Potato and bacon dumplings

🍴 Crispy Potato Balls with Bacon – The Perfect Snack for Any Gathering

These potato balls with bacon are a mouthwatering combination of creamy mashed potatoes and crispy bacon, making them an irresistible snack for your next party or casual get-together. With a golden, crunchy exterior and a flavorful, gooey filling, these potato balls are sure to impress your guests!

🧾 Ingredients

• 4 cups of milk
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• ½ tablespoon of salt
• 2 cups of mashed boiled potatoes
• ¾ cup of cornstarch
• 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour (approximately)
• Oil for greasing and frying
• 2 eggs (for coating)
• 2 cups of bread crumbs (for coating)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
   In a large saucepan, heat the milk, butter, and salt over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the milk starts to simmer.
2. Combine Potatoes and Flour:
   Add the mashed potatoes, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour to the saucepan all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan. If the mixture seems too soft, gradually add more flour until it thickens properly.
3. Cool the Dough:
   Transfer the dough to a greased surface and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Prepare the Filling:
   In a separate pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden. Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a plate. Mix the cooked bacon with mozzarella cheese and Catupiry (a Brazilian cream cheese) in a bowl to create the filling.
5. Form the Potato Balls:
   Take portions of the cooled dough and flatten them in your hands. Add a spoonful of the bacon and cheese filling to the center and then close the dough around the filling to form small balls.
6. Coat the Potato Balls:
   Dip each potato ball into the beaten eggs and then coat it thoroughly with bread crumbs.
7. Fry the Potato Balls:
   Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the potato balls in batches until golden brown and crispy. Once fried, place the balls on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Serve:
   Serve the crispy potato balls with bacon immediately as a tasty appetizer or snack. Enjoy the delicious combination of creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and melted cheese!

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Potato Balls:

• Use starchy potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal for this recipe because they create a smoother, fluffier dough.
• Customize the filling: If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to substitute mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or any cheese of your choice.
• Make ahead: Prepare the potato balls in advance, freeze them, and fry them when you’re ready to serve. This is a great option for parties or meal prepping.

✅ Why You’ll Love These Potato Balls:

These potato balls with bacon are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, having a casual get-together, or just craving a savory snack. With a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a gooey, cheesy bacon filling, they offer a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste!

📌 Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe for your next snack or party!