Vegan Mashed Potato Balls
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If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing vegan appetizer or side dish that’s simple, delicious, and full of comforting flavors, these Vegan Mashed Potato Balls are exactly what you need! Made with pantry staples like potatoes, corn starch, and fresh dill, these golden-baked potato balls are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a fun snack, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite. Not only are these mashed potato balls easy to make, but they’re also baked, making them a healthier alternative to their fried counterparts. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to perfect this recipe!
Why You Will Love This Vegan Mashed Potato Balls Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: These mashed potato balls require just a handful of basic, plant-based ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Healthy and Light: Unlike fried options, these are baked with a touch of olive oil, making them light yet satisfying.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite spices, herbs, or even a filling for a fun twist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether as a holiday appetizer, a side dish for dinner, or a snack for kids, these potato balls fit the bill.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: Made without any animal products or gluten, they’re perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredient Notes
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this recipe so special:
- Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold. They provide the best texture for mashing and shaping into balls. Boiling them whole helps retain their natural flavor and starch.
- Corn Starch: This acts as a binding agent, keeping the mashed potato balls together. It also contributes to the crispy exterior when baked.
- Fresh Dill: Adds a burst of freshness and earthy flavor. You can substitute it with parsley or chives if you prefer.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the potatoes.
- Olive Oil: Used both in the potato mixture and for brushing the balls before baking, ensuring a golden and slightly crispy finish.
Recipe Tips for Perfect Vegan Mashed Potato Balls
- Boil the Potatoes Whole: Boiling whole, peeled potatoes retains their starch, resulting in a fluffier mash. Make sure to test for doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should be tender but not falling apart.
- Cool the Potatoes Slightly: Let the boiled potatoes cool before mashing to avoid excess moisture, which can make the mixture too sticky.
- Season Well: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. Taste the mixture before shaping to ensure the flavor is spot-on.
- Shape with Wet Hands: To prevent the potato mixture from sticking to your hands, dampen them slightly before rolling the balls.
- Don’t Skip the Olive Oil Brushing: Brushing the balls with olive oil ensures they bake to a beautiful golden-brown color and develop a slightly crispy exterior.
- Turn Halfway Through Baking: Flip the balls halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Vegan Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Vegan Mashed Potato Balls are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of dishes:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with vegan sour cream, hummus, or a tangy tahini dressing for dipping.
- As a Side Dish: Pair with roasted vegetables, a hearty vegan stew, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- On a Party Platter: Include them on a platter with other vegan finger foods like stuffed mushrooms, vegan spring rolls, or crispy tofu bites.
- Toppings: Sprinkle with vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor.
Storing Instructions for Vegan Mashed Potato Balls
- Refrigerator: Store leftover mashed potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the balls before or after baking. To freeze uncooked balls, place them on a tray and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. For cooked balls, let them cool completely before freezing.
- Reheating: Reheat baked balls in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes. If frozen, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Mashed Potato Balls
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes! Sweet potatoes will add a slightly sweeter flavor and a vibrant color. Keep in mind the texture may be softer, so you might need to add a bit more corn starch.
- Can I make these mashed potato balls ahead of time? Absolutely. Prepare the mixture and shape the balls in advance, then refrigerate them for up to a day before baking.
- What can I use instead of corn starch? Potato starch or tapioca starch work well as substitutes.
- How do I make the balls crispier? For extra crispiness, you can roll the balls in breadcrumbs before baking.
- Can I fry these instead of baking? Yes, they can be shallow-fried or deep-fried for a crispier texture. However, baking is a healthier option.
Essential Equipment
To make these Vegan Mashed Potato Balls, you’ll need the following tools:
- Large Pot: For boiling the potatoes.
- Mixing Bowl: To mash and mix the ingredients.
- Potato Masher: For smooth and creamy mashed potatoes.
- Baking Sheet: A lined baking sheet ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Brush: For coating the balls with olive oil.
- Spatula or Tongs: To flip the balls halfway through baking.
These Vegan Mashed Potato Balls are a delightful combination of crispy and creamy textures, perfect for any occasion. With their simple ingredients, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing flavor, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your vegan repertoire. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re guaranteed to impress vegans and non-vegans alike!
We’d love to hear from you! Did you try these Vegan Mashed Potato Balls? What dipping sauces or sides did you pair them with? Share your experience and any creative variations in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it. Happy cooking!
Mashed Potato Balls
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these Vegan Mashed Potato Balls are a healthy and delicious snack or side dish made with simple ingredients like potatoes, corn starch, and fresh dill. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (peeled, left whole)
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and leave them whole. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes until tender when pierced with a fork (about 25-30 minutes, depending on size). Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly until comfortable to handle.
- Place the boiled potatoes in a large mixing bowl and mash them until smooth. Add corn starch, salt, black pepper, fresh dill, and olive oil to the mashed potatoes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out small portions of the potato mixture (about a tablespoon each) and roll into balls with your hands. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly brush each potato ball with olive oil for a crispy texture. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm as a delicious snack, appetizer, or side dish, garnished with extra dill if desired.
Notes
- The 50-minute cook time includes both boiling the potatoes (approximately 25-30 minutes) and baking the mashed potato balls in the oven (approximately 20-25 minutes). This ensures the potatoes are soft and fluffy for mashing and the balls achieve a perfectly crispy exterior.
- Boil peeled potatoes whole to retain their starch, resulting in a smoother mash and better consistency.
- Don´t skip brushing the balls with olive oil before baking for a golden, crispy exterior.
More Potato Recipes to Try:
- Potato Leek Soup
- Easy Smashed Potatoes
- Perfect Vegan Potato Salad
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes
- Perfect Baked Potato
