Name: Crispy Potato Cheese Balls with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large russet potatoes; 1 tablespoon milk; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons crumbled bacon bits; ½ teaspoon salt (for mashing); 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water); 8 ounces block mozzarella cheese (cut into ½" cubes); 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt (for flour); ½ teaspoon black pepper (for flour); 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; Canola or Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)

There’s something utterly irresistible about golden, crispy bites that ooze melted cheese and savory bacon the moment you sink your teeth in. This Crispy Potato Cheese Balls with Bacon Recipe brings that satisfying crunch and comforting gooey center right to your kitchen — a perfect snack or party treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

A golden crispy ball is broken open, showing a soft and creamy white inside with melted cheese in the center, placed on a piece of white paper on a white marbled surface. The outer layer is crunchy and textured with small herbs sprinkled on top, and the inner layer is smooth and soft with some small bits mixed in. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Potato Cheese Balls with Bacon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Potato Cheese Balls with Bacon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Potato Cheese Balls with Bacon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I make these crispy potato cheese balls with bacon, my kitchen fills with the most comforting aromas. The crispy crust, the salty bacon, and the melty mozzarella inside come together in such a balanced bite — it’s like a warm hug in food form.

Crunchy Outside, Creamy Inside: The panko breadcrumb coating fries up crisp without being greasy, contrasting beautifully with the smooth potato and cheese center.
Perfect Party Food: These bite-sized delights are easy to make ahead and fry up fresh, making hosting effortless and fun.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: All you need are pantry staples plus cheese and bacon for a seriously tasty snack.
Customizable and Kid-Friendly: Swap cheeses or omit bacon for a vegetarian twist—these balls are incredibly adaptable!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let's talk ingredients — why these simple staples come together perfectly. The potatoes provide that creamy base; bacon adds smoky, salty depth; and mozzarella melts just right without overpowering the other flavors. Panko breadcrumbs create the much-loved crispy exterior.

Flat lay of large russet potatoes, small white bowl of milk, white ceramic dish with coarse salt, white ceramic dish with black pepper, white ceramic dish with garlic powder, small pile of crumbled bacon bits, white ceramic dish holding mozzarella cheese cubes, white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, two whole uncracked brown eggs, white ceramic bowl of panko breadcrumbs mixed with dried parsley, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes fluff up nicely when mashed, giving a smooth, cohesive filling that holds shape.
Milk: Adds just enough creaminess without making the mixture watery or heavy.
Salt, Black Pepper, and Garlic Powder: Simple seasonings that boost the natural flavors and add a gentle kick.
Bacon Bits: Adds smoky crunch and savoriness, one of the star flavor elements.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy surprise inside each ball.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps the coating stick to the potato balls before frying.
Eggs: Bind the flour and breadcrumbs for that perfect crust.
Panko Breadcrumbs and Dried Parsley: Panko brings the crunch while parsley adds a subtle herby note.
Canola or Vegetable Oil: Neutral oils with high smoke points are great for deep frying without overpowering flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I love the classic bacon and mozzarella combo, these crispy potato cheese balls with bacon recipe is super flexible, so you can make it your own depending on your taste or dietary needs.

Cheese Swap: I’ve made these with cheddar or pepper jack for a little extra zing. Each gives a different vibe but still melts nicely.
Bacon-Free Version: If you’re avoiding meat, swapping bacon bits for sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions keeps things flavorful and vegetarian-friendly.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne powder into the potato mash for a subtle heat twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Potato Cheese Balls with Bacon Recipe

Nine golden brown, crispy fried balls are placed closely together on white parchment paper, which is on a white marbled surface. Each ball is round with a rough, crunchy texture and small bits of green herbs on top. To the right side of the balls, there is a small round white bowl filled with bright red tomato sauce, sprinkled with tiny green herbs. The scene is brightly lit, highlighting the crunchy texture and warm color contrast between the balls and the dipping sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Boil Potatoes Until Tender

I start by scrubbing and peeling the potatoes, then chopping them into 1-inch chunks. Cover them in salted cold water and bring to a boil. Cooking them until fork-tender takes about 15-20 minutes – this ensures they mash smoothly without lumps. Don’t overcook or they’ll turn gummy!

Step 2: Mash with Flavorful Additions

Once drained, I toss the potatoes back into the pot and add milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crispy bacon bits. Mash everything well until it's smooth but still holds together — not too runny. Let the mixture cool so it’s easier to handle in the next step.

Step 3: Form and Stuff the Balls

I like using an ice cream scoop for portioning the potato mix — about 2 tablespoons each ball is perfect. Flatten each scoop, pop a cube of mozzarella in the center, and gently wrap the potato around it, sealing the cheese inside. Rolling them into smooth balls helps the coating stick better during frying.

Step 4: Bread the Potato Cheese Balls

Setting up my breading station is key for a flawless crust: a dish with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with dried parsley. I roll the balls through flour first, then egg, then a generous coat of panko. It might seem like extra work, but it guarantees that unbeatable crunch.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

I heat about 2 inches of canola oil in a deep, heavy pot to 375°F. Using a slotted spoon, I gently lower the balls in one by one — crowding will drop the temperature and make them greasy. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning so they brown evenly. They come out crispy, golden, and absolutely irresistible!

Top Tip

From many batches, I’ve learned these tips make all the difference between good and great crispy potato cheese balls with bacon recipe results.

Potato Texture Matters: Be gentle with mashing — too much liquid can cause the balls to fall apart when frying.
Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil at 375°F ensures a crisp crust without greasiness; too low and they soak oil, too high and they burn.
Seal Those Edges: When enclosing the cheese, press firmly so the cheese doesn’t leak out during frying — nobody wants a cheesy oil mess!
Rest Before Serving: Letting them cool 5-10 minutes helps the cheese set just enough so it won’t burn your mouth but stays perfectly stretchy.

How to Serve Crispy Potato Cheese Balls with Bacon Recipe

potato cheese balls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh minced parsley over the hot potato cheese balls for a pop of color and subtle herbiness. Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes if I want a visual and flavor kick. A little sprinkle of sea salt right after frying amps up the flavor too.

Side Dishes

Marinara sauce is my go-to dip, but these also pair beautifully with a garlic aioli or honey mustard for variety. To round out the meal, a crisp green salad or even roasted veggies balance the richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like serving these on a wooden board with small bowls of different dips around – marinara, ranch, and even spicy ketchup. Another favorite is stacking them pyramid-style on a cake stand for a fun conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They last up to 3 days but are best eaten the first day for optimal crispiness.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing the uncooked balls — just prepare them through the breading step, freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. When ready, fry them straight from frozen; just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that crispy outer layer. Microwaving makes them soggy, so avoid if you can.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Crispy Potato Cheese Balls with Bacon Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble and bread the balls, then refrigerate them for a few hours or even freeze for longer storage. Fry just before serving for the best texture.

What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Mozzarella is my favorite because it melts beautifully and stretches, creating that gooey center we all love. You could also experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavors.

Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs are recommended because they create the extra crispy texture that regular breadcrumbs don’t quite achieve. If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the crunch will be less pronounced.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

You can bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through. Baking is a healthier option but the fries won’t be quite as crispy and golden as deep frying.

Final Thoughts

Making these crispy potato cheese balls with bacon recipe is always a joy — it reminds me of cozy get-togethers and sharing simple pleasures with friends. I love how the crispy crunch contrasts with the creamy, cheesy middle; it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. So, roll up your sleeves and treat yourself (and your loved ones!) to this comforting delight — I promise you won’t regret it.