Mashed Potato Balls

Introduction

Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort food, combining a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a creamy, cheesy center. Made from leftover mashed potatoes, these bite-sized treats are coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection, creating a delicious contrast of textures in every bite. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

I remember the first time I made these—it was a game-changer for using up extra mashed potatoes! The combination of garlic, cheese, and a crispy coating made them an instant hit at the table. What’s great about Mashed Potato Balls is how easily you can customize them. Switch up the cheese, add fresh herbs, or mix in some crispy bacon for an extra flavor boost.

Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and a quick fry, you can turn leftovers into something spectacular. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a delicious snack, these crispy potato balls are always a winning choice!

Perfect for:

• Party appetizers
• Game day snacks
• Using up leftover mashed potatoes
• Side dishes for any meal
• Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Mashed Potato Balls

Here’s why Mashed Potato Balls will become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Crispy and Golden: The breadcrumb coating creates an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mashed potato filling.
• Cheesy and Flavorful: Packed with melted cheese, garlic, and herbs, these potato balls are bursting with flavor.
• Great for Leftovers: A perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and transform them into a new, exciting dish.
• Customizable: You can switch up the fillings and coatings to create different flavor variations.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious snack ready in no time.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 20-24 potato balls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 80-100 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 10g, Fat: 5g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Mashed Potato Balls:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (cold, for best results)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Ingredient Highlights

• Mashed Potatoes: Cold mashed potatoes work best because they hold their shape when forming the balls.
• Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella melts beautifully, adding a gooey, cheesy center.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and create a crispy, golden coating.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give an extra crispy texture, while regular breadcrumbs provide a more traditional crunch.
• Garlic and Onion Powder: Enhance the flavor of the mashed potatoes, making them even more delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Mashed Potato Balls:

Prepare the Potato Mixture:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley (if using). Stir until well combined.
2. Shape the Potato Balls: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture and place the balls on a baking sheet.
3. Chill the Balls: Refrigerate the potato balls for at least 15 minutes to help them firm up before coating.

Coat and Fry the Potato Balls:

4. Prepare the Coating Stations: Set up three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika.
5. Coat the Potato Balls: Roll each potato ball in flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each ball is evenly coated.
6. Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry the Potato Balls: Fry in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes per batch or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
8. Drain and Serve: Remove the potato balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

How to Serve Mashed Potato Balls

Mashed Potato Balls are best enjoyed fresh and crispy. Here are some serving ideas:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with ketchup, ranch dressing, sour cream, or garlic aioli.
• As a Side Dish: Pair them with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or soups.
• On a Snack Platter: Add them to a party platter with other finger foods like mozzarella sticks and chicken tenders.
• With a Cheese Pull: Use mozzarella cheese inside for a fun, cheesy pull when you bite in.

Additional Tips for Mashed Potato Balls

Here are some tips to ensure your Mashed Potato Balls turn out perfect every time:

• Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: Cold potatoes hold their shape better when forming the balls.
• Chill Before Frying: Refrigerating the potato balls helps them stay firm during frying.
• Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For a thicker crust, dip the potato balls in the egg and breadcrumbs twice.
• Bake Instead of Frying: If you prefer a healthier option, bake the coated potato balls at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Customize the Filling: Try different cheeses, add cooked bacon bits, or mix in chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Make Ahead: Shape the potato balls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
• Check Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is heated. If too cold, the balls will absorb excess oil.

Recipe Variations for Mashed Potato Balls

Here are 10 variations you can try for Mashed Potato Balls:

• Bacon Cheddar Potato Balls: Add crispy bacon bits to the potato mixture for a smoky flavor.
• Jalapeño Cheese Potato Balls: Mix in diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Loaded Potato Balls: Add sour cream and chives for a classic loaded baked potato flavor.
• Garlic Herb Potato Balls: Use minced garlic and Italian seasoning for an herby twist.
• Buffalo Chicken Potato Balls: Stir in shredded buffalo chicken for a spicy, tangy bite.
• Truffle Parmesan Potato Balls: Drizzle with truffle oil and sprinkle with Parmesan for a gourmet touch.
• Pesto Mozzarella Potato Balls: Fill the center with mozzarella and mix pesto into the potato mixture.
• Sweet Potato Balls: Use mashed sweet potatoes and cinnamon for a slightly sweet version.
• Spicy Sriracha Potato Balls: Add Sriracha sauce to the potato mixture for extra heat.
• Ham and Swiss Potato Balls: Mix in diced ham and Swiss cheese for a deli-inspired snack.

Freezing and Storage for Mashed Potato Balls

• Freezing: Freeze uncooked potato balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to crisp them up again.

Special Equipment for Mashed Potato Balls

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Mashed Potato Balls easier:

• Potato Masher – For mashing the potatoes to a smooth consistency.
• Deep Fryer – Ensures even frying and maintains the correct oil temperature.
• Cookie Scoop – Helps create uniform-sized potato balls for even cooking.
• Mixing Bowls – Essential for combining mashed potatoes with seasonings and fillings.
• Whisk – Useful for beating eggs when making the coating.
• Breading Station Trays – Keeps flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs organized for easy coating.
• Slotted Spoon – Helps safely remove the fried balls from hot oil.
• Cooling Rack – Allows excess oil to drain while keeping the balls crispy.
• Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper – If baking instead of frying, prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Tongs – Useful for handling hot mashed potato balls without breaking them.

Frequently Asked Questions for Mashed Potato Balls

1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
   Yes, as long as they are thick and not too runny.
2. Can I bake these instead of frying?
   Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Can I freeze mashed potato balls?
   Yes, freeze them before frying for up to 2 months.
4. How do I keep them crispy?
   Reheat in an oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.
5. What’s the best cheese for these?
   Cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan work best.

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Conclusion

Mashed Potato Balls are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful. With their golden, crunchy exterior and creamy, savory center, they’re a snack that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re making them from scratch or giving leftovers a delicious upgrade, these bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins and seasonings, they’re perfect for any occasion—from casual snacking to party appetizers. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra burst of flavor!

I’d love to see how your Mashed Potato Balls turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your crispy, cheesy creations. Happy cooking!