Baked Potato Balls

Baked Potato Balls are a fun and easy twist on classic mashed potatoes, combining creamy mashed potatoes with cheese and seasonings, rolled into balls, and baked to crispy perfection. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these potato balls are great for parties or any time you want a comforting, cheesy bite that’s easy to make and enjoy.

Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Notes
Variations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion

Ingredients

3 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly prepared)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 green onions (chopped)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray or olive oil
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Shape the Potato Balls

Using your hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls

In a small bowl, whisk the egg. Place the panko breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl.
Dip each potato ball into the egg, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Place the coated potato balls on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Lightly spray the potato balls with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the potato balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the baked potato balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sour cream or ranch dressing.

Cooking Notes

Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes or make a fresh batch. Make sure the mashed potatoes are thick and not too runny for easier shaping.
Cheese: Feel free to use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a different flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add a nice crunch, but regular breadcrumbs can also be used if preferred.

Variations

Spicy Potato Balls

Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the potato mixture for a spicy kick.

Loaded Potato Balls

Mix in 1/4 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon and 1/4 cup of chopped jalapeños for a loaded potato flavor.

Herb and Cheese Potato Balls

Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary, to the potato mixture for an herby twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make These Potato Balls Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can shape and coat the potato balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake them as directed when ready to serve.

Can I Freeze Baked Potato Balls?

Absolutely! Once baked, let the potato balls cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

What Should I Serve with Baked Potato Balls?

These potato balls pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sour cream, ranch dressing, or marinara. They also make a great side dish for grilled meats, burgers, or salads.

Baked Potato Balls are a delicious, cheesy, and crispy treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these potato balls are sure to be a hit. Experiment with different mix-ins and flavors to make them your own, and enjoy every bite of this comforting dish.

Happy baking, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of these baked potato balls!