There’s nothing better than Loaded Mashed Potato Balls—crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside! These golden bites are packed with mashed potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and flavorful seasonings, making them the perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat—guaranteed to disappear fast!
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Why You’ll Love These Loaded Mashed Potato Balls
- Crispy & Golden – A crunchy outer layer gives way to creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes.
- Perfect for Leftovers – A delicious way to use up extra mashed potatoes.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or side dish.
- Easy to Make & Customize – Swap ingredients to match your taste!
Ingredients for Loaded Mashed Potato Balls
For the Mashed Potato Filling:
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (leftovers work great!)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup crispy cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying:
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving (Optional):
- Ranch dressing
- Sour cream with chopped chives
- Spicy mayo
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
How to Make Loaded Mashed Potato Balls
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Place the potato balls on a baking sheet and freeze for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- In three separate bowls, place:
- Flour in the first bowl.
- Beaten eggs in the second bowl.
- Panko breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third bowl.
Step 3: Bread the Potato Balls
- Roll each potato ball in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Return the coated balls to the baking sheet and chill for another 10 minutes.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden & Crispy
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Fry the potato balls in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm with ranch, sour cream, or spicy mayo for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad – Balance the richness with a fresh, crisp salad.
- As a Party Appetizer – Serve with multiple dipping sauces for a fun snack.
- With a Main Dish – Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or BBQ ribs for a hearty meal.
Tips for the Best Loaded Mashed Potato Balls
- Use Cold Mashed Potatoes – They hold their shape better when forming the balls.
- Freeze Before Frying – Helps them stay firm and not fall apart in the oil.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a thicker crust.
- Bake Instead of Fry – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make Them Spicy – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze uncooked potato balls for up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen.
- Reheat: Warm in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes! Just make sure they’re thick and chilled before rolling into balls.
Q2: What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda also work well.
Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Freeze the coated balls and fry them when ready to serve.
The Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy Snack!
These Loaded Mashed Potato Balls are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, crispy, and flavorful. Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or a family dinner, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite of these Loaded Mashed Potato Balls!
Print
Loaded Mashed Potato Balls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
There’s nothing better than Loaded Mashed Potato Balls—crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside! These golden bites are packed with mashed potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and flavorful seasonings, making them the perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat—guaranteed to disappear fast!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potato Filling:
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (leftovers work great!)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup crispy cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying:
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving (Optional):
- Ranch dressing
- Sour cream with chopped chives
- Spicy mayo
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Place the potato balls on a baking sheet and freeze for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- In three separate bowls, place:
- Flour in the first bowl.
- Beaten eggs in the second bowl.
- Panko breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third bowl.
Step 3: Bread the Potato Balls
- Roll each potato ball in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Return the coated balls to the baking sheet and chill for another 10 minutes.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden & Crispy
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Fry the potato balls in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm with ranch, sour cream, or spicy mayo for dipping.
Notes
- Use Cold Mashed Potatoes – They hold their shape better when forming the balls.
- Freeze Before Frying – Helps them stay firm and not fall apart in the oil.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a thicker crust.
- Bake Instead of Fry – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make Them Spicy – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: American
