This post is sponsored by Simply Potatoes but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Experience the ultimate breakfast or brunch delight with these Crispy, Cheesy Ham and Cheese Stuffed Hash Brown Balls! Perfectly crunchy on the outside, incredibly fluffy on the inside, and bursting with savory ham and gooey cheese, these delightful potato bites are guaranteed to be the star of your next meal. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game!
The holiday season is officially upon us, and with it comes a flurry of activity, joy, and often, a touch of delightful chaos. Since late October, our household schedule has been anything but quiet. Between family gatherings, festive preparations, and the general hustle and bustle, finding time for elaborate meals can be a real challenge. My husband and I recently returned from a much-needed, blissful seven-day escape to the Bahamas. While the relaxation was truly restorative, it meant diving straight back into the whirlwind of reality and those ever-present, demanding schedules.
I’ve already made two trips to the grocery store, stocking up for Thanksgiving, and another shopping spree is on the calendar for next week. Just thinking about it makes me a little weary, and the Thanksgiving turkey hasn’t even begun its brining process yet! In the midst of all this holiday preparation and the return to our busy lives, I found myself craving something comforting, easy, and incredibly satisfying for dinner one night. That’s when I remembered my secret weapon for delicious, hassle-free meals: a bag of Simply Potatoes® shredded hash browns.
With those fresh, ready-to-cook potatoes in hand, I quickly whipped up a batch of these extraordinary Ham and Cheese Stuffed Hash Brown Balls to complement our favorite weeknight tradition: BFD, or Breakfast for Dinner. BFD is more than just a meal; it’s a cherished family ritual. It’s universally loved because it’s quick, incredibly easy to prepare, and satisfies everyone’s cravings, making it the perfect solution for busy evenings when time is of the essence but flavor is non-negotiable.
The inspiration behind these irresistible Ham and Cheese Stuffed Hash Brown Balls truly deserves a shout-out. While my husband and I were away enjoying our Bahamian escape, my amazing dad generously watched our children for the week. As I was brainstorming quick, delicious recipes that utilized shredded hash brown potatoes, I mentioned my culinary quest to him. Without missing a beat, he enthusiastically suggested, “What about hash brown balls?”
I was instantly captivated! It was one of those “Why didn’t I think of that?” moments. My dad was definitely onto something brilliant. My immediate response was, “Yes, and let’s take it a step further – let’s stuff them with ham and cheese!” The idea sparked an immediate surge of excitement. I quickly headed to the store to gather the necessary ingredients, and in no time at all, we were in the kitchen, bringing these fantastic creations to life. The process was surprisingly simple, and the anticipation of crispy, cheesy, ham-filled goodness made the entire experience even more enjoyable.
The secret to the impeccable texture and flavor of these stuffed hash brown balls lies squarely with Simply Potatoes. Unlike frozen hash browns, which require tedious thawing and often yield a watery, less-than-crispy result, Simply Potatoes are fresh, never frozen. This crucial difference means you can skip the time-consuming thawing process entirely. There’s no need to squeeze out excess moisture that can lead to soggy, unappetizing hash brown balls. They are ready to use straight from the bag, making your meal preparation much quicker and ensuring that your hash browns achieve that perfect, coveted crispness every single time. This convenience and superior quality are what make Simply Potatoes an indispensable ingredient in my kitchen, especially when I’m aiming for delicious results with minimal fuss.
To achieve that irresistible golden crunch, I chose to lightly pan-fry the Ham and Cheese Stuffed Hash Brown Balls. This method ensures they develop a beautifully crispy exterior, reminiscent of a classic arancini (Italian rice ball), while maintaining a tender, flavorful interior. Personally, I believe the best hash browns are always crispy, so this cooking technique was absolutely ideal for bringing out their full potential. The sizzling oil and the transformation of the potato mixture into golden spheres of delight made the cooking process almost as enjoyable as the eating! The aroma that filled the kitchen was simply divine, a tantalizing preview of the deliciousness to come.
