Description
Hearty pioneer woman potato balls combine crispy exterior with creamy potato goodness from simple ingredients. Midwestern comfort arrives perfectly golden and deliciously satisfying for you to savor with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 lbs (2.27 kg) russet or Yukon gold potatoes
- 1 ½ cups (340 g) cold mashed potatoes
- 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese
- ¾ cup (170 g) salted butter
- ½ cup (120 ml) half-and-half
- ½ cup (57 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup (90 g) dried breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp seasoned salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- vegetable oil, for frying
- kosher salt
Instructions
- Potato Preparation: Cleanse russet potatoes, slice into uniform cubes. Submerge in salted water, boil until fork-tender, then drain completely.
- Mashing Process: Transform boiled potatoes into silky smooth mixture by incorporating butter, cream cheese, and half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper, allowing mixture to cool to ambient temperature.
- Mixture Development: Blend cooled mashed potatoes with flour, egg, parsley, Parmesan, mozzarella, and additional pepper. Integrate ingredients thoroughly until cohesive consistency is achieved.
- Shaping and Coating: Craft potato mixture into uniform spherical shapes. Meticulously roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in deep skillet to precise 375°F. Maintain consistent temperature using deep-fry thermometer for optimal frying conditions.
- Frying Technique: Gently lower breaded potato spheres into hot oil using slotted spoon. Fry in controlled batches, rotating to achieve golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Finishing Touch: Extract potato balls, allowing excess oil to drain. Transfer to paper towel-lined rack. Immediately season with kosher salt while piping hot.
- Presentation: Arrange crispy potato balls on elegant serving platter. Embellish with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve promptly for maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Potato Temperature Control: Let mashed potatoes cool completely to prevent sticky, difficult-to-shape mixture and ensure optimal binding of ingredients.
- Breadcrumb Coating Technique: Roll potato balls gently but firmly in panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to create a crisp, even golden exterior that adheres perfectly.
- Oil Precision Matters: Maintain exact 375°F oil temperature for consistent golden-brown color and prevent soggy or burnt potato balls during frying.
- Batch Frying Strategy: Avoid overcrowding the skillet by frying in small batches, which ensures each potato ball gets evenly crisp and maintains optimal oil temperature.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg