These potato cheese balls are seriously delicious and so easy to make. You can even take your leftover mashed potatoes and turn them into these crispy little bites that any cheese lover would crave.
Watch my video below for a simple, step-by-step recipe for creating these delicious Crispy Potato Balls. If you enjoy it, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more easy and tasty recipes!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Potato Cheese Balls
These potato cheese balls are crispy, cheesy, and super easy to make. They take simple ingredients and turn them into something that tastes like a restaurant-style snack.

- Perfect for leftovers: Do you have extra mashed potatoes? This is one of the easiest and tastiest leftover mashed potato recipes to turn them into something crispy, cheesy, and completely irresistible.
- Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside: Every bite has a perfect crunch on the outside with warm, melty mozzarella waiting inside. The crispy coating makes them feel like a restaurant-style snack, but they’re so easy to make at home.
- Quick & Easy: You don’t need any special tools or skills—just mix, shape, coat, and fry! In no time, you’ll have a batch of golden, cheesy bites ready to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these mashed potato cheese balls at home is easier than you think! You just need a few simple ingredients, and you’ll have a crispy, cheesy snack everyone will love.

- 2 medium potatoes
- ½ tsp (3g) salt
- 3-4 tbsp (24g) cornstarch
- 12pcs Mozzarella cheese cubes
- 2 eggs
- 4 tbsp (60g) milk
- 3 tbsp (24g) cornstarch for coating
- 1 cup (150g) panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
I like using panko breadcrumbs because they make the coating extra crispy without soaking up too much oil, so the potato cheese balls stay light and crunchy.
How to Make Potato Cheese Balls
You won’t believe how easy this simple potato cheese balls recipe is to make! Just follow a few simple steps below, and you’ll have crispy, cheesy potato balls ready to enjoy.

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture
If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, boil two medium potatoes until tender and mash them. Then, mix in salt and cornstarch to create a smooth dough.
Step 2: Shape and Fill the Balls
Take a small handful of the potato mixture and roll it into a ball. Flatten it slightly, place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then wrap the potato mixture around it, sealing the cheese inside. Roll it back into a ball.

Top Tip: Choose the right cheese! Mozzarella is perfect because it melts beautifully, but you can also try cheddar for a stronger flavor.
Step 3: Coat for Extra Crunch
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cornstarch until smooth. Dip each potato cheese ball into the mixture, then roll it in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the balls for 3-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and let them cool slightly before serving.

Top Tip: Keep the oil hot! If the oil isn’t hot enough, the balls will absorb too much oil and turn soggy instead of crispy. The ideal frying temperature is 350-375°F (175-190°C).
Check Out Also: 11 Clever Ways To Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes For Breakfast.
Serving Ideas
These crispy potato balls taste amazing on their own, but they’re even better with a dipping sauce.

Try them with:
- Garlic mayo- Creamy, garlicky, and so easy to make. Just mix mayo, minced garlic, and a squeeze of lemon for a rich, savory dip.
- Spicy ketchup- classic ketchup with a kick! Stir in some hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Cheese sauce- More cheese? Yes, please! A warm, melty cheese sauce makes these mashed potato balls even better.
- Ranch dressing- Cool, creamy, and packed with herbs. It’s the perfect dip to balance out the crispy, cheesy goodness.
They also make a great side dish for burgers, sandwiches, or even a bowl of soup.
Can You Bake or Air-Fry These Instead?
Yes! If you want a lighter alternative to making deep-fried mashed potato balls, you can bake or air-fry these potato balls and still get a crispy, golden crust.
Baking Method:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated potato balls on a greased baking sheet and lightly spray them with oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Air-Frying Method:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the potato cheese balls in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching. Spray them lightly with oil and air-fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
Both methods give you that delicious crunch with less oil, making them a great option if you want a healthier version of these potato balls!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are My Potato Cheese Balls Falling Apart?
If they break while frying, the potato mixture might be too soft. Add a little more cornstarch to firm up the texture. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying.
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Absolutely! Mozzarella gives that stretchy, melty center, but cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack work great for different flavors.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can shape and coat the balls in advance, then refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to fry.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you liked these leftover mashed potato recipes, you should check out these other delicious potato recipes:

- Hash Browns in Air Fryer – Want perfectly crispy hash browns? Try air-frying them—whether homemade or store-bought, they come out golden, crunchy, and delicious every time!
- Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes– Perfectly seasoned and crispy, these roasted potatoes are quick and delicious.
- The Crispiest Air Fryer Baked Potatoes – Golden and crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside—these baked potatoes are a game-changer.
Try one of these recipes next and let me know which one is your favorite!
Whether you have leftover mashed potatoes or just love crispy, cheesy snacks, this simple potato cheese balls recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!