Cheesy Baked Potato Balls
Ingredients:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (preferably cold)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
Instructions:
Start by preparing your mashed potatoes. It’s important that they are cold and firm, not freshly mashed and soft, because that will help you shape the balls easily without them falling apart.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Add the egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until you get a thick, slightly sticky mixture that holds together well.
Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about the size of a golf ball. If the mixture sticks to your hands, you can lightly grease your hands with a bit of oil.
Place some extra breadcrumbs in a shallow plate, and roll each ball in the breadcrumbs to coat it evenly. This step helps create that golden crust when baking.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange the potato balls on the tray, leaving a little space between each one.
Brush each ball lightly with melted butter or olive oil. This is important because it helps them turn golden and slightly crispy in the oven.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through baking, you can turn them gently to ensure even browning on all sides.
They are ready when the outside is golden brown and slightly crispy, and the inside is soft with melted cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these potato balls hot, straight from the oven. They go well with simple sauces like ketchup, garlic sauce, or a light yogurt dip. They can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even as a side dish with grilled chicken or meat.
Tips for Best Results:
Using cold mashed potatoes is key to getting the right texture. If your mixture feels too soft, you can add a little more breadcrumbs to firm it up. If you want a richer flavor, you can add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives.
For a cheesy center, you can also place a small cube of mozzarella inside each ball before shaping it.