I’m excited to introduce you to my Crispy Potato Balls. Picture this: fluffy mashed potatoes mixed with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, rolled into cute little balls and fried until they’re golden brown and super crunchy on the outside. They’re like bite-sized bits of potato heaven! Each bite is a delightful combination of creamy potato goodness and irresistible crunch. Perfect for snacking, appetizers, or as a tasty side dish. You’re in for a treat with these crispy delights!
WHAT WE NEED For Crispy Potato Balls:
Flavorful Ingredients:
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Potatoes: The star ingredient of this recipe, potatoes provide the base for these crispy delights. They’re boiled until tender, mashed, and seasoned to perfection.
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Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the potato mixture, enhancing its savory profile. The cheese also helps bind the ingredients together and adds a delightful hint of saltiness.
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Fresh Parsley: Provides a burst of freshness and color to the potato balls. The parsley adds a subtle herbaceous note that balances the richness of the potatoes and cheese.
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Cornstarch: Helps to bind the ingredients together and adds crispiness to the exterior of the potato balls when fried. It creates a light, crunchy coating that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
- Spices: salt, pepper
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Oil: for frying
Cooking Technique:
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Boiling and Mashing Potatoes: Boiling the potatoes until they’re fork-tender ensures that they’re cooked through and easy to mash. Mashing the potatoes creates a smooth, creamy texture, making them perfect for shaping into balls.
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Frying: Frying the potato balls in hot oil creates a crispy, golden exterior while locking in the creamy interior. It’s important to fry them at the right temperature to achieve optimal crispiness without burning.
Instructions:
Prepare Potatoes:
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Start by washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt
Boil Potatoes:
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Place the potatos in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
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Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
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After the potatoes are cooked, peel off their skins. Then, use a potato masher or fork to mash them until they’re smooth and free of lumps
Season and Add Ingredients:
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To the mashed potatoes, add cornstarch, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Shape into Balls:
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Take small portions of the potato mixture and roll them into balls between your palms. The size of the balls can vary depending on your preference, but aim for uniform sizes for even cooking.
Heat Oil for Frying:
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In a deep frying pan or pot, heat enough oil for deep-frying over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking, around 350°F (175°C).
Fry Potato Balls:
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Carefully place the coated potato balls into the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry in batches if necessary.
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Fry the potato balls for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, turning occasionally for even cooking.
Drain Excess Oil:
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Once the potato balls are crispy and golden, use a slotted spoon or wire mesh strainer to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil.
Serve Hot:
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The Crispiest Potato Balls are best served hot and crispy. You can enjoy them as a delicious appetizer, snack, or side dish.
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Optionally, serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, aioli, or sour cream with chives.
Enjoy!
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Serve your Crispiest Potato Balls immediately and enjoy the crispy exterior with the creamy, flavorful interior.
Customization Options:
- Cheese Variation: Try using cheddar, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a unique flavor twist.
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Herb Infusion: Add minced garlic, chopped chives, or finely diced onions for a more aromatic and flavorful bite.
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Spice Blend: Paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning can all add depth and complexity to the recipe.
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Sweet Potato Variation: Sweet potato balls can be equally delicious and offer a nutritious twist to the recipe.
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Dipping Sauce Variety: Consider offering options like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, tzatziki, or sriracha mayo for dipping.
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Baked Option: If you prefer a healthier alternative to frying, try baking the potato balls in the oven until they’re crispy and golden brown. Brush them with a little olive oil before baking to help them crisp up nicely.
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Stuffed Potato Balls: Stuff the potato balls with cheese, cooked ground meat, or vegetables before rolling them in the coating.
Tipps and Tricks:
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Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes during boiling, as they can become waterlogged and too mushy, making it difficult to shape them into balls
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Maintain the Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If the oil is too hot, the potato balls may brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. If it’s too cold, they may absorb too much oil and become greasy.
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Drain Excess Oil:After frying, transfer the potato balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy and prevents them from becoming greasy.
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Serve Immediately: Crispy Potato Balls are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the fryer. Serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment!
Serving Suggestions:
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Appetizer: These Crispy Potato Balls make a fantastic appetizer for parties, gatherings, or game nights. They’re easy to prepare in advance and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Side Dish: Pair them with your favorite main dishes as a delicious side dish. They complement a wide range of meals, from grilled meats to vegetarian dishes.
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Snack: Enjoy them as a satisfying snack any time of day. Whether you’re craving something savory or need a quick bite on the go, these potato balls are sure to hit the spot.
Storage and Reheating:
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Leftovers: If you have any leftover potato balls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
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Reheating: Reheat the potato balls in the oven or toaster oven until they’re heated through and crispy again. This will help revive their delicious texture and flavor.
Overall, these Crispy Potato Balls are a versatile and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers, side dishes, or snacks, they’re guaranteed to impress with their irresistible combination of creamy insides and crispy outsides. Enjoy every crispy, delicious bite!
More Favorite Potato Recipes
Looking for more yummy potato recipes to try?
Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Parmesan
Crispy Potato Balls
Ingredients
- 300 g potatoes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 30 g Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- salt
- pepper
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Place whole potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
- Peel and Mash Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from the pot and let them cool slightly. Peel off the skins, then transfer the potatoes to a mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or fork to mash them until smooth and free of any lumps.
- Season and Add Ingredients: To the mashed potatoes, add cornstarch, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Shape into Balls: Take small portions of the potato mixture and roll them into balls between your palms. Aim for uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Heat Oil for Frying: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat enough oil for deep-frying over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking,around 350°F (175°C)
- Fry Potato Balls: Carefully place the coated potato balls into the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry in batches if necessary. Fry the potato balls for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once the potato balls are crispy and golden, use a slotted spoon or wire mesh strainer to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Crispy Potato Balls immediately while they're still hot and crispy. Enjoy them as a delicious appetizer, snack, or side dish, optionally with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- to customize the flavor you can add additional herbs and spices to the mixture, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
Delicious!