Name: Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet recommended); 7 tbsp cornstarch or 10 tbsp flour; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating); 1 tsp garlic granules (or minced garlic); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 3 tbsp chopped parsley; Cooking oil (for frying), heated to 350°F (175°C)

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If you are on the lookout for a snack that is irresistibly crunchy on the outside and meltingly soft with rich flavor on the inside, this Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls Recipe is an absolute must-try. These golden bites combine fluffy mashed potatoes with a heavenly blend of Parmesan and garlic, then get fried to crisp perfection. It’s pure comfort food that’s perfect for sharing with friends, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to something delightfully satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating those perfectly textured and flavorful potato balls. Each element plays a vital role, from giving the potatoes their soft creaminess to adding a punch of savory delight and that irresistible crispiness.

2 lb potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet work best for fluffy mashed potatoes with a great texture.
7 tbsp cornstarch or 10 tbsp flour: Helps bind the mixture without weighing it down.
1/3 cup + 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for an authentic, nutty flavor and a crisp cheesy crust.
1 tsp garlic granules: Infuses a robust garlicky aroma that’s perfectly balanced.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances every bite, balancing all the flavors.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to round out the taste.
3 tbsp parsley: Freshly chopped, for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
Cooking oil: For frying, choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola.

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by quartering the potatoes and boiling them in salted water until they’re tender enough to pierce with a fork—about 15 to 20 minutes. The salt seasons the potatoes as they cook, laying the foundation for the flavor. Once cooked, drain and let them steam dry for 5 to 8 minutes. This drying step is critical because it removes excess moisture that could make the balls soggy later.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl and mash them until smooth and free of lumps. Using a ricer will get you the fluffiest results, but a potato masher works beautifully too. Smooth texture here will help you create uniformly soft and pillowy potato balls.

Step 3: Add Flavorings

To your mashed potatoes, mix in the cornstarch or flour, 1/3 cup of Parmesan, garlic granules, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until fully combined, ensuring every bite will carry that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness.

Step 4: Shape the Balls

Now comes the fun part: shaping! Take small portions of the potato mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. If the mixture feels too sticky, wet your hands slightly or dust them with a little cornstarch or flour to keep things manageable without losing the mixture’s cohesiveness.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Heat your cooking oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer is ideal for maintaining the perfect temperature. Otherwise, drop a small piece of potato into the oil: if it sizzles and floats, you’re ready to fry.

Step 6: Fry the Balls

Fry the potato balls in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which would lower the oil temperature. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy all over. Turn them occasionally with a slotted spoon for even crispiness.

Step 7: Drain and Season

Remove the fried potato balls with a slotted spoon and drain them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. While still hot, toss them with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. The warmth helps the cheese and herbs cling to that crunchy exterior.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls immediately to enjoy their peak crispness and cheesy aroma. They are best eaten fresh right out of the fryer when the contrast between the crunchy outside and fluffy inside is most delightful.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls Recipe

A close-up view of round, golden brown fried balls piled together in a white bowl, each ball showing a crispy texture with slightly darker spots where they are fried more. On top of them, there is a light layer of white grated cheese and small green parsley leaves scattered evenly. The balls have a rough surface that catches the light, making them look crunchy and fresh against the soft white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or finely chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh, aromatic touch. A light dusting of smoked paprika can add color and a subtle smoky hint that elevates the flavor profile.

Side Dishes

These potato balls love company. Serve alongside a zesty marinara sauce, creamy garlic aioli, or a tangy ranch dip for dipping. Pair with fresh green salads or roasted veggies to balance out the richness with some crisp freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls Recipe on a wooden board or in decorative bowls alongside an assortment of dip cups. Skewer a few potato balls for fun finger food, or nestle them on a bed of mixed greens drizzled with balsamic glaze for an elegant appetizer look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover potato balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep them on a paper towel to absorb moisture and preserve as much crispiness as possible.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked potato balls by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to one month. Fry from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To bring leftover potato balls back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a natural sweetness and slightly different texture, which makes for a delicious twist. Just ensure you mash them thoroughly and adjust the seasoning to complement their flavor.

What if I don’t have a thermometer to check oil temperature?

No worries! Use the small potato piece test: drop a tiny piece of potato into the oil, and if it starts bubbling vigorously and floats to the surface within seconds, the oil is ready for frying.

Can I bake these potato balls instead of frying?

You can bake them for a lighter version, but they won’t get as crispy as frying provides. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through, and you’ll still get a tasty snack.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast, and swap garlic granules for fresh minced garlic. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent potato balls from falling apart while frying?

Ensuring the mashed potatoes are dry and using enough binder like cornstarch or flour helps. Also, avoid overcrowding the fryer, which causes temperature drops and makes the balls absorb more oil and become fragile.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potato Balls Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that bring warm smiles at every bite. Whether for a cozy night in or entertaining friends, these golden balls deliver unbeatable combination of texture and flavor. I hope you try making them soon and enjoy every delicious, crispy moment just as much as I do.