Step into a world of unexpected delight with the Potato Cheese Donut—a creative twist on classic comfort foods that blends the fluffy, tender texture of potato with the rich, melty goodness of cheese. These savory donuts are crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, making them an irresistible snack or side dish. Perfect for brunch, parties, or anytime you want to surprise your taste buds, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a unique treat that’s both comforting and adventurous.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unique flavor combo: Creamy potatoes and savory cheese in every bite.
Perfect texture: Crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy center.
Versatile snack: Great as appetizers, sides, or even breakfast treats.
Easy to make: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Fun and impressive: A creative dish that’s sure to wow guests.
Comfort food with a twist: Familiar flavors presented in a fresh, exciting way.
Ingredients for Potato Cheese Donut
Fluffy mashed potatoes, lending soft, pillowy texture to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need:
Mashed Potatoes: The star of the show! Use about two large potatoes, boiled and mashed until smooth. They provide the base and a creamy texture.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This adds a rich, cheesy flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for binding the ingredients together and giving the donuts structure.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this brings a nutty depth to the flavor profile. It’s a game-changer!
Large Egg: This helps to bind everything together, ensuring your donuts hold their shape while frying.
Baking Powder: A must for that light, fluffy texture. It helps the donuts rise beautifully.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory kick that complements the cheese and potatoes perfectly.
Onion Powder: This enhances the overall flavor, giving a subtle sweetness and depth.
Salt: A pinch is necessary to bring out all the flavors in your donuts.
Black Pepper: Just a dash for a hint of spice that balances the richness of the cheese.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, you’ll need enough to submerge the donuts. Canola or peanut oil works well too.
For those looking to spice things up, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dough. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese. The ingredient list with exact quantities is available at the bottom of the article for easy printing!
How to Make Potato Cheese Donut
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these delicious Potato Cheese Donuts! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a savory snack in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, all-purpose flour, egg, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix everything together until a dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface to prevent sticking. Turn the dough out onto this surface and knead it gently for about one minute. You want it to be smooth and well combined, but don’t overdo it! A little bit of love goes a long way here.
Step 3: Shape the Donuts
Roll out the dough to about half an inch thick. Grab a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters—one larger and one smaller. Cut out donut shapes, making sure to press firmly to get clean edges. Don’t forget to save the holes; they make for tasty little bites!
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach about two inches deep. Heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough; if it sizzles, you’re ready to fry!
Step 5: Fry the Donuts
Carefully place a few donuts in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to flip them gently, ensuring they cook evenly.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once golden, remove the donuts from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these warm, cheesy delights with your favorite dipping sauce or just as they are!
Tips for Success
Make sure your mashed potatoes are smooth and free of lumps for the best texture.
Don’t skip the kneading step; it helps develop the dough’s structure.
Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F for even frying.
Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite flavor combination.
Serve immediately for the best taste; they’re best enjoyed warm!
Equipment Needed
Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients. A sturdy pot can work in a pinch.
Donut Cutter: Ideal for shaping donuts. If you don’t have one, use two round cookie cutters.
Deep Skillet or Pot: Essential for frying. A heavy-bottomed pan can also do the job.
Slotted Spoon: Perfect for flipping and removing donuts from hot oil. A regular spoon can work too.
Variations
Spicy Potato Cheese Donut: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the dough for a fiery kick.
Herbed Delight: Mix in fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for an aromatic twist that elevates the flavor.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella for a gooey texture or pepper jack for a spicy surprise.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these donuts suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Sweet Potato Variation: Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter, more colorful donut.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Potato Cheese Donuts with a zesty dipping sauce like ranch or spicy aioli for an extra flavor boost.
Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and light.
For drinks, consider a cold craft beer or a refreshing iced tea to complement the savory flavors.
Presentation tip: Arrange the donuts on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful touch.
FAQs about Potato Cheese Donut
Can I make Potato Cheese Donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
What can I serve with Potato Cheese Donuts?
These savory snacks pair wonderfully with a variety of dips. Try serving them with ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or even a tangy marinara sauce. They also go well with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
While frying gives them that perfect crispy texture, you can bake them for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the shaped donuts on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Just keep in mind they won’t be as crispy!
How do I store leftover Potato Cheese Donuts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I freeze Potato Cheese Donuts?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked donuts. Just shape them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to fry, no need to thaw—just fry them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Creating Potato Cheese Donuts is more than just cooking; it’s about crafting moments of joy. The aroma of frying donuts fills the kitchen, evoking memories of family gatherings and laughter. Each bite offers a delightful crunch followed by a cheesy, fluffy center that warms the soul. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them solo, these donuts are sure to impress. They’re a unique twist on traditional snacks, bringing comfort and creativity to your table. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of these savory treats unfold!
Potato Cheese Donuts are a deliciously unique treat made with mashed potatoes and cheese, perfect for a savory snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups mashed potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until a dough forms.
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough gently for about 1 minute until it is smooth.
Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out donut shapes.
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
Allow the donuts to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm!
Notes
For a spicy kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the dough.
Try different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for varied flavors.
