Description
Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls are crispy, flavorful bites made from mashed potatoes mixed with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of spices, then deep-fried to golden perfection. They make a delicious appetizer or snack that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably leftover)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or olive)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, boil fresh potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them until smooth, then let them cool slightly to room temperature.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, all-purpose flour, beaten egg, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well blended and uniform.
- Add Parsley: If using, fold in the chopped fresh parsley now to incorporate freshness and color into the mixture.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into approximately 1-inch diameter balls. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable or olive oil into a large skillet. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches the right temperature for frying (hot but not smoking, around 350°F or 175°C).
- Fry Potato Balls: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the potato balls to the hot oil. Fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried potato balls using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps to absorb any excess oil and keeps the potato balls from becoming greasy.
- Cool: Let the potato balls cool slightly for about 5 to 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up and be easier to handle and serve.
Notes
- Using leftover mashed potatoes helps to reduce moisture content, resulting in crispier potato balls.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet during frying to ensure even cooking and maintain oil temperature.
- Oil temperature should be maintained around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying; too hot will burn the balls, too cool will make them greasy.
- You can add other herbs or spices like chives or paprika for variation in flavor.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for extra taste.
