Description
Fried Mashed Potato Balls are a crispy and creamy appetizer or side dish made from leftover mashed potatoes mixed with cheese and seasonings, then breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection. These delightful bites can be stuffed with gooey cheese cubes or savory bacon bits for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably leftover mashed potatoes)
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Breading Station
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
Filling Options
- Bacon bits
- Chopped onions
- Cheese cubes (for stuffing)
Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of mashed potatoes with grated cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Form the Potato Balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape small portions of the potato mixture into golf ball-sized balls. For stuffed versions, press your thumb into the center of each ball and add a cheese cube or a spoonful of bacon bits, then carefully reshape to seal the filling inside.
- Set Up Breading Station – Flour: Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl or plate for the first coating stage.
- Set Up Breading Station – Eggs: Beat the eggs in a separate shallow bowl to be used as the second coating layer.
- Set Up Breading Station – Breadcrumbs: In a third shallow bowl, spread out the breadcrumbs. Optionally, mix in grated Parmesan for added flavor.
- Bread the Potato Balls: Roll each potato ball first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C), suitable for deep frying.
- Fry the Potato Balls: Carefully drop the breaded potato balls into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Arrange the fried mashed potato balls on a platter and serve with your choice of ketchup, ranch dressing, or a spicy dipping sauce for enhanced flavor.
- Enjoy: Savor the delightful contrast of the crispy exterior with the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful interior of the mashed potato balls.
Notes
- Use cold, leftover mashed potatoes for better texture and easier shaping.
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped cooked bacon or sautéed onions into the potato mixture.
- Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying to ensure a crispy coating and avoid sogginess.
- You can keep fried potato balls warm in an oven set at 200°F (95°C) while frying the remaining batches.
- These potato balls can be made ahead and frozen before frying; fry them directly from frozen, adding extra time to cook.
