Cheesy Potato Mochi

This Cheesy Potato Mochi is a savory, crispy, and chewy take on traditional Japanese mochi. Made with a combination of mashed potatoes and glutinous rice flour, these golden pan-fried mochi cakes have a crispy exterior, a soft, stretchy center, and a melty cheese filling that makes every bite absolutely addictive. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, this easy mochi recipe is a must-try for fans of Asian desserts with a savory twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy outside, chewy inside – The perfect contrast in texture.
• Melty, cheesy center – A gooey cheese pull makes it irresistible!
• Simple and easy to make – Just a few ingredients and quick cooking.
• Customizable – Add different cheeses, seasonings, or fillings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough

• Mashed potatoes (smooth and lump-free)
• Glutinous rice flour (sweet rice flour)
• Cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• Salt and black pepper
• Milk or water (to adjust consistency)

For the Filling

• Mozzarella cheese (for a stretchy, melty center)
• Cheddar cheese (for extra flavor)

For Cooking

• Butter or oil (for pan-frying)

For Topping (Optional)

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• A drizzle of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mash the potatoes until smooth. Make sure they’re warm but not too hot.
2. Mix the dough: In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, glutinous rice flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Adjust texture: If the dough is too dry, add a little milk or water until pliable but not sticky.

Step 2: Shape and Fill the Mochi

1. Divide the dough into equal portions. Flatten each into a small disk.
2. Add cheese: Place a small piece of mozzarella or cheddar in the center.
3. Seal and shape: Wrap the dough around the cheese, sealing the edges tightly. Flatten slightly for even cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Mochi

1. Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Pan-fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
3. Serve warm with optional toppings like green onions or soy sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8 pieces
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or spicy cheese inside.
• Garlic Butter Flavor: Brush with garlic butter after cooking.
• Extra Crispy: Coat lightly in panko breadcrumbs before frying.
• Sweet Version: Swap cheese for red bean paste or sweet potato filling.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze raw mochi patties for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Pan-fry or air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour?

No, glutinous rice flour is essential for the chewy texture.

2. What cheese works best?

Mozzarella for stretchiness, cheddar for flavor, or a mix of both!

3. Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use vegan cheese and plant-based milk.

5. What dipping sauces go well with potato mochi?

Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a sweet chili sauce work great!

6. Can I make this with leftover mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! Just ensure they’re smooth and not too watery.

7. How do I prevent them from sticking to the pan?

Use a non-stick pan and a bit of butter or oil.

8. Can I air-fry these?

Yes! Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once.

9. Can I add more fillings?

Yes! Try ham, bacon, or caramelized onions inside.

10. How do I make the mochi extra crispy?

Use cornstarch in the dough and pan-fry over medium heat for a longer time.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Potato Mochi is a savory, crispy, and chewy treat that’s perfect as a snack, side dish, or comfort food indulgence. With melty cheese inside and a crispy golden crust, these mochi bites are easy to make, endlessly customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Try this fun twist on traditional mochi today and enjoy the delicious fusion of Japanese and Western flavors!