Description
These Fried Mashed Potato Balls are a crispy and cheesy snack made from leftover mashed potatoes, mixed with bacon, cheddar cheese, chives, and garlic powder, then coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried or air fried to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, they offer a delicious way to transform simple leftovers into an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 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, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Breading and Frying
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/3 cups panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 inches in skillet)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced chives, and garlic powder. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a uniform mixture.
- Form and Bread the Potato Balls: Place the beaten eggs and panko bread crumbs into separate shallow bowls. Scoop out portions of the potato mixture (about 1 to 2 inches) using a cookie scoop or your hands, and roll into balls. First dip each ball into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs. Repeat this process until all mixture is shaped and breaded.
- Cook the Potato Balls by Frying: Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet on the stovetop to 375°F, using a candy thermometer. Fry the potato balls in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch until golden brown on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Immediately season with additional salt.
- Cook the Potato Balls by Air Frying: Alternatively, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the breaded potato balls in a single layer in the basket, cooking in batches if necessary. Air fry for approximately 10 minutes or until the panko coating is golden and crispy. Season with salt immediately after cooking before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (375°F) for crisp frying and to avoid soggy results.
- Leftover mashed potatoes work best if they are thick and not too runny to maintain shape.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste before shaping into balls.
- For a healthier option, air frying is recommended, which reduces the amount of oil absorbed.
- The potato balls can be kept warm in an oven set at 200°F if cooking in batches.
