Golden, crunchy on the outside and gooey, cheesy on the inside—these crispy fried mashed potato balls are the ultimate snack or appetizer. Each bite has a molten mozzarella center, creamy seasoned potato, and a crunchy cracker coating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
Double coating ensures extra crunch.
Gooey mozzarella surprise in the center.
Easy to make ahead and fry just before serving.
Crowd-pleasing snack for parties, game nights, or family treats.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

500 g potatoes (2–3 Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed
113 g (4 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon chili flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2–4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (adjust as needed)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 ¼ cups crushed crackers (original, salted flavor)
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon chili flakes
1 block (8 oz) mozzarella cheese, cut into large cubes (about ¾ inch each)
2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

Cook and Mash Potatoes
- Boil potatoes in water until just tender (not mushy). Drain well.
- Mash potatoes in a bowl until smooth.
Mix the Filling
- Add cheddar cheese, cream cheese, salt, pepper, chili flakes, garlic powder, parsley, and flour to the potatoes. Mix until combined.
- The mixture should be soft but hold its shape. If too sticky, chill for 30 minutes.
Shape the Balls
- Scoop about 2 inches of potato mixture. Flatten slightly and place a mozzarella cube in the center.
- Shape into a ball, sealing the cheese inside. Repeat until you have about 10 balls.
- Place on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
Prepare Coating
- In one bowl, combine crushed crackers, parmesan, and chili flakes.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs.
Coat the Balls
- Dip each potato ball in egg, then cracker mix, then egg again, and finally cracker mix again for a double coat.
- Press crumbs in gently for full coverage. Chill coated balls while heating oil.
Fry
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to about 330°F (165°C).
- Fry in 2–3 batches for 6–8 minutes, gently turning every minute to cook evenly and prevent bursting.
- Drain on paper towels.
Serve
- Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 10 potato balls
Prep time: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Swap mozzarella for pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of crackers for a lighter crunch.
Add cooked bacon bits to the potato mixture.
Use sweet potatoes for a sweeter, earthier flavor.
Mix in chopped jalapeños for heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate cooled potato balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked coated balls for up to 1 month. Fry from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to cooking time.
Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes?

Yes, just make sure they’re not too creamy or runny.

How Do I Stop The Balls From Bursting?

Fry at moderate heat (about 330°F) and turn gently every minute.

Can I Bake Instead Of Fry?

Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, though they won’t be as crispy.

Can I Make These Ahead?

Yes, shape and coat them, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to fry.

Can I Use Instant Mashed Potatoes?

Yes, prepare them thick (less liquid than usual) so they hold shape.

What Crackers Work Best?

Original salted crackers work great, but Ritz or saltines also work.

Can I Add Other Cheeses?

Yes, gouda, brie, or havarti make delicious fillings.

Why Double Coat?

It creates a thicker, crunchier crust and helps prevent cheese leakage.

How Do I Get Even-Sized Balls?

Use a cookie scoop to portion the potato mixture.

What Sauce Pairs Best?

Marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or sweet chili sauce work beautifully.

Conclusion

Crispy fried mashed potato balls are the ultimate comfort snack—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly crunchy. Whether for parties, game nights, or a cozy treat, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ezabella