Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Instructions:
1 Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and boiling the potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized chunks and place them in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring them to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot to mash. Let them cool slightly.
2 Mix the Potato Filling
Once the mashed potatoes are cool enough to handle, add the room temperature cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the seasoning to taste—feel free to add more chili flakes for extra heat, or some extra garlic powder if you love that bold flavor!
3 Form the Potato Balls
Using your hands or a spoon, take a small amount of the mashed potato mixture (about 2 tablespoons), flatten it slightly in your hand, and place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. Carefully fold the edges of the potato mixture around the cheese, forming a ball. Repeat this process with the remaining potato mixture and mozzarella cubes.
4 Coat the Potato Balls
In a shallow dish, beat the two eggs with a pinch of salt. In another dish, combine the crushed crackers, shredded Parmesan, and 1/2 tsp chili flakes. Dip each potato ball first into the beaten egg mixture, then roll it in the cracker and Parmesan mixture until fully coated.
5 Fry the Potato Balls
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the coated potato balls into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the potato balls in batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove the potato balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6 Serve and Enjoy
Once all the potato balls are fried, sprinkle them with a little more fresh parsley for garnish and serve hot. These crispy fried mashed potato balls are perfect on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like ranch, ketchup, or spicy sriracha mayo.