Yummy Potato Cheese Balls

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## **Instructions:**

### **1. Prepare the Potatoes:**
Peel and boil the **potatoes** in salted water until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork, about **15-20 minutes**. Once done, drain the water and mash the potatoes until smooth. Allow them to cool for a few minutes.

### **2. Make the Potato Mixture:**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, **cream cheese**, **grated cheddar cheese**, **green onions** (if using), **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the cheese is evenly distributed.

### **3. Shape the Potato Balls:**
Using your hands, take small portions of the potato mixture and roll them into **1-inch balls**. If the mixture feels too sticky, you can wet your hands slightly to make shaping easier. Once you’ve shaped all the potato balls, place them on a plate or tray.

### **4. Coat the Balls:**
Dip each potato ball into the **beaten egg**, then roll it in the **breadcrumbs** until it’s fully coated. Make sure the breadcrumb layer is even and covers the entire surface of each ball. This will give them a beautiful crispy texture when fried.

### **5. Fry the Potato Balls:**
In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat enough **vegetable oil** to cover the potato balls (about **2-3 inches** deep) over medium heat. When the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the potato balls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about **3-4 minutes**, or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.

### **6. Drain and Serve:**
Once fried, remove the potato cheese balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve them hot, with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as **sour cream**, **ranch dressing**, or **ketchup**.

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## **Why These Potato Cheese Balls Are a Must-Try:**

– **Crispy on the Outside, Creamy on the Inside**: The combination of the crispy breadcrumb coating and the creamy, cheesy potato filling makes each bite irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of texture that everyone loves.

– **Great for Parties**: These little bites are perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or game days. Their small size makes them easy to grab and enjoy without the need for utensils, and they’re always a crowd favorite.

– **Kid-Friendly**: If you have picky eaters, these potato cheese balls are a great way to sneak in some vegetables and cheese without them even realizing it. The cheesy center is sure to win over kids of all ages.

– **Quick and Easy**: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe can be whipped up in no time. Whether you need a last-minute snack or a dish for an upcoming dinner, these cheese balls are an easy solution.

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## **Tips for the Perfect Potato Cheese Balls:**

– **Customize the Cheese**: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can get creative with the type of cheese you use. **Mozzarella**, **Monterey Jack**, or even **Parmesan** can add a different flavor profile to your potato cheese balls.

– **Add Herbs or Spices**: For a flavorful twist, add some fresh herbs like **parsley**, **chives**, or **oregano** to the potato mixture. A pinch of **cayenne pepper** or **paprika** can also add some heat.

– **Oven-Baked Option**: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the potato cheese balls instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**, place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for **20-25 minutes**, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crisping.

– **Make-Ahead**: You can prepare the potato balls in advance by shaping them and storing them in the fridge for up to a day before frying. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead of time for a party or special occasion.

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## **Conclusion:**

**Yummy Potato Cheese Balls** are a flavorful, easy-to-make snack that everyone will love. With creamy cheese, crispy breadcrumbs, and perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes, these little bites are a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them for a picnic, or just making a batch for a weeknight treat, they’re sure to be a hit.

Quick, simple, and customizable, these potato cheese balls are the ultimate comfort food that everyone will keep coming back for. Try them out today and watch how quickly they disappear!