Description
This Potato Cheese Donuts recipe is a delicious and creative twist on traditional comfort food, featuring crispy fried potato donuts stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese and wrapped around onion rings for an irresistible savory treat. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these golden-brown delights combine smooth mashed potatoes with cheesy, crunchy textures for a satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 6-7 russet potatoes (about 800g)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp potato starch (substitute with cornstarch)
Onion Rings and Cheese
- 4-6 onion rings (sliced into 1-inch thick rings)
- 4-6 oz block of mozzarella cheese (substitute with pre-sliced cheese)
Breading and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup potato starch (substitute with cornstarch)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (for dredge)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 tsp salt (for eggs)
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 tsp salt (for breading)
- Neutral oil (for frying, amount as needed)
Instructions
- Steam the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place them in a steamer basket and steam for 15 minutes or until they become fork-tender. Alternatively, microwave the chopped potatoes with 1 tablespoon of water in a covered microwave-safe bowl for 4 minutes, toss, then microwave for another 4 minutes until tender.
- Prepare the Onion Rings: Peel the onion and slice it into 1/2 to 1-inch thick rings by cutting across the layers carefully without slicing stem to root. Separate the layers and select 4 to 6 similarly sized rings.
- Slice the Mozzarella Cheese: Cut the block of mozzarella cheese into slices about 1/2 to 1 inch thick, matching the width of the onion rings.
- Mash the Potatoes: Allow the steamed potatoes to cool slightly. Transfer them to a medium bowl and mash until smooth using a fork, ricer, or masher. Add 3 tablespoons potato starch, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, mixing well to combine.
- Assemble the Donuts: Take one onion ring and line its inside with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Then roll a fistful of mashed potatoes into a thin log and press it on both the inside and outside of the onion and cheese ring, covering all surfaces including the top and bottom. Shape this into a donut shape and repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Heat the Oil: In a pan over medium heat, heat neutral oil to 375°F (190°C) for frying.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with 1/2 cup potato starch, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp salt (dredge); one with beaten eggs mixed with 1/4 tsp salt (egg wash); and one with 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs and 1/4 tsp salt (bread crumbs).
- Bread the Donuts: Coat each potato cheese donut in the dredge mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and finally press into panko breadcrumbs thoroughly so they adhere well.
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully place the breaded donuts into the hot oil using a spatula. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the donuts from the oil and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil and cool slightly. Repeat for all donuts.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, cheesy potato donuts as a delightful snack or appetizer.
Notes
- You can substitute potato starch with cornstarch throughout the recipe if unavailable.
- Be careful when frying as the donuts are dense and heavy; use a spatula to place them into hot oil safely.
- Ensure the potatoes are fully mashed to ensure a smooth texture in the final product.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if using pre-salted cheese or seasoned bread crumbs.
- Use neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable or canola oil for frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
