Step 1: Boil and mash the potatoes. Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly. Peel them and cut them into medium pieces so they cook faster. Place them in a pot of water and boil until they become soft and tender. You can check by poking them with a fork. Once they are fully cooked, drain the water and let them cool for a few minutes. Then mash them well using a masher or fork until they are smooth without any lumps.
Step 2: Mix in the creamy ingredients. Add butter and milk to the mashed potatoes while they are still slightly warm. This helps create a smooth and creamy texture. Mix it well until the butter melts completely and blends with the potatoes. Now add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chili flakes. Stir again until all spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add cheese and spring onions. Next, add grated mozzarella cheese and finely chopped spring onions to the potato mixture. Mix everything together gently so that the cheese spreads evenly. The mixture should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour to make it easier to shape.
Step 4: Shape the potato balls. Take small portions of the mixture in your hands and roll them into bite-sized balls. You can also shape them into small patties if you prefer a different style. Place them on a plate and let them rest for about ten minutes. This helps them hold their shape while frying.
Step 5: Prepare for coating. In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs. First, roll each potato ball in the flour so that it gets a light coating. Then dip it in the beaten egg and finally roll it in the bread crumbs. Make sure each ball is completely covered with crumbs for extra crispiness.
Step 6: Heat the oil. Pour enough oil into a deep frying pan to submerge the bites completely. Heat the oil on medium flame. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small crumb into it. If it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is hot enough for frying.
Step 7: Fry the potato bites. Gently place a few coated potato bites into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown on all sides. This usually takes about three to four minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel to absorb extra oil.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy. Serve your crispy creamy potato bites hot with your favorite sauce or dip. They taste amazing with ketchup, garlic mayo, or a spicy cheese dip. You can also sprinkle a little extra salt or chili flakes on top for added flavor.