Looking for a quick, tasty appetizer or a fun way to reuse leftovers? Fried mashed potato balls are here to save the day! These crispy, golden-fried bites are everything you love about mashed potatoes—smooth, buttery, and flavorful—but with a crunchy twist. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or late-night cravings, these little treats are a hit with both kids and adults. And the best part? They’re super easy to make!
Get your pans and potatoes ready. Let's get frying!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create about 20-25 fried mashed potato balls (adjust depending on the size of your scoop):
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers work great!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or any meltable cheese of your choice)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work well for extra crunch)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to whip up your fried mashed potato balls in no time.
Step 1: Prep the Potato Mixture
- If you’re starting with fresh mashed potatoes, make sure they’re seasoned with enough butter, salt, and pepper for flavor.
- Add the shredded cheese, green onions, garlic powder, paprika, and a bit more salt and pepper (if needed) to the mashed potatoes. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
- Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, take a portion of the mashed potato mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it in your hands to form a ball.
- Repeat until all the mixture is used up. Tip: Chill the balls in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to make them firmer and easier to handle.
Step 3: Set up the Coating Station
- Set up three bowls or shallow plates.
- Bowl 1: Add the flour.
- Bowl 2: Whisk the egg until smooth.
- Bowl 3: Spread breadcrumbs evenly across the surface.
- Roll each mashed potato ball in the flour first, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. Make sure the balls are evenly coated for that perfect crunch.
Step 4: Fry Time
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. The oil is ready when it reaches 350°F or when a breadcrumb dropped in sizzles immediately.
- Carefully add a few potato balls to the hot oil (don’t overcrowd the pan). Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy all over.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Repeat until all the balls are fried.
Step 5: Serve
Now comes the fun part—eating! Serve your fried mashed potato balls hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, sour cream, ketchup, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Tips for Customization
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Experiment with different cheeses. Swap cheddar for parmesan or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- Add Protein: Throw in some cooked bacon bits, shredded chicken, or diced ham to make these even more indulgent.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the mashed potato mixture for a fiery kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Wrapping It Up
Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside—fried mashed potato balls are finger food perfection! They’re versatile, easy to make, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re whipping them up for a casual snack or as a show-stopping appetizer, these crispy bites are bound to leave everyone coming back for more.
What are you waiting for? Go ahead and turn those mashed potatoes into something magical!
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