If you’ve ever craved a snack that’s irresistibly crispy on the outside and bursting with cheesy, garlicky goodness inside, then the Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. These golden brown potato balls marry the creamy comfort of tender potatoes with the punchy flavors of Parmesan and garlic, creating bite-sized joy for your taste buds. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to keep them on your appetizer rotation forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can often create the most magical dishes, and this recipe is no exception. Each component plays a key role, from providing the perfect texture to layering the deep, savory flavors that make these potato balls irresistible.
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (2 lbs.): These starchy potatoes are the perfect base, giving a creamy interior that’s easy to shape into balls.
- Cornstarch (7 tbsp) or all-purpose flour (10 tbsp): Acts as the binding agent to help the potato balls hold together and achieve that crisp outer crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup + 1/4 cup): Provides a nutty, salty flavor that beautifully complements the potatoes and adds crunch when fried.
- Garlic granules (1 tsp): Infuse the potato balls with a gentle but unmistakable garlic aroma and taste.
- Salt (1/2 tsp plus more to taste): Essential for bringing out all those wonderful flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a mild heat and depth to balance the cheesy richness.
- Fresh parsley (3 tbsp, finely chopped): Brightens the dish with a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
- Cooking oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect golden crispness.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by washing, peeling if preferred, and quartering your potatoes. Boil them in salted water until they’re fork-tender — this usually takes about 15 minutes. The softness is key to ensuring your potato balls have a creamy interior while still holding their shape.
Step 2: Mash and Season
Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then mash them while still warm. Mixing while warm helps to incorporate the binding ingredients better. Now, stir in the cornstarch or flour, 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese, garlic granules, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Combining the cheese and garlic while the potatoes are warm ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
Once your mixture is cool enough to handle, roll it into evenly sized balls — about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter works best. Be gentle but firm to ensure they hold together well during frying.
Step 4: Coat and Prepare for Frying
Lightly coat each potato ball with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. This step adds an extra layer of crisp, cheesy goodness to the exterior. Prepare a deep pan with enough oil to submerge the balls halfway and heat it to medium-high heat.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Carefully lower the potato balls into the hot oil, frying them in batches so they don’t crowd. Fry until golden and crunchy on all sides, usually about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley or finely grated Parmesan over the potato balls just before serving to add freshness and a sharp kick of cheesy flavor. A light drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil can also elevate the presentation and flavor dramatically.
Side Dishes
These potato balls pair wonderfully with tangy dips like marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a cool ranch dip. For something heartier, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer platter, arrange the potato balls in rows with small bowls of different dipping sauces to encourage experimentation. You can also skewer them with cocktail sticks for easy grab-and-go bites at your next party or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover potato balls (though it’s hard to resist eating them all fresh!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
To freeze, place the uncooked potato balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, fry directly from frozen without thawing for best crispness.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen potato balls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crisp and warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it will soften the outside and lose that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I bake the Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a great healthier alternative. Place the shaped potato balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush them lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy, turning halfway through.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal because they have the right starch content to achieve a creamy interior and crispy exterior. Waxy potatoes tend to be too firm and can result in a less fluffy texture.
How can I make these potato balls gluten-free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour for binding. Ensure your Parmesan cheese and all other ingredients are certified gluten-free if sensitivity is a concern.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the mixture?
Definitely! While parsley and garlic granules shine in this recipe, adding rosemary, chives, or even a pinch of smoked paprika can bring exciting new flavor dimensions to your potato balls.
What dips pair well with Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls Recipe?
Some of the tastiest dips include marinara sauce, garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or a classic ranch. Mixing your own dip or serving an assortment can make snacking even more fun and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! The Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls Recipe is a deliciously simple way to elevate your snack game or impress friends at your next gathering. With their crispy outside, cheesy garlic punch, and creamy potato heart, these potato balls are downright addictive. Give them a try and watch how they disappear from the plate faster than you can say “pass the dipping sauce!”
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Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls are a delightful appetizer or snack featuring creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, then coated and fried to achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Perfectly seasoned and garnished with fresh parsley, they offer a flavorful bite with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 lbs. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, quartered
Coating and Seasoning
- 7 tbsp cornstarch (or 10 tbsp all-purpose flour)
- 1/3 cup + 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
For Frying
- Cooking oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Mash and Season the Potatoes: Mash the potatoes until smooth. Mix in 1/3 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic granules, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the chopped parsley. Combine well ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Form the Potato Balls: Take a small portion of the mashed potato mixture and roll it into golf ball-sized spheres. Repeat until all the potato mixture is used.
- Coat the Potato Balls: In a shallow dish, mix the cornstarch (or all-purpose flour if using) with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Roll each potato ball in this dry mixture until fully coated. This coating aids in crispiness when frying.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat the cooking oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be about 2 inches deep to allow for even frying.
- Fry the Potato Balls: Carefully place the coated potato balls into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Drain and Garnish: Use a slotted spoon to remove the potato balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped parsley and additional salt to taste if desired.
- Serve: Serve the crispy Parmesan garlic potato balls warm as an appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour for coating.
- Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture, but Russet potatoes work well too.
- Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to ensure crispiness without absorbing excess oil.
- These potato balls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before frying.
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor.
