Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls

Introduction

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls are the ultimate savory snack that brings together the best of crispy, golden exteriors with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth center. Infused with the bold flavors of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and smooth mashed potatoes, these little bites are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a satisfying snack.

I remember making these for a family get-together, and they were gone in minutes! The crunch from the outside and the creamy inside made every bite irresistible. The beauty of these potato balls is how versatile they are—whether served with a dipping sauce or alongside a main dish, they’re guaranteed to be the star of the table. Each bite is packed with the perfect balance of cheese and garlic, offering a flavorful experience that’s hard to resist.

What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to make. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create these crispy, cheesy potato balls that are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings at any time.

Perfect for:

• Appetizers
• Party snacks
• Family gatherings
• Game day
• Cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls

Here’s why Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls will become your new favorite:

• Crispy on the Outside, Creamy on the Inside: These potato balls are coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden, offering a crunchy contrast to the soft, flavorful potato filling.
• Rich Parmesan Flavor: The Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth to each bite, perfectly complementing the garlic and potatoes.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow, requiring only a few basic ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying snack.
• Customizable Add-ins: You can easily customize the filling by adding herbs, spices, or even cooked bacon for extra flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep: These potato balls can be made in advance and either refrigerated or frozen for later use, making them an ideal option for meal prepping.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 18-20 potato balls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 100-120 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls:

• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Ingredient Highlights

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they mash well and create a creamy filling for the potato balls.
• Parmesan Cheese: The addition of Parmesan provides a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the potato balls.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the potato balls a bold, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for their extra crispiness, creating the perfect golden crunch on the outside.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls:

Prepare the Potato Filling:

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined and the mixture is creamy. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly.
3. Form the Potato Balls: Once the mashed potatoes are cool enough to handle, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mashed potatoes. You should have 18-20 potato balls.

Coat and Fry the Potato Balls:

4. Prepare the Breading Station: Place the flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls. First, dip each potato ball into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
5. Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. To test the oil, drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
6. Fry the Potato Balls: Carefully lower the breaded potato balls into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the potato balls from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Cool: Let the potato balls cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls are a versatile snack that can be served in many ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve these crispy bites on a platter with a dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
• With a Salad: Pair them with a fresh green salad for a delicious side dish or light lunch.
• As a Snack: These potato balls make for an irresistible snack on their own, perfect for movie nights or parties.
• With a Sauce: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or sour cream, to enhance the flavors.

Additional Tips for Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls

Here are some tips to ensure your Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls are perfect every time:

• Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they are starchy and mash well, creating a smooth filling.
• Let the Filling Cool: Let the mashed potato mixture cool slightly before forming the balls to avoid burning your hands.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the potato balls in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy all over.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the potato balls in advance, bread them, and freeze them for later use. Fry them directly from frozen for a quick and easy snack.
• Add More Flavor: Experiment with different herbs and seasonings like parsley, thyme, or paprika to give the potato balls more flavor.
• Serve Immediately: These potato balls are best enjoyed fresh and hot, right after frying.

Recipe Variations for Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls:

• Cheddar Bacon Potato Balls: Add shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to the mashed potatoes for a smoky, cheesy twist.
• Spicy Jalapeño Potato Balls: Mix in finely chopped jalapeños and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Herbed Potato Balls: Add a combination of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley to the potato filling for a fragrant and flavorful variation.
• Cream Cheese Potato Balls: Incorporate softened cream cheese into the mashed potatoes for a creamy and tangy flavor.
• Chive and Sour Cream Potato Balls: Add chopped fresh chives and a tablespoon of sour cream to the filling for a more tangy and onion-flavored option.
• Buffalo Potato Balls: Stir in buffalo sauce to the mashed potatoes and serve with a side of blue cheese dressing for a bold, spicy snack.
• Vegan Potato Balls: Swap the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg for a vegan version.
• Mushroom and Parmesan Potato Balls: Sauté mushrooms and mix them into the mashed potatoes for a savory and earthy twist.
• Pesto Potato Balls: Add pesto to the mashed potatoes for a fresh, herby flavor that pairs well with the crispy coating.
• Sweet Potato Parmesan Garlic Balls: Replace regular potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter variation.

Freezing and Storage for Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls

• Freezing: These potato balls freeze well. Arrange the breaded potato balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen.
• Storage: Store leftover potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet to regain their crispy texture.

Special Equipment for Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls easier:

• Potato Masher: A potato masher helps create a smooth, creamy filling for the potato balls.
• Frying Pan or Deep Fryer: A frying pan or deep fryer ensures even frying and golden, crispy potato balls.
• Shallow Bowls: Use shallow bowls for breading the potato balls with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
• Slotted Spoon: A slotted spoon is essential for safely removing the potato balls from the hot oil.
• Paper Towels: Paper towels help drain excess oil from the fried potato balls.
• Freezer Bags or Containers: To store or freeze leftover potato balls, use freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls

1. Can I make these potato balls in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare and bread the potato balls ahead of time and freeze them for later use. Fry them directly from frozen.
2. Can I use different potatoes?
   While russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying them?
   Yes, you can bake the potato balls at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Can I make these without eggs?
   Yes, you can use a flax egg or another egg substitute for a vegan version of these potato balls.
5. How do I keep the potato balls crispy?
   Serve the potato balls immediately after frying, or reheat them in a hot oven or skillet to regain their crispiness.

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Conclusion

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls are the ultimate indulgence, combining the savory goodness of Parmesan and garlic with the comforting warmth of potatoes. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to a rich, flavorful filling, making every bite a delightful experience.

These potato balls are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a party, enjoying them as a side dish, or simply snacking on them by themselves. With their irresistible crunch and bold flavor, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

I’d love to see how your Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creations. Happy cooking!