Cheesy Parmesan Potato Balls Recipe – Crispy, Gooey, and Irresistible

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Few recipes combine the comfort of potatoes, the indulgence of gooey cheese, and the satisfaction of a crispy bite quite like Cheesy Parmesan Potato Balls. These golden, crunchy bites are everything you want in a snack or appetizer: crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, with a surprise cheesy mozzarella center that stretches with every bite. Whether served as a party appetizer, a side dish for dinner, or a fun family snack, these potato balls are always a crowd-pleaser.

They’re also incredibly versatile—you can customize the seasonings, play around with different coatings, or even experiment with the type of cheese inside. Best of all, this recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. With a crispy breadcrumb coating and that perfect combination of Parmesan and mozzarella, it’s no wonder these potato balls often disappear as soon as they hit the table.

A Brief History and Origin of Potato Balls

Potato balls are enjoyed worldwide in different variations. From Italian arancini (rice and potato-based balls) to Latin American papas rellenas, and even Indian aloo bonda, the concept of encasing potatoes with a filling and frying them until golden has existed for centuries.

This particular Parmesan potato ball variation draws inspiration from Italian flavors—Parmesan cheese for richness, mozzarella for that irresistible melt, and herbs for extra flavor. It’s the perfect fusion of comfort food and finger food, making it an ideal snack for both casual and festive occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & Cheesy – Crunchy coating with a gooey mozzarella center.
Easy to Make – Uses leftover mashed potatoes or freshly made ones.
Customizable – Switch up the spices, cheeses, or add herbs for extra flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing Snack – Perfect for parties, holidays, and game days.
Kid-Friendly – Loved by children and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Mashed Potatoes:

800 grams cooked potatoes (about 5–6 medium, yields ~5 cups mashed)
70 grams Parmesan cheese (about ¾ cup grated)
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt

For the Stuffing:

50 grams mozzarella cheese (½ cup, cubed into small chunks)

For the Coating:

1 egg, beaten
5 tablespoons cornstarch
Breadcrumbs

For Frying:

Sunflower oil (enough to fill the pan halfway)

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Peel and boil the potatoes until fork-tender. Drain well to avoid excess moisture. Mash the potatoes until smooth, then mix in Parmesan cheese, butter, garlic powder, and salt. Allow the mixture to cool before shaping.

Step 2 – Shape the Potato Balls

Take a tablespoon of the potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then shape the potato mixture around it, rolling into a smooth ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

Step 3 – Coat the Balls

Set up a coating station with three bowls: one with beaten egg, one with cornstarch, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each potato ball in cornstarch first, then dip in egg, and finally coat in breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.

Step 4 – Fry Until Golden

Heat sunflower oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Fry the potato balls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5 – Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy warm for the ultimate cheesy bite.

Pro Tips for Success

Dry the potatoes well – Excess water makes the mixture too soft and hard to shape.
Chill before frying – Refrigerating the shaped potato balls for 15–20 minutes helps them hold their shape.
Oil temperature matters – Fry at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Too hot and the outside burns; too cool and they absorb oil.
Double coat for extra crunch – Dip twice in egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker crust.
Bake instead of fry – For a healthier option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Delicious Variations

Spicy Potato Balls – Add chili flakes or jalapeños to the potato mix.
Herb-Infused – Mix in fresh parsley, basil, or chives with the mashed potatoes.
Cheese Swap – Try cheddar, gouda, or provolone instead of mozzarella.
Bacon Lover’s Version – Add crispy bacon bits to the potato mixture.
Stuffed Surprise – Mix mozzarella with sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions for a gourmet twist.

Perfect Pairings

Cheesy Parmesan Potato Balls are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of dips and dishes:

Dipping Sauces – Marinara sauce, garlic aioli, sour cream, or spicy sriracha mayo.
As a Side Dish – Serve with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or fish.
Party Platters – Pair with sliders, wings, and veggie sticks for game night.
Brunch Spread – Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh salad.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-Ahead – Shape the balls and refrigerate up to 24 hours before frying.
Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating – Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Freezing – Freeze shaped, uncooked balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, though fresh mashed potatoes give the best texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure the mozzarella cubes are well-covered by the potato mixture, and chill before frying.

Can I air fry these potato balls?
Absolutely! Spray with cooking oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.

Do I have to use mozzarella?
Not at all—Parmesan, cheddar, gouda, or even blue cheese can work.

What type of breadcrumbs work best?
Panko breadcrumbs give the crispiest texture, but regular breadcrumbs also work well.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 6 servings)

Calories: 240
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 310mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 9g

Conclusion

Cheesy Parmesan Potato Balls are everything you want in a comfort food snack—crispy, cheesy, golden bites that everyone will love. Whether served as a fun party appetizer, a satisfying side dish, or just a treat for yourself, these potato balls deliver big flavor in every bite. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. So grab your potatoes, Parmesan, and mozzarella, and get ready to make a snack that will be requested time and time again.