Potato Cheese Balls

Potato Cheese Balls
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Unniyappam
Unniyappam is a popular South Indian snack, particularly in the state of Kerala. These sweet, deep-fried rice flour fritters are typically made with ingredients such as riceflour, jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar), ripe bananas, grated coconut,cardamom, and sometimes black sesame seeds.
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Unniyappam
Pazham Pori/Banana Fritters
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Pazham pori, Banana fritters
Paruppu vada/ Dal vada
Paruppu vada is a popular South Indian snack made from coarsely ground chana dal mixed with onions, green chillies, and spices, shaped into small discs, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Served as a tea-time treat or appetizer, it pairs well with coconut or tomato chutney, offering a delightful combination of crunchy texture and savoury flavour.
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Potato cheese balls

Potato Cheese Balls

Print Recipe
Potato cheese balls are crispy, golden-fried snacks made from mashed potatoes mixed with seasonings, stuffed with gooey, melty cheese like mozzarella or cheddar. They are coated in breadcrumbs for crunch and served hot with dips like ketchup or spicy mayo.
Course Appetizer, Snacks
Cuisine Fusion
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 3
Author sumisculinarynotes

Ingredients

1 cup = 250ml

  • 2 large potatoes boiled & mashed
  • ¾ cup 100g mozzarella cheese (grated or cut into small cubes) (or cheese of your choice)
  • 1 tbsp cornflour
  • ½ tsp chilli flakes optional
  • ½ tsp black pepper powder
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder optional
  • 2 tbsp coriander or parsley chopped
  • Salt

Breading

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup bread crumbs for coating
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salt
  • 2 eggs or a slurry of 2 tbsp flour + ¼ cup water for a vegetarian version
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions

  • Slit the potatoes and add them to a pot of water. Boil them until fork-tender.
  • Drain the water, peel the potatoes and mash the potatoes while hot. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before adding other ingredients.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine cooled mashed potatoes, cornflour, chilli flakes, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and chopped coriander/parsley. Mix well until it forms a smooth dough.
  • Place the covered dough in the refrigerator for at least 15–30 minutes. This helps firm up the mixture, making it easier to shape.

Prepare the Breading

  • While the dough is chilling, setup your breading station with:
  • Flour – For the first coating to help the egg stick.
  • Beaten eggs – Lightly whisked for a smooth coating.
  • Breadcrumbs (Panko or Regular) – For a crispy outer layer.
  • Season the flour, eggs and the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
  • Note: If you are using Fresh mozzarella, it should be well-drained and patted dry. Slice the mozzarella into small ½-inch cubes for easy stuffing.
  • Place the mozzarella cubes in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before stuffing. Chilling the cheese reduces leakage during frying by slowing the melting process.
  • Take a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Using your thumb, create an indent in the centre, or flatten it in your palm, place a small cube of mozzarella cheese inside, and carefully seal it by covering the cheese completely. Shape it into a ball. Repeat for all.
  • Avoid overfilling with cheese, as too much can cause it to ooze out while frying.
  • Coat each ball in flour first, then dip into beaten Eggs, then roll into Bread Crumbs mix.
  • Then dip into Eggs again and one last time into Bread Crumbs mix. However, this step is optional.

Chilling (Optional but Recommended):

  • Refrigerate the coated balls for 20-30 minutes. This helps in firming them up and prevents breaking while frying.
  • Heat oil to 175-180°C. If the oil is too hot they’ll brown too fast without cooking inside, if it is too cold, they’ll absorb oil.
  • Deep fry potato balls until golden brown, for about 4 minutes. Be careful not to over-fry them because the Mozzarella may ooze out completely. Drain on paper towels.
  • Enjoy immediately while the cheese is still gooey inside.
  • Serve with ketchup, mayonnaise, or a spicy dip of your choice!

Notes

Use starchy potatoes for a fluffy texture. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they don’t mash well and may make the mixture too dense.
Boil the potatoes until fork-tender but do not overcook them to prevent them from becoming too watery.
Mash them without lumps for a smooth texture. Let the mashed potatoes cool before mixing with other ingredients.
Mix cornflour, breadcrumbs, or all-purpose flour into the mashed potatoes to help them hold their shape.
Cut cheese into small cubes and freeze them before stuffing to prevent leakage. Toss the cheese cubes with a pinch of garlic powder, chilli flakes, or Italian seasoning for added taste.
Air Fryer: Brush with oil and air-fry at 180°C for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Baking: Preheat oven to 200°C, place on a greased tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Why are my potato cheese balls breaking while frying?

This usually happens if there is too much moisture in the potato mixture or if they are not coated properly. Make sure to chill the balls before frying and coat them well with breadcrumbs to prevent breaking.

Can I bake or air-fry potato cheese balls instead of deep-frying?

Yes! Bake them at 200°C for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, cook at 180°C for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.

What cheese works best for potato cheese balls?

Mozzarella is great for a stretchy cheese pull, while cheddar adds a rich flavour. A mix of both works well for the best taste and texture.

Can I make potato cheese balls in advance?

Yes, you can shape and coat them, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also freeze them and fry them directly from frozen.

How do I keep my cheese from leaking out?

Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed by the potato mixture and double-coat with breadcrumbs to seal any cracks. Frying in hot oil (around 175°C or 350°F) also helps.

What dips go well with potato cheese balls?

They pair well with ketchup, spicy mayo, garlic mayo, or a tangy marinara sauce for extra flavour.



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