Creamy Mashed Potatoes Filled With Gooey Cheese, Rolled In Crispy Breadcrumbs, And Fried Until Golden — The Ultimate Snack, Appetizer, Or Leftover Makeover!
There’s just something magical about taking something humble — like mashed potatoes — and turning it into something fun, crispy, and cheesy. These Crispy Fried Cheese Mashed Potato Balls are a total crowd-pleaser in our house. They’re crispy on the outside, melty and gooey on the inside, and perfect for dipping.
I usually make these the day after we’ve had mashed potatoes with dinner. It feels like a brand-new treat! My kids call them “potato cheese bombs” and fight over the last one every time. And honestly, I don’t blame them — they’re creamy, crunchy, cheesy, and downright addictive. Whether you’re making them for a party platter or just a cozy snack night, they never last long.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
A: Yes, and I highly recommend it! Cold mashed potatoes work best for rolling and hold their shape better.
Q: What type of cheese should I use inside?
A: Mozzarella cubes give you that classic cheese pull, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack work wonderfully too.
Q: Can I bake or air fry these instead of frying?
A: You sure can! They won’t be as crispy as deep-fried, but baking at 425°F or air-frying at 400°F both work great.
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can roll and bread the potato balls ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to fry.
Q: What’s best for dipping?
A: We love them with ranch, marinara, sour cream, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
What You Need to Make Crispy Fried Cheese Mashed Potato Balls
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (or cheese cubes for stuffing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola)
Optional add-ins:
- ¼ cup chopped scallions or chives
- 1 tsp garlic powder or onion powder
- Dash of paprika or chili flakes for heat
How to Make Crispy Fried Cheese Mashed Potato Balls
1. Mix and shape
In a bowl, mix the cold mashed potatoes with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture, flatten slightly in your hand, and place a small cube of cheese in the center. Roll into a ball, fully enclosing the cheese.
2. Bread the balls
Set up a breading station with 3 shallow bowls: flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. Roll each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating.
3. Chill before frying
Place the breaded balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or freeze for 10) to help them hold their shape during frying.
4. Fry until golden
Heat 2 inches of oil in a pot to 350°F. Fry the balls in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve hot
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy that molten cheese center!
Tips
- Don’t skip chilling — it helps the balls stay intact during frying.
- Want to freeze them? Bread them first, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag. Fry from frozen!
- For extra flavor: Add bacon bits or herbs to the mashed potato mix.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “So crispy and cheesy! I used mozzarella and my kids absolutely devoured them.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel S. – “These are such a fun appetizer. I dipped them in marinara and it tasted like cheesy potato pizza bites!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “Great way to use leftover mashed potatoes. I added chives and a little garlic powder — delicious!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma B. – “Froze a batch and fried them later — still came out amazing. Perfect party snack.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica H. – “Served these at our game night and everyone wanted the recipe. So good and so easy.”
Printable Recipe
Crispy Fried Cheese Mashed Potato Balls
Crispy Fried Cheese Mashed Potato Balls are creamy, cheesy, and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb shell. The ultimate snack or leftover makeover — with a gooey surprise inside!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (or cheese cubes for stuffing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Optional add-ins:
- ¼ cup chopped scallions or chives
- 1 tsp garlic powder or onion powder
- Dash of paprika or chili flakes for heat
Instructions
1. Mix and shape
- In a bowl, mix the cold mashed potatoes with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture, flatten slightly in your hand, and place a small cube of cheese in the center. Roll into a ball, fully enclosing the cheese.
2. Bread the balls
- Set up a breading station with 3 shallow bowls: flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. Roll each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating.
3. Chill before frying
- Place the breaded balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or freeze for 10) to help them hold their shape during frying.
4. Fry until golden
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a pot to 350°F. Fry the balls in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve hot
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy that molten cheese center!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If these Crispy Fried Cheese Mashed Potato Balls earned a spot on your favorites list, pass them on! Share this recipe on your socials, pin it to your appetizer board, or send it to your favorite cheese-loving friend. They’re simple, satisfying, and way too good to keep to yourself.
