Description
Crisp, golden bites filled with creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes and gooey mozzarella cheese, double-breaded for extra crunch and irresistible texture.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
1 large head of garlic
Olive oil, for roasting
498 g (1.1 lb) russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
¼ tsp onion powder
Salt, to taste
Coating & Filling
1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
½ cup flour
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3–4 large eggs, beaten
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp garlic powder (adjust to taste)
Salt, to taste
11 chunks mozzarella cheese (½-inch each)
For Frying & Serving
2–3 cups avocado or vegetable oil
Extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Roast garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast 25–35 minutes until soft. Cool, then squeeze cloves from skins.
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Cook potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water 10–14 minutes until fork‑tender. Drain and cool slightly.
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Make potato base: Mash potatoes with roasted garlic, flour, Parmesan, parsley, onion powder, and salt until smooth.
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Form balls: Portion mixture into 11 pieces (1½ oz each). Flatten, place a mozzarella cube in the center, then enclose and roll into a ball.
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Prepare breading: Set up 3 bowls—(1) flour with salt, (2) beaten eggs, (3) panko mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
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Double coat: Roll each ball in flour, dip in eggs, coat with panko, then repeat the egg and panko coating for extra crispness.
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Freeze: Place coated balls on parchment‑lined sheet and freeze 1½–2 hours until firm.
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Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry in batches 3–4 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
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Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley. Serve hot with sauces like spicy mayo, ranch, or marinara.
Notes
Roast garlic thoroughly for caramelized sweetness. Freeze before frying to maintain shape and cheese seal. Use panko breadcrumbs for crunchiest coating. Handle gently to avoid cracks. Serve freshly fried for best texture.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (1/11 recipe)
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 230
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 40
Keywords: parmesan garlic potato balls, cheesy fried potato bites, mozzarella stuffed potato balls, crispy mashed potato snacks, fried appetizers