Potato Cheese Donuts Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a savory donut that’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with cheese, this Potato Cheese Donuts Recipe is your new obsession. Imagine silky mashed potatoes wrapped around gooey mozzarella, nestled inside sweet onion rings—then rolled in crispy panko and fried to golden perfection. It’s comfort food, party snack, and cheesy delight all rolled into one delicious ring!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about the Potato Cheese Donuts Recipe is how it transforms a handful of humble, easy-to-find ingredients into something memorable. Each component plays an essential role in creating deep flavor, dreamy texture, and crispy coating!

• Russet potatoes (6-7, about 800g): These give that fluffy, starchy base every great potato dish needs. Russets mash beautifully and hold together well.
• Salt & black pepper: For seasoning and bringing out the lovely earthy flavors of the potatoes.
• Potato starch (or cornstarch): This acts as a binder, helping the potatoes stay together while making the outside extra crisp when fried.
• Onion rings (4-6, thickly sliced): The sweet, gentle crunch of onion rings creates a signature structure and adds subtle sharpness inside every donut.
• Mozzarella cheese (4-6 oz block or pre-sliced): Want that epic cheesy stretch? Mozzarella is the star! Slice it to fit snugly inside your onion rings.
• Potato starch + garlic powder + salt (for dredge): This pre-coating makes the egg and crumbs adhere for the best possible crunch.
• Eggs (2) + salt (for egg wash): Whisked eggs work as the “glue” that holds panko in place.
• Panko bread crumbs + salt (for breading): Japanese-style panko creates an ultra-light, shatteringly crisp crust you’ll crave!
• Neutral oil (for frying): Use an oil with a high smoke point for deep-frying, like canola, peanut, or vegetable.

Variations

The beauty of the Potato Cheese Donuts Recipe is how easy it is to adapt! Tweak the ingredients to fit what you have on hand, your favorite flavors, or dietary needs—you have plenty of creative wiggle room.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or finely chopped jalapeños to the potato mix for an irresistible bit of heat.
• Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or even a smoked cheese to change up the flavor and meltiness—each brings something different to the donut!
• Herbaceous Twist: Mix in chopped chives, parsley, or dill to the potatoes for a fresh and aromatic taste.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice cereal instead of regular panko to keep these donuts celiac-friendly.

How to Make Potato Cheese Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Potatoes

Start by peeling your russet potatoes and chopping them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Steam them in a basket for about 15 minutes, or microwave for 8 minutes (tossing halfway) until fork-tender. This keeps the potatoes fluffy, not waterlogged—the key to a dreamy potato base!

Step 2: Prepare Onion Rings and Cheese

While your potatoes are cooking, slice an onion crosswise (not from root to stem) into thick rings, and gently separate into sturdy circles. For the cheese, cut mozzarella into thick strips matching the onion ring width, so every ring gets a cheesy hug in the center.

Step 3: Mash and Season Potatoes

Once cooked, let your potatoes cool just enough to handle, then mash until smooth. Add potato starch, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly—this creates a cohesive, flavorful mash that’s easy to work with and fries up beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble the Donut Rings

Line each onion ring with a strip of mozzarella. Grab a handful of mashed potato, roll it into a log, and carefully wrap it around the outside and inside of the onion-cheese ring—filling the gaps and shaping everything into a plump, round donut. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Step 5: Set Up Coating Stations

Set up three shallow bowls: combine potato starch, garlic powder, and salt for the first; whisk eggs and a pinch of salt in the second; mix panko and salt in the third. This keeps your assembly line efficient and ensures a super-crunchy crust.

Step 6: Dredge, Dip, and Bread

Coat each formed donut first in the starch mixture (for sticking power!), then dip into the egg wash, and finally roll generously in panko, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere. This layering process creates the optimal crispy shell for our Potato Cheese Donuts Recipe.

Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat neutral oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep pan. Carefully lower each donut into the hot oil—use a spatula, they’re heavy! Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Let cool on a wire rack for maximum crunch and minimal sogginess. Repeat with the remaining donuts and enjoy the irresistible aroma!

How to Serve Potato Cheese Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little chopped chives, parsley, or scallions over the hot donuts for a pop of color and freshness. A dusting of smoked paprika or chili flakes also adds irresistible appeal and a hint of extra flavor.

Side Dishes

The Potato Cheese Donuts Recipe shines as an appetizer alongside a tangy dipping sauce—think sriracha mayo, honey mustard, ranch, or even a spicy marinara. They also pair perfectly with a crisp salad or a bowl of soup for a cozy lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack on a platter and serve donut tower-style at parties, or skewer them with decorative toothpicks for bite-sized portions. For brunch, place each donut atop a nest of greens and drizzle lightly with your favorite sauce for a whimsical, restaurant-worthy look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Potato Cheese Donuts cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll keep their structure and flavor, although the crust will soften just a bit.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked donuts on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months—just defrost and reheat when the craving strikes!

Reheating

The best way to re-crisp these beauties is to bake or air fry them at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy—about 8–10 minutes from chilled, or a bit longer from frozen. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose the crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Potato Cheese Donuts Recipe and see the smiles it brings to your table. It’s truly a labor of love and comfort, perfect for gatherings, snacking, or a fun kitchen project. Roll up your sleeves, fry up a batch, and let the crispy-cheesy magic begin!

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