Hot Potato Fry Balls
Crispy, flavorful hot potato fry balls combine seasoned beef, chili heat, and mashed potatoes, making a perfect snack or appetizer with bold, spicy flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 small fresh hot red chiles such as Serranos or jalapenos, stems removed and minced
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 6 shallots or green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked, mashed potatoes ⓘ
- 2 eggs, separated ⓘ
- vegetable oil for frying ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and minced garlic in butter until golden brown.
- Add ground beef, minced chili, and nutmeg; cook until the beef browns well.
- Stir in chopped shallots and cook for three more minutes.
- Combine the beef mixture with cooked mashed potatoes and add the egg yolks; beat until well combined.
- Cool the mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Shape the mixture into balls the size of an egg.
- Beat egg whites until just frothy.
- Dip each ball into the beaten egg whites.
- Deep fry the balls in oil heated to 350°-375°F until golden brown.
- Drain on absorbent paper before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of chiles or use bell peppers instead. Ensure the mashed potatoes are well-seasoned for the best taste. You can also add shredded cheese to the potato mixture for extra creaminess; it pairs beautifully with Ruthie'S Cheese Ball.
Serving Suggestions
These fry balls make a delightful appetizer or snack. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce, such as ranch or a spicy aioli, to enhance their flavor. They also pair well with a fresh salad or as part of a hearty meal alongside Beef And Cheese Turnovers for a complete spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Hot Potato Fry Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Potato Fry Balls contains roughly 636 calories, with 28g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these fry balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the balls a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to fry. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an easy last-minute appetizer.
What can I use instead of eggs for binding?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a binder. This will help hold the mixture together while keeping it moist.
Can I freeze the fry balls?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked fry balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. When ready to enjoy, fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time for perfect results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).