I fried these delectable hash brown balls in careful batches, ensuring each one had enough space to achieve uniform crispness and a perfect golden hue. As each batch was completed, I transferred the finished balls to a warm oven. This thoughtful step ensured that every single hash brown ball remained perfectly heated and crispy until the entire batch was ready to be served. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference when entertaining or simply preparing a meal for the family, guaranteeing that everyone gets to enjoy them at their prime.
The result of this meticulous preparation? A truly exceptional culinary experience. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors: a light, wonderfully crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, savory interior, generously filled with delectable, melted cheese and perfectly salty ham. These Ham and Cheese Stuffed Hash Brown Balls are not just a dish; they’re a moment of pure culinary bliss, proving that simple ingredients can combine to create something truly spectacular.
Ham and Cheese Stuffed Hash Brown Balls
Prep
Cook
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 9 servings
Elevate your breakfast or brunch with these incredibly crispy, golden-brown hash brown balls, generously stuffed with savory ham and gooey, melted cheese. A delightful twist on a classic, perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 bag (20oz) Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns
- 4 eggs, divided
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 9 cubes sharp white cheddar, or cheese of choice
- 4 oz diced ham
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup canola oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Simply Potatoes shredded hash browns, 2 of the eggs, 1 cup of regular breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using a large cookie scoop (or about 2 tablespoons), scoop a portion of the hash brown mixture into your hands. Gently form it into a ball shape.
- Press a cube of your chosen cheese into the center of the ball, along with a few pieces of diced ham. Carefully re-roll the ball, ensuring the cheese and ham are completely enclosed within the hash brown mixture and are not exposed. Place the formed ball onto a clean cookie sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining hash brown mixture until all ingredients are used.
- In a shallow dish, lightly beat the remaining 2 eggs. This will be your egg wash.
- Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a separate shallow dish.
- Heat the canola oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil reaches approximately 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) before frying.
- Carefully roll each hash brown ball first into the beaten egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer it to the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even and thorough coating.
- Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, place the coated hash brown balls into the hot oil. Fry them lightly on all sides, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. This typically takes a few minutes per batch.
*To keep the cooked hash brown balls warm and crispy while you fry the remaining batches, preheat your oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with paper towels. As each batch finishes frying, transfer them to the prepared baking sheet and place them in the warm oven until ready to serve.
Courses Breakfast
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 9 servings
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 213 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 6 g | 9% | |
Saturated Fat 3 g | 15% | |
Cholesterol 79 mg | 26% | |
Sodium 379 mg | 16% | |
Total Carbohydrates 26 g | 9% | |
Dietary Fiber 3 g | 12% | |
Sugars 1 g | ||
Protein 12 g | 24% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
These delightful stuffed hash brown balls are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of meal occasions. Whether you’re planning a lavish weekend brunch, need a quick and satisfying weekday breakfast, or want to impress with an easy yet unique dish for “Breakfast for Dinner” (BFD), these crispy bites fit the bill beautifully. Their simple preparation and universally appealing flavors make them a true crowd-pleaser for any time of day.
What truly sets these hash brown balls apart is their incredible adaptability. While our family adores the classic ham and sharp white cheddar combination, the filling possibilities are truly endless and limited only by your imagination! Imagine creating “Western Stuffed Hash Brown Balls” by mixing in some diced green peppers, savory ham, and sharp cheddar cheese for a vibrant, flavorful twist. Or, for a creative way to utilize holiday leftovers, consider crafting “Thanksgiving Leftover Hash Brown Balls” by stuffing them with shredded turkey, a dollop of cranberry sauce, and a touch of provolone or Swiss cheese. You could even experiment with breakfast sausage and crumbled bacon, or a vegetarian option featuring sautéed mushrooms and spinach with feta cheese. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, allowing you to tailor it to your favorite flavors or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
These Ham and Cheese Stuffed Hash Brown Balls are more than just a recipe; they are a unique, fun, and delicious addition to our family’s meal rotation. Their exceptional taste and easy preparation make them a cherished favorite, always bringing smiles to the table. I’m genuinely excited to continue exploring a wide array of flavor combinations with these incredible Simply Potatoes, ensuring that we can enjoy these delightful potato creations all the time. I sincerely hope you’re inspired to try them too and discover your own favorite fillings and ways to enjoy them!
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