Sweet Potato Cheese Balls
Sweet Potato Cheese Balls are crispy, golden-brown snacks combining naturally sweet mashed sweet potatoes with rich, melty cheese, perfect as appetizers or party snacks. These easy-to-make bites offer a satisfying crunch on the outside and a creamy, cheesy center, suitable for family-friendly occasions and versatile enough for various flavor variations.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 20-24 cheese balls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil)
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks, then boil or steam them until tender. Drain completely and mash until smooth, removing any lumps to create a creamy base.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the mashed sweet potatoes with shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients form a pliable, slightly sticky dough.
- Shape the Balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Ensure they are compact enough to hold together but not too dense.
- Coat the Balls: Roll each ball in extra breadcrumbs evenly to cover the surface, which will help achieve a crispy, golden crust when cooked.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Notes
- Use dry sweet potatoes to avoid watery mixture and soggy balls.
- Chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to make handling easier.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; give each ball enough space to cook evenly and stay crispy.
- Test fry one ball first to check seasoning and texture; adjust if necessary.
- For extra crunch, substitute regular breadcrumbs with panko.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cheese balls (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: sweet potato cheese balls, cheesy snacks, crispy appetizers, party snacks, gluten free appetizer, sweet potato recipe