Potato Puff Balls
Delightful potato puff balls feature a fluffy, slightly sweet interior with a golden, crispy crust—perfect as a snack or side for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine scalded milk, shortening, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Cool the mixture to lukewarm temperature, then add yeast and let it activate.
- Blend in eggs and mashed sweet potatoes, then add sifted flour and mix until the dough is well blended.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and let it rise until doubled in size.
- Turn out the risen dough onto a floured board and roll it to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough with a biscuit cutter and let the pieces rise until light.
- Bake in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure the milk is scalded properly to activate the yeast effectively. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. For a twist, consider adding spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor. To check if the yeast is active, look for bubbles forming after a few minutes of mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These potato puff balls are delightful served warm as a side dish with soups or salads. They also pair beautifully with the Best Ever Chocolate Sheet Cake for a sweet finish to your meal. Consider serving them with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of honey to enhance their flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover potato puff balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potato Puff Balls contains roughly 242 calories, with 6g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1483mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
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 use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes in this recipe. However, the flavor and texture will be different. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and a slight creaminess, while regular potatoes will result in a more neutral taste.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size, which usually takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. An easy way to check is to gently poke the dough; if it springs back slowly, it's ready for the next step.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Simply let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out and cutting into shapes.
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).