exterior back, I reheat leftovers in a hot oven or air fryer instead of the microwave—this keeps them crunchy without drying out the cheesy center.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and stretches nicely, you can try cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses. Just keep in mind that harder cheeses might be less gooey inside.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking while frying?

Make sure the mashed potatoes have cooled completely before shaping and sealing around the cheese cubes tightly. Proper breading and gently handling the balls when frying also help prevent leaks.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! To bake, place the breaded balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy, turning halfway through.

What’s the best oil for frying these potato cheese balls?

Canola or vegetable oil works best due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors. This ensures the balls cook evenly and get crisp without imparting any unwanted tastes.

Final Thoughts

Making these Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe has become one of my favorite kitchen adventures. There’s nothing like serving up warm, crunchy, cheesy bites that bring everyone to the table and into smiles. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do—they really are a little comfort food treasure.