Description
These Cheesy Loaded Potato Balls are crispy on the outside and packed with creamy mashed potatoes, bacon, and gooey mozzarella inside. Perfectly seasoned and deep-fried to golden perfection, they’re served with a homemade garlic aioli for the ultimate appetizer!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Potato Balls:
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 tbsp milk
- 3 tbsp flour
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup chopped bacon
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Mozzarella, cubed
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 to 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil (for frying)
For the Garlic Aioli:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Peel and chop the potatoes into large chunks. Place them in a pot of cold salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, then drain.
- Mash the potatoes using a potato ricer or masher. Stir in the milk, flour, and seasonings.
- Fold in the chopped bacon and sliced green onions.
- Scoop out portions of the potato mixture and flatten them in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then wrap the potato mixture around it, rolling into a smooth ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- Beat the eggs in one bowl and add panko breadcrumbs to another. Dip each potato ball into the eggs, then roll in panko, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Heat canola oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the potato balls in batches until golden brown, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with salt.
- For the garlic aioli, mash the garlic into a paste with salt. In a small bowl, mix garlic, lemon juice, mayo, parsley, and additional salt & pepper if needed.
- Serve crispy potato balls with garlic aioli for dipping and enjoy!
Notes
- Test oil temperature by dropping a small piece of panko in—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer for accuracy (350°F/175°C is ideal).
- Air fryer alternative: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 65mg