Cheesy Mashed Potato Onion Donuts Recipe

The Cheesy Mashed Potato Onion Donuts Recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to comfort food. Imagine crispy golden potato “donuts” cuddling a sweet onion ring wrapped around gooey mozzarella cheese—each bite a perfect harmony of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures. This recipe turns humble mashed potatoes and onions into a fun, irresistible snack or appetizer that will quickly become a family favorite. Trust me, once you try making these at home, you’ll wonder why no one thought of this combination sooner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Cheesy Mashed Potato Onion Donuts Recipe. Each simple component plays a vital role, whether it’s the fluffiness of the russet potatoes, the chewy texture given by glutinous rice flour, or the melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella that ties everything together.

• Russet potatoes (2 lb): These starchy potatoes create the perfect fluffy base when mashed.
• Glutinous rice flour (5 tbsp): Adds a slight chewiness and helps bind the donut shape.
• Salt (1 tsp, to taste): Essential for seasoning the mashed potatoes just right.
• Black pepper (½ tsp, to taste): Adds a gentle kick to balance the creamy flavors.
• Onion (1): Any variety works—white, yellow, purple, or sweet—for that tender, savory ring center.
• Mozzarella cheese slices (6 slices): The star creamy filling that melts beautifully inside the onion rings.
• Vegetable oil: For deep frying the donuts to a crispy golden perfection.

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Onion Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Steam and Mash the Potatoes

Start by peeling your russet potatoes and slicing them into half-inch thick pieces. Steam them over medium-high heat for about 30 minutes until they’re tender enough to mash. This steaming method keeps the potatoes moist and fluffy, which forms the perfect texture to hold your donuts together. Once soft, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy for that perfect fluffy base.

Step 2: Mix in Glutinous Rice Flour and Seasonings

Weigh out 750 grams of your mashed potatoes, then stir in 5 tablespoons of glutinous rice flour. This flour is crucial because it adds a slight chewiness that makes these donuts unique. Gradually add your salt and black pepper, tasting as you go to hit just the right balance. This seasoning step is essential for making sure your mashed potato dough isn’t bland once fried.

Step 3: Prepare Onion Rings and Cheese

Slice a large onion into rings about half an inch wide. The onion rings act as the heart of the donuts, offering a lovely sweet crunch. Cut the mozzarella slices into strips matching the onion ring width. Then, nest a smaller onion ring inside a larger one and place mozzarella strips carefully between the layers, creating that gooey cheesy core that will delight your taste buds.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

Now for the fun part! Roll the mashed potato mixture into a log shape. Place the onion ring on top, then gently cover it completely with the mashed potato dough. Shape it into a true donut form, making sure the onion and cheese stay nicely enclosed. Repeat this process until you have wrapped all onion rings. This step takes a bit of patience but the end result is so worth it.

Step 5: Deep Fry Until Golden

Heat vegetable oil in a medium pot to 350°F (175°C). Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower each shaped potato donut into the hot oil. Fry them for about 5 minutes until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy on the outside. Drain the finished donuts on a cooling rack to keep them from getting soggy and to let excess oil drip off.

Step 6: Cool and Prepare to Serve

Allow your deep-fried cheesy mashed potato onion donuts to cool down just a little, around 5 minutes, so the cheese inside firms up without losing that gooey goodness. Serve them piping hot, with or without your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible snack that everyone will rave about.

How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Onion Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the richness of these donuts beautifully. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of garlic aioli can also elevate the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

These cheesy mashed potato onion donuts shine as an appetizer, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw balances the richness perfectly. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a bowl of warm tomato soup or a light vegetable broth to create a satisfying comfort food combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cheesy Mashed Potato Onion Donuts Recipe into a party showstopper by arranging them on a platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces like spicy ketchup, ranch dressing, or honey mustard. You can even thread them onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and olives for fun, bite-sized snacks that are as delightful to eat as they are to look at.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crispy exterior will soften a bit, but the cheesy inside stays delicious. Reheating them properly will help bring back some of that initial texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these potato donuts before frying by arranging them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freezing until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, fry them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the frying time to ensure they heat through completely.

Reheating

To reheat leftover donuts, the best method is to use an oven or air fryer set at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispiness without drying out the cheesy filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese besides mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that signature gooey stretch, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. Just be mindful of meltability and flavor intensity to keep the balance right.

What if I don’t have glutinous rice flour?

Glutinous rice flour is key for that unique chewy texture, but if you can’t find it, try substituting with cornstarch or potato starch. The texture will vary slightly but should still hold well together.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

Yes! This Cheesy Mashed Potato Onion Donuts Recipe uses glutinous rice flour, not wheat flour, making it naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your cheese and seasonings to ensure no hidden gluten.

How do I prevent the onion rings from falling apart during frying?

Ensure the onion rings are well coated and sealed with the mashed potato mixture. Pressing firmly but gently around each donut shape helps keep everything intact during frying. Also, make sure your oil is at the right temperature for a quick fry that forms a crust to hold it together.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

You can try baking for a healthier version, but the texture will be different—less crispy on the outside and more soft overall. To bake, place donuts on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway for even browning.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Mashed Potato Onion Donuts Recipe is pure magic for anyone who loves a warm, cheesy, and crispy delight. It’s fun to make, comforting to eat, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Give it a go—you might just discover your new favorite snack that’s perfect any time of day!

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