Description
Garlic Potato Balls are a scrumptious and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish featuring crispy, golden-fried potato balls infused with garlic, cheese, and herbs. Perfectly seasoned and optionally enhanced with bacon, these bite-sized delights are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Ball Mixture
- 4 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
For Frying
- Oil (vegetable or canola) for frying, about 3-4 cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, paprika, and optional cooked bacon. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is pliable.
- Form Potato Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray ready for frying.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour enough oil to submerge the potato balls halfway and heat it over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). You can test by dropping a small piece of potato mixture; it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the Potato Balls: Carefully place a batch of potato balls into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crisp on all sides, about 3-5 minutes per batch.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried potato balls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Repeat Frying: Continue frying the remaining potato balls in batches until all are cooked evenly.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the fried garlic potato balls to a serving dish, garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can coat the potato balls lightly with breadcrumbs before frying.
- Make sure the oil temperature is consistent to avoid greasy or undercooked potato balls.
- These can be served with dips such as sour cream, ketchup, or garlic aioli for added flavor.
- To keep them warm before serving, place the fried potato balls on a baking sheet in a preheated 200°F (90°C) oven.
