These Cheesy Spinach & Potato Balls are a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful snack made with mashed potatoes, spinach, and a gooey mozzarella center. They are lightly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 300g spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp oil (for sautéing)
- 40g flour
- 500ml milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 70g breadcrumbs
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 100g mozzarella cheese, cubed
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying (if deep frying)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and boil the potatoes until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
- Drain, mash, and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Cook the Spinach
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 3 minutes, until wilted.
- Season with salt & black pepper and remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and stir continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in milk, stirring until smooth.
- Cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Potato Dough
- Combine mashed potatoes, spinach mixture, and béchamel sauce in a bowl.
- Add breadcrumbs and mix well to form a soft dough.
- If the mixture is too soft, chill for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
Step 5: Shape the Balls
- Take a small portion of the mixture and flatten it slightly.
- Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center.
- Roll into a ball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Step 6: Coat the Balls
- Roll each ball in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes (optional, but helps keep the shape).
Step 7: Cook the Balls
- Deep fry: Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the balls for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Air fry: Spray with oil and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for 20 minutes until crispy.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot with garlic yogurt dip, marinara sauce, or spicy mayo.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
- Serve with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or pesto.
Cooking Tips
- For extra crispiness, double-coat in breadcrumbs.
- Freeze before frying for a firmer texture.
- Try different cheeses like feta or cheddar for variety.
- For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes provide fiber & energy.
- Spinach is rich in iron & vitamins.
- Mozzarella adds protein & calcium.
- Breadcrumbs create a crunchy texture without extra heaviness.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Gluten-free option: Use GF breadcrumbs & flour
- Lower-fat option: Bake or air fry instead of deep frying
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, 4 Balls)
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze before frying for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes or air fry for 5-6 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy outside, cheesy inside.
- Easy to make & perfect for meal prep.
- Customizable with different flavors & spices.
- Great for kids & adults alike!
Conclusion
These Cheesy Spinach & Potato Balls are a delicious, comforting, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, they always turn out crispy, flavorful, and cheesy. Try them today and enjoy a tasty, wholesome snack!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make them ahead of time? Yes! Store them in the fridge for a day before frying.
- How do I make them gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour & breadcrumbs.
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes! Just thaw & squeeze out excess water.
- What’s the best cheese to use? Mozzarella for gooeyness, feta for a tangy twist.
- Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes! It adds a natural sweetness.
- How do I keep them from falling apart? Chill before frying & avoid overloading with cheese.
- Can I skip the béchamel sauce? Yes, but it adds creaminess. You can substitute with ricotta.
- How do I make them spicier? Add chili powder, paprika, or jalapeños.
- What’s the best way to reheat? Bake or air-fry to keep them crispy.
- Can I use a different coating? Yes! Try crushed cornflakes or panko for extra crunch.