Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

These Fried Mashed Potato Balls transform humble leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden orbs of pure comfort food magic. With a crunchy panko coating on the outside and a creamy, cheesy potato center, they’re utterly irresistible as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Best of all, they come together in just 20 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Brilliant Leftovers Solution: Got leftover mashed potatoes? Transform them into something even more delicious than the original!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Watch these disappear at your next gathering – adults and kids alike can’t resist these crispy, cheesy bites.
• Quick Preparation: From start to finish, you’ll have these on the table in just 20 minutes.
• Customizable: The basic recipe is fantastic, but you can easily add your own twist with different cheeses, herbs, or mix-ins.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Mashed Potatoes: The star of the show and base of our recipe. Use leftover mashed potatoes for even quicker prep!
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp bite and beautiful color contrast to the creamy potatoes.
• Chives: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly.
• Garlic: Provides that essential savory depth that makes these balls irresistible.
• Cayenne Pepper: Just enough to add a subtle warmth without overwhelming heat.
• Sharp White Cheddar: Creates gooey pockets of cheesy goodness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Eggs: Acts as the essential binder that helps hold everything together while creating the perfect base for the panko to stick.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates that gloriously crispy exterior that makes these potato balls so addictive.
• Oil for Frying: Gives these balls their golden, crispy exterior.

Variations

Want to make these potato balls your own? Here are some delicious twists to try:

• Bacon Lover’s Version: Fold in some crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory upgrade.
• Mediterranean Style: Add some feta cheese, chopped olives, and a pinch of oregano.
• Spicy Kick: Double the cayenne and add some diced jalapeños for heat lovers.
• Loaded Baked Potato: Mix in sour cream, extra cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.
• Herb Garden: Add a mixture of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and basil for a fresh flavor boost.

How to Make Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Step 1: Create the Potato Mixture

In a large bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, minced red onion, diced chives, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dredging Station

Beat the eggs in one shallow bowl. Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a separate bowl. This assembly line approach will make the coating process quick and efficient.

Step 3: Form and Coat the Balls

Using a cookie scoop, portion out 1½-inch balls of the potato mixture. Roll each scoop between your palms to form a smooth ball. Dip each ball first in the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until completely covered. Place the coated balls on a plate as you work.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Test if the oil is ready (about 360°F) by inserting the end of a wooden spoon – if bubbles form around it, you’re good to go. Carefully add a few potato balls at a time, frying until they’re golden brown on all sides. This happens quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes, so keep a watchful eye.

Step 5: Drain and Season

Remove the golden balls with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While they’re still hot, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cold Potatoes Work Best: Refrigerated, leftover mashed potatoes hold their shape better than freshly made ones.
• Double Coating: For extra crunch, dip the balls in egg and panko twice.
• Oil Temperature: Maintain the right oil temperature (around 360°F) for the crispiest results without greasiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Freezer Trick: If your mixture feels too soft, chill the formed balls in the freezer for 15 minutes before coating and frying.

How to Serve

These crispy potato bombs are versatile when it comes to serving options:

Dipping Sauces:

• Serve with sour cream, ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, or warm marinara sauce.
• A garlic aioli or honey mustard also makes a fantastic pairing.

Meal Ideas:

• Serve as an appetizer at your next gathering or game day party.
• Make them part of a comfort food dinner alongside grilled meat and a green salad.
• Create a fun “appetizer dinner” with these balls and other finger foods.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any cooled leftover potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat frozen or refrigerated potato balls in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. While microwave reheating works in a pinch, it won’t restore the crispness.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Absolutely! While frying gives the crispiest result, you can bake them at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Spray them with a little cooking oil first for better browning.

My potato mixture seems too soft to form balls. What should I do?
If your mashed potato mixture is too soft, try refrigerating it for 30 minutes to firm up, or add a small amount of flour (1-2 tablespoons) to help bind it. Cold potatoes are much easier to work with!

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can form the balls and coat them in advance, keeping them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before frying. Alternatively, fry them ahead, cool completely, then reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes before serving.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work fine, though the texture won’t be quite as crispy. For a gluten-free version, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Crushed potato chips also make a deliciously creative coating!

Final Thoughts

These Fried Mashed Potato Balls have that magical combination of crispy exterior and creamy interior that makes comfort food so irresistible. Whether you’re looking to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes or create a show-stopping appetizer from scratch, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The beauty lies in their simplicity – just a few ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor payoff. Give them a try and watch them become your new go-to recipe for using up leftover mashed potatoes!

Print