As the leaves change color and the air gets crisp, it’s clear that fall is upon us, bringing with it the season of comfort food. What better way to celebrate than with the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, a staple that is as nutritious as it is delicious? This year, instead of the usual baked sweet potatoes, why not turn this versatile vegetable into something unique and exciting?
Introducing Sweet Potato Cheese Balls – your new favorite snack or appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering! Whether you’re looking for a tasty treat to spice up your weekend or a charming appetizer for your Thanksgiving dinner, these cheese-stuffed delights are sure to impress. Made with fresh mozzarella nestled in a soft, sweet potato shell, these balls are crispy on the outside and wonderfully gooey on the inside. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, let’s get started on these little bites of heaven that promise to be a hit at any table!
Chef’s Notes
- Cooking Tips: For extra crunch, try double breading the sweet potato balls by repeating the flour and breadcrumb coating process.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these bites with a side of light sour cream or tangy marinara sauce for dipping.
- Additional Ingredients: To add a kick of heat, mix finely chopped jalapeños into the sweet potato mixture before shaping the balls.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for cozy nights in or casual gatherings with friends.
- Game Day: These bites make a delicious and satisfying snack for watching sports with loved ones.
Additional Notes
- This dish, Sweet Potato Cheese Balls, aka Sweet Potato Mozzarella Bites, combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the creaminess of mozzarella, creating a delightful snack or appetizer.
- The dish includes mashed sweet potatoes mixed with egg and flour, encasing mozzarella cubes in a crispy panko crust.
- To enhance this dish, consider adding finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick or serving it with sour cream or marinara sauce for dipping.
- These bites pair well with a variety of dishes like salads, soups, or can be served as a standalone snack.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Sweet Potato Cheese Balls
4
servings40
minutes15
minutes250
kcal10
minutes1
hour5
minutesDive into the delightful world of Sweet Potato Cheese Balls! Perfect for any gathering, these bites combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the creamy goodness of fresh mozzarella, all wrapped in a crispy panko crust. Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or just craving a tasty snack, these bites are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- Sweet Potato Mixture
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes about 4 small sweet potatoes
1 large egg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Filling
3 oz fresh mozzarella cheese diced into small cubes
- Coating
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp dried parsley
- Miscellaneous
Cooking oil spray for baking
- Alternative Ingredients
Gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour
Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs instead of regular panko breadcrumbs
Dairy-free cheese alternative for mozzarella
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 415°F (213°C). Steam peeled sweet potatoes until tender, about 25-30 minutes. Mash thoroughly and let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Mix the cooled mashed sweet potatoes with an egg and flour until well combined. Take about 2 tablespoons of this mixture, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and form into a ball.
- Roll each ball first in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and dried parsley.
- Place the coated balls on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking oil and bake for 15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- baking sheet
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Vitamin A: 16000IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 1.8mg
FAQ – Sweet Potato Cheese Balls
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes for convenience. Just ensure they are well-drained and mashed thoroughly before using them in the recipe to avoid excess moisture.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Fresh mozzarella is recommended for its creamy texture and mild flavor, which complements the sweetness of the potatoes. However, you can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or goat cheese for different flavors.
Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and form the balls up to a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated, covered, and proceed with breading and baking when ready to serve.
Are there any variations to the breading I can try?
Yes, while panko breadcrumbs provide a nice crunch, you can also use regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even finely chopped nuts for a different texture and taste.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
Make sure to enclose the cheese completely with the sweet potato mixture and seal the balls well with your hands. Chilling the formed balls before breading and baking can also help to firm them up and prevent leaking.
Is there a dipping sauce that pairs well with these cheese balls?
These sweet potato cheese balls go wonderfully with a range of dipping sauces. Try a spicy aioli, a cool yogurt dip, or a classic marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I fry these cheese balls instead of baking?
Yes, for an extra crispy exterior, you can deep-fry the cheese balls. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep skillet and fry the balls until golden brown, usually about 2-3 minutes.
