These Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are little balls of happiness! They’re soft, creamy, and packed with delicious toppings like cheese and bacon.
They’re perfect for parties or just a cozy night in. I love serving them with a side of sour cream for dipping—it’s like a mini flavor party in your mouth! 🥔😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Using creamy, well-seasoned mashed potatoes is essential for texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, store-bought mashed potatoes can work, but homemade is always better!
Cheddar Cheese: I like sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. Feel free to swap it with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste. Vegan cheese options are also available if you’re keeping it plant-based.
Bacon: Crispy bacon gives a nice crunch. Turkey bacon or even tempeh bacon can be great substitutes for a healthier or vegetarian option. You could also skip the meat for a meatless version!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs make these bites extra crispy. If you don’t have them, regular breadcrumbs will work too, but the texture will be a bit different.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Mashed Potato Bites?
The key to getting that perfect crispy exterior is in the breading and frying techniques. Here’s a simple guide to help you out:
- Ensure your mashed potato mixture is well chilled before forming the balls; this helps them hold their shape.
- Coat each potato ball thoroughly in flour first, then egg, and finally panko. Make sure no bare spots are showing!
- Fry in hot oil (350°F or 175°C) to ensure a quick sear. Frying in small batches prevents overcrowding and allows for even cooking.
- Let the bites drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, which keeps them crispy.
With these tips and keen attention to detail, your Loaded Mashed Potato Bites will be a crunchy delight every time! Enjoy!
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bites:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (preferably creamy and well-seasoned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped, divided
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped, divided
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Coating:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sour cream or ranch dressing, for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or a fun appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Mashed Potatoes:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the chopped bacon, half of the green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
2. Shape the Bites:
Using your hands, take a scoop of the mashed potato mixture and form it into golf ball-sized balls. Set these aside on a plate.
3. Prepare Your Breading Stations:
Lay out three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, pour the panko breadcrumbs.
4. Add the Filling:
Take each potato ball and gently flatten it a bit. Place a small spoonful of cheddar cheese, a bit of bacon, and some green onions in the center of the flattened ball. Then, fold the potato around the filling, reshaping it into a ball so that the filling is tucked inside.
5. Bread the Bites:
Roll each filled potato ball first in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Make sure they are evenly coated for an extra crunchy finish!
6. Fry the Potato Bites:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potato bites in batches for about 3-4 minutes per batch, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain and Serve:
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the bites from the oil and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help get rid of excess oil.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve the warm Loaded Mashed Potato Bites topped with the remaining bacon, cheese, and green onions. Don’t forget to have some sour cream or ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your cheesy, crispy bites!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure they are well-seasoned, and you can skip the step of making fresh mashed potatoes.
How Can I Make These Bites Vegetarian?
To make Loaded Mashed Potato Bites vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Yes! To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded potato bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for that crispy texture again.
