Sweet Potato Cheese Balls: Crispy & Chewy Nutritious Snack

Nutritious Sweet Potato Cheese Balls Made with Seasonal Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potato Cheese Balls: Crispy & Chewy Nutritious Snack

With sweet potatoes in season, after enjoying them steamed or baked, I decided to upgrade the flavor and try making sweet potato cheese balls. These delightful balls offer a delightful contrast of a crispy exterior and a chewy, cheesy interior, making them a perfect snack for both kids and adults.

Recipe Info

  • Category : Dessert
  • Ingredient Category : Vegetables
  • Occasion : Snack
  • Cooking : Deep-fry
  • Servings : 4 servings
  • Cooking Time : More than 2 hours
  • Difficulty : Beginner

Sweet Potato Cheese Ball Ingredients

  • 6 medium sweet potatoes (approx. 1kg total)
  • 1 handful almonds (approx. 30g)
  • 120g mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (approx. 100g)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (approx. 150g)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying, as needed

Cooking Instructions

Step 1

First, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and place them in a steamer basket. Once the water is boiling, steam them over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. Alternatively, you can easily steam them in the microwave by wrapping them in plastic wrap or lightly misting with water before microwaving for 5-8 minutes.

Step 1

Step 2

Check if the sweet potatoes are cooked through by inserting a fork. While they are still warm, carefully peel the skin off. Place the peeled sweet potatoes into a large bowl.

Step 2

Step 3

Mash the warm sweet potatoes with a fork or a potato masher until smooth and lump-free. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and mix well.

Step 3

Step 4

Place the almonds on a cutting board and finely chop them using a knife. Feel free to substitute almonds with other favorite nuts like walnuts, pecans, or peanuts for added flavor and texture.

Step 4

Step 5

Add the chopped almonds to the mashed sweet potato mixture and combine thoroughly. This step ensures a delightful combination of soft sweet potato and the satisfying crunch of nuts.

Step 5

Step 6

Now it’s time to shape the cheese balls. Take a portion of the sweet potato mixture (about 2-3 cm in diameter), flatten it in your palm, and place a desired amount of mozzarella cheese in the center.

Step 6

Step 7

Carefully wrap the sweet potato mixture around the cheese, ensuring no cheese is exposed. Then, gently roll it into a smooth, round ball shape. If the mixture is too sticky, lightly flour your hands.

Step 7

Step 8

Using this method, you should be able to make approximately 17 cheese balls. The size can be adjusted according to your preference, and the ingredient quantities can be scaled up or down accordingly.

Step 8

Step 9

Prepare the breading station. In separate shallow bowls or plates, have the all-purpose flour, beaten eggs (egg wash), and panko breadcrumbs ready.

Step 9

Step 10

First, coat each sweet potato cheese ball evenly with a thin layer of all-purpose flour. This helps the egg wash adhere better and ensures the breadcrumbs stick well.

Step 10

Step 11

Next, dip the floured cheese balls into the egg wash, ensuring they are fully coated on all sides.

Step 11

Step 12

Finally, place the egg-washed cheese balls into the panko breadcrumbs. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the surface, ensuring a generous and even coating all around. A thicker coating of breadcrumbs will result in an extra crispy texture.

Step 12

Step 13

Pour a generous amount of vegetable oil into a deep pan or pot and heat it over medium heat. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for frying.

Step 13

Step 14

Once the oil reaches about 170-180°C (340-350°F) – you can test this by dropping a small piece of batter; it should sizzle and float immediately – carefully add the prepared sweet potato cheese balls. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches of 3-4.

Step 14

Step 15

Fry the cheese balls, gently turning them with chopsticks or tongs, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Keep them moving to ensure even cooking.

Step 15

Step 16

Once fried to a perfect golden color, remove the sweet potato cheese balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This step helps maintain their crispiness.

Step 16

Step 17

Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the delightful contrast of a crispy exterior and gooey, melted cheese inside. Enjoy these nutritious sweet potato cheese balls, made with the sweetness of seasonal sweet potatoes!

Step 17



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