Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
- ½ cup flour
- 1 cup dried breadcrumbs (or more as needed)
- 1/3 cup chopped spring onions (substitute with chopped chives)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare coating stations: Add the flour and dried breadcrumbs to separate shallow plates. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and set it aside for coating.
- Mix potato base: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped spring onions. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form potato balls: Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls approximately the size of a ping pong ball. Continue until all the mixture is used.
- Heat the oil: In a saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a few breadcrumbs into the oil; if they float and bubble immediately, the oil is at the perfect frying temperature.
- Coat the balls: Working in batches of about five at a time, roll each potato ball first in the flour, then dip into the whisked egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Fry the potato balls: Carefully place the coated balls into the hot oil and fry over medium heat until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a kitchen towel to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Add crumbled cooked bacon to the potato mixture for extra flavor.
- Season the breadcrumbs with herbs and spices such as garlic powder, parsley, or chili flakes for a personalized touch.
- For a gooey center, stuff each ball with a small block of cheese instead of mixing shredded cheese inside.
- Use chilled mashed potatoes, ideally firm and fluffy, not sloppy, for best results.
- If possible, chill the formed potato balls before frying or quick freeze for 5 minutes to help maintain their shape during frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American