Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 1 lb potatoes, boiled and peeled
- 1/2 cup corn starch (or as needed)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Cheese Filling
- 13 pieces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
Frying
- 2 cups neutral oil (for deep frying)
Instructions
- Boil and Peel Potatoes: Add potatoes to a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and peel the potatoes carefully.
- Mash Potatoes: Use a potato masher or ricer to thoroughly mash the peeled potatoes until smooth with no lumps remaining.
- Season and Bind: Gradually add corn starch along with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika to the mashed potatoes. Mix well to form a pliable dough that holds together when shaped.
- Form Potato Balls: Flatten a small portion of the potato dough in your palm, place a mozzarella cube in the center, then fold the dough around the cheese, rolling it gently to form a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and cheese cubes.
- Chill the Balls: Arrange the potato balls on a tray and freeze them for 15-20 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Heat 2 cups of neutral oil in a pan to 375°F (190°C). Test the temperature by frying one potato ball to ensure it crisps properly. Fry the balls in batches for 6-7 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried potato balls with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels. Serve immediately with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauces for the best taste and gooey cheese pull experience.
Notes
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for perfectly crispy balls.
- Chilling the balls before frying prevents them from falling apart.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses as desired.
- For a spicier version, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, gooey cheese center and crisp exterior.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (approx. 70g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
