Description
Crispy fried mashed potato balls are golden, cheesy bites made from leftovers. Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside perfect for parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp thinly sliced chives
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/3 cups panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, bacon, cheese, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to form 1 to 2-inch balls. Roll between your hands for uniform shape.
- Place beaten eggs in one shallow bowl and panko in another.
- Dredge each potato ball in egg, then coat in panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 375°F.
- Fry the balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season with more salt.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces like sour cream, ranch, or sriracha butter.
Notes
- Chill mashed potatoes before forming balls for better shape retention.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying to keep oil temperature steady.
- For a lighter version, cook the balls in an air fryer at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3-4 balls)
- Calories: 627 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: crispy fried mashed potato balls, fried potato balls, cheesy potato bites, leftover mashed potatoes, potato appetizer