Description
Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy inside — these garlic parmesan potato balls are the ultimate comfort snack. Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes and crowd-pleasing enough for parties, lunchboxes, or game nights!
Ingredients
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2 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers work great)
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¾ cup mozzarella cubes (or any melty cheese)
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½ cup grated Parmesan, divided
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1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
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2 eggs, beaten
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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Fresh parsley, optional for garnish
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Warm marinara, for dipping
Optional Add-ins:
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½ cup cooked bacon bits
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1–2 finely chopped jalapeños
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¾ cup panko (air fryer version only)
Instructions
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Mix & Chill:
In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, ½ cup Parmesan, and garlic powder. Chill for at least 10 minutes to firm up the mixture. -
Assemble the Balls:
Scoop 1.5 tablespoons of the potato mix, flatten, and place a mozzarella cube in the center. Shape into a ball. -
Bread & Bake:
Roll each ball in egg, then in panko. Double coat if desired.-
Oven: Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes.
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Air Fryer: Cook at 380°F for 12–15 minutes.
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Serve:
Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Notes
Don’t skip the chill time! It helps the balls hold their shape.
Want to prep ahead? Freeze uncooked balls and bake straight from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to bake time.
Double coating adds extra crunch!
Use a cookie scoop for even sizing and less mess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baked or Air Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan potato balls, cheese stuffed potato balls, crispy mashed potato balls, air-fryer potato balls