Mashed Potato Balls are a delightful way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, golden snack or side dish. These little bites are made by scooping up mashed potatoes, shaping them into balls, and stuffing them with cheese, beef bacon, or herbs for extra flavor. After a quick dip in egg wash and breadcrumbs, they’re fried or baked until they’re crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. They’re perfect for serving at parties, as an appetizer, or as a side dish to your favorite meal.
I first made Mashed Potato Balls when I was looking for a fun way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, and they turned out to be an absolute hit! The crispy outer shell paired with the creamy, flavorful inside is a winning combination. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can add anything from scallions and cheese to ham or garlic for different variations. They’re always a crowd-pleaser and a great way to make mashed potatoes even more exciting!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Party appetizers
- Casual gatherings
- Game day snacks
- Comfort food lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Mashed Potato Balls will become your go-to snack:
- Crispy and Crunchy: The outer coating crisps up perfectly while keeping the creamy filling inside soft and tender.
- Creamy Filling: The mashed potatoes are smooth, fluffy, and flavorful, a true comfort food.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for beginner cooks.
- Versatile Flavor: Customize the filling with cheese, bacon, or herbs to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Transform leftover mashed potatoes into a whole new dish that everyone will love.
- Party-Ready: These bite-sized treats are great for finger food at any gathering or event.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze them for later, so you always have a delicious snack ready.
- Golden Perfection: The crisp coating adds a beautiful golden finish that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
- No Mess: These mashed potato balls are easy to handle and less messy than traditional mashed potatoes.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Made with mashed potatoes and no meat, they’re perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking for a meatless dish.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 100-120 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 4g
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potato Balls:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared ahead of time)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup bread crumbs (for coating)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Ingredient Highlights
- Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes for ease or make fresh ones for the best texture and flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty element to the filling.
- Green Onions: A touch of freshness that enhances the flavor of the mashed potatoes.
- Garlic Powder: Brings in a rich, savory flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Mashed Potato Balls:
- Chill the Mashed Potatoes: If using fresh mashed potatoes, let them cool completely.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar cheese (if using), green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Shape the Balls: Using your hands, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mashed potato mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
- Coat the Balls: Roll each mashed potato ball in flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat with bread crumbs. Make sure each ball is evenly coated.
- Chill: Place the coated mashed potato balls on a baking sheet and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape when frying.
Fry the Mashed Potato Balls:
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Fry the Balls: Carefully place the chilled mashed potato balls in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried mashed potato balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or dipping sauces like sour cream, ketchup, or ranch dressing.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Mashed Potato Balls:
- As a Party Snack: Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, or garlic aioli at your next party or game day event.
- As a Side Dish: Pair with meat dishes or a salad for a complete meal.
- In a Buffet Spread: Add these to a buffet table for a crowd-pleasing snack.
- With Chili: Serve alongside a hearty bowl of chili for a comforting meal.
- For a Light Lunch: Enjoy a few mashed potato balls with a fresh green salad for a quick lunch.
- For Kids: A fun, bite-sized snack that kids will love.
- With Beef Bacon Bits: Add crumbled beef bacon to the mashed potato filling for extra flavor.
- With Gravy: Drizzle with gravy for a more indulgent side dish.
- For Picnic: Pack them for an easy, portable snack that’s sure to impress.
Additional Tips
- Use Leftovers: Leftover mashed potatoes make this recipe a quick and easy meal solution.
- Make Them Spicy: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or jalapeño to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze the shaped and breaded mashed potato balls and fry them later for a quick snack whenever you want.
- Adjust Coating Thickness: If you like a thicker, crunchier coating, double-dip the balls in egg and bread crumbs.
- Check Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F) to fry the balls without them absorbing too much oil.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese Stuffed Mashed Potato Balls: Insert a cube of cheese inside the mashed potatoes for a cheesy surprise in every bite.
- Beef Bacon Mashed Potato Balls: Mix in crumbled beef bacon for an added savory flavor.
- Sweet Potato Balls: Replace regular potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a sweet variation.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the mashed potatoes for added fragrance.
- Vegan Option: Use non-dairy milk and vegan cheese to make these mashed potato balls vegan-friendly.
- Spicy Mashed Potato Balls: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the mashed potatoes for some heat.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet: For frying the mashed potato balls.
- Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the fried balls.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For safely handling the mashed potato balls while frying.
- Chilled Plate or Baking Sheet: To chill the potato balls before frying.
FAQ Section
- Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
For the best texture and flavor, fresh mashed potatoes are recommended, but instant mashed potatoes will work in a pinch. - How long do mashed potato balls last in the fridge?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze mashed potato balls?
Yes, freeze them after breading and before frying. Fry them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time. - Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy. - What can I serve these with?
Serve with sour cream, ranch, ketchup, or any of your favorite dipping sauces. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch. - Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, mozzarella, parmesan, or pepper jack cheese can be used for different flavor profiles. - How do I prevent the mashed potato balls from falling apart while frying?
Make sure to chill the balls before frying and ensure the oil is hot enough to cook them quickly. - What should I do if the filling is too soft?
Add a bit more flour or breadcrumbs to the mashed potato mixture to help firm them up. - Can I make these in advance?
Yes, prepare and chill them ahead of time for an easy, stress-free snack or meal.
Conclusion
Mashed Potato Balls are a comforting and delicious snack or appetizer, turning classic mashed potatoes into crispy, golden bites filled with creamy, fluffy goodness. These bite-sized balls are coated in breadcrumbs and fried (or baked) until crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and tender on the inside. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, they’re a fun and indulgent way to enjoy mashed potatoes.
This recipe is easy to make and highly versatile—mix in your favorite fillings like cheese, beef bacon, herbs, or garlic for an extra burst of flavor. You can also use leftover mashed potatoes to save time, making it a great way to repurpose them. Serve with a side of dipping sauce, such as ranch, marinara, or a spicy sriracha mayo, to take the flavor to the next level.
I can’t wait to see how your Mashed Potato Balls turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your crispy, flavorful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made these your own!