Baked Potato Cheese Balls are a fun, savory snack or appetizer that combines the comforting flavors of a baked potato with gooey cheese and crispy exteriors. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun meal! Here’s a recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup bacon bits (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp green onions, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray (for baking)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes well and mash them until smooth. Let them cool slightly.
2. Make the Cheese Ball Mixture:
- Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, add the sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits (if using), green onions (optional), garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix until everything is well combined. You want a smooth, slightly sticky mixture that’s easy to form into balls.
3. Form the Cheese Balls:
- Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and roll it into a ball (about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter). Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
4. Bread the Cheese Balls:
- Set up a breading station:
- In one shallow bowl, place the flour.
- In another shallow bowl, place the beaten eggs.
- In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Roll each potato ball first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to ensure they’re well-coated.
5. Bake the Cheese Balls:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the breaded cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly spray the balls with olive oil spray or cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Serve:
- Let the cheese balls cool slightly before serving. You can dip them in sour cream, ranch dressing, or any sauce of your choice.
Tips:
- For an extra crispy exterior, you can fry these cheese balls instead of baking them. Just heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large pot and fry until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes).
- You can mix in other ingredients like chopped chives, cheddar and bacon bits, or jalapeños for some extra flavor.
- These can be made ahead of time! Just freeze the breaded cheese balls and bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to serve.
These Baked Potato Cheese Balls are crispy, cheesy, and packed with all the delicious flavors of a loaded baked potato in one bite-sized snack!