Pioneer Woman Potato Balls Recipe for Tasty Little Bites

These irresistible Pioneer Woman’s potato balls transform humble ingredients into crispy golden nuggets of pure comfort.

Creamy interior meets crunchy exterior in a delightful culinary dance that surprises and satisfies hungry guests.

Soft potatoes blend seamlessly with rich cheeses, creating a mouthwatering texture that melts on your tongue.

Warm, savory, and packed with incredible flavor, these little spheres elevate simple side dishes into memorable moments.

Each bite promises a delectable combination of melted cheese and perfectly seasoned potato goodness.

Home cooks will appreciate how straightforward ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular.

Let’s get cooking!

Relish the Rustic Charm of Pioneer Woman Potato Balls

• Craft Irresistible Cheesy Comfort: These potato balls pack a flavor explosion with creamy mashed potatoes, melted mozzarella, and crispy golden breadcrumb coating that creates a perfect texture contrast in every single bite.
• Transform Simple Ingredients into Gourmet Treat: Regular potatoes get an incredible upgrade through strategic mixing with Parmesan, herbs, and clever frying technique, turning ordinary ingredients into restaurant-worthy appetizers that wow guests without complicated cooking skills.
• Quick Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Requiring just 50 minutes from start to finish, these potato balls deliver maximum deliciousness with minimal effort, making them ideal for game nights, potlucks, or spontaneous entertaining where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Snack with Endless Potential: Serve these crispy potato balls as an appetizer, side dish, or late-night snack that appeals to all ages, offering a comforting and indulgent experience that transforms basic ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Potato Balls

• Potatoes: Starchy and creamy base for the potato balls, ideal for russet or yellow potatoes.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the mashed potato mixture.
• Cream Cheese: Provides extra creaminess and tangy flavor to the potato base.
• Half-and-Half: Creates a soft, velvety texture in the mashed potatoes.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the potato mixture.

• Flour: Helps bind the potato mixture and provides structure.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the potato balls together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps with browning.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates gooey, melty pockets inside the potato balls.
• Chopped Parsley: Brings fresh herb flavor and adds visual appeal.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, golden exterior when frying.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying to achieve a crisp, even golden brown coating.
• Kosher Salt: Sprinkled on top for final seasoning after frying.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Pioneer Woman Potato Balls

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Half-and-half

Season with salt and black pepper. Let potatoes cool down completely at room temperature.

Step 2: Create Potato Ball Mixture

• 1 cold mashed potatoes
• All-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Black pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly. Shape mixture into 12 golf-ball-sized rounds. Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Step 3: Fry Crispy Potato Balls

Heat 2 inches vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 375°F. Carefully place potato balls into hot oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with kosher salt immediately.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve Deliciously

Top potato balls with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Expert Tips for Pioneer Woman Potato Balls

• Chill Your Potatoes: Cold mashed potatoes create firmer, more stable potato balls that hold together perfectly during frying.
• Dampen Hands for Smooth Shaping: Slightly wet hands prevent sticky potato mixture from clinging to your fingers, making ball formation smooth and effortless.
• Coat Thoroughly with Crispy Breadcrumbs: Complete bread crumb coverage ensures a golden, crunchy exterior that adds irresistible texture to each bite.
• Monitor Oil Temperature Precisely: Maintaining consistent 375°F heat guarantees evenly cooked potato balls with a crisp, beautifully browned outside and creamy interior.
• Serve Immediately for Peak Deliciousness: Fresh, piping-hot potato balls deliver maximum flavor and crunch, so aim to enjoy them straight from the fryer for the ultimate culinary experience.

Smart Storage Tactics for Pioneer Woman Potato Balls

• Freezer Method: Individually wrap each potato ball tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Transfer the wrapped balls into a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date and contents. These tasty morsels will stay deliciously fresh for up to 2 months, ready to be enjoyed whenever a craving strikes.
• Refrigeration Method: Once cooled completely, stack the potato balls in an airtight container with a secure lid. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These savory treats will maintain their texture and flavor for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or side dish.
• Reheating Method: Thaw frozen potato balls overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Creative Variations on Pioneer Woman Potato Balls

• Spicy Jalapeño Potato Poppers: Dice fresh jalapeños and mix into the potato mixture for a zesty kick. Include some cream cheese to balance the heat and create a creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Potato Spheres: Replace parsley with a blend of fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Bacon Cheddar Potato Bombs: Fold crispy chopped bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese into the potato mixture. Sprinkle extra bacon crumbles on top after frying for an indulgent protein-packed version.
• Vegetable-Loaded Potato Rounds: Incorporate finely diced sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, and caramelized onions into the potato base. Mix in some goat cheese for added creaminess and depth of flavor.

Try Pioneer Woman Potato Balls!

Potato balls emerge as culinary magic, transforming humble ingredients into crispy, cheesy delights.

Comfort meets sophistication through these golden-brown spheres of pure indulgence.

Parmesan and mozzarella create luxurious pockets of melted goodness within each crisp exterior.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing recipe with simple techniques and basic ingredients.

Gathered friends will marvel at these irresistible potato bites that promise instant satisfaction.

Savor these potato balls, share the recipe, snap a picture, and spread deliciousness across social media networks – you’ll become an instant kitchen hero among friends and family.

Pioneer Woman Potato Balls Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crispy pioneer woman potato balls bring comfort from rural kitchens, packed with creamy mashed potato goodness and golden brown crunch. Simple ingredients blend into irresistible appetizers you can’t stop enjoying.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 pounds (2.27 kilograms) russet or Yukon gold potatoes
• 1 ½ cups (340 grams) cold mashed potatoes
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) half-and-half
• ¾ cup (170 grams) salted butter
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese

Cheese Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (57 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (90 grams) dried breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Meticulously wash and peel russet potatoes, cutting them into uniform 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) cubes. Submerge the potato chunks in a large pot of cold, salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and easily mashed.
2. Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the warm pot. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or rigor, incorporating softened butter, cream cheese, and half-and-half until smooth and creamy. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the mashed potato mixture to cool completely to room temperature.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups of cooled mashed potatoes with all-purpose flour, lightly beaten egg, finely chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and additional black pepper. Gently fold ingredients until well integrated.
4. Using clean hands, shape the potato mixture into 12 uniform spheres, approximately the size of golf balls. Roll each potato ball carefully in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring a complete and even coating.
5. Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, filling to a depth of 2 inches (5 centimeters). Heat oil to precisely 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) using a deep-fry thermometer.
6. Carefully lower the breaded potato balls into the hot oil using a slotted spoon, working in batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve an evenly golden-brown exterior.
7. Remove potato balls with a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drip back into the skillet. Transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain and cool slightly. Immediately sprinkle with kosher salt while still hot.
8. Plate the crispy potato balls on a decorative serving platter. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately as a delectable appetizer or accompaniment to main courses.

Notes

• Chill those spuds thoroughly to lock in shape and prevent crumbling during frying.
• Dampen palms slightly to create smooth, non-stick potato ball surfaces that form effortlessly.
• Completely coat each ball with golden breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunchy exterior.
• Maintain precise oil temperature around 375°F to guarantee perfectly crisp, evenly cooked potato spheres.
• Serve immediately while piping hot to enjoy maximum crunchiness and delightful texture.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 525 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg