Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are little pieces of happiness! They combine creamy mashed potatoes with delicious goodies like cheese, bacon, and green onions, all packed into a crispy shell.
These bites are perfect for parties or just a cozy night in. I love snacking on them while watching my favorite show. Just try not to eat them all at once—sharing is caring! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth potatoes work best here. If you’re short on time, store-bought mashed potatoes can be a great shortcut!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives a nice flavor, but feel free to swap it out for mozzarella or any cheese you love! Mixing different cheeses can add extra complexity.
Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a delightful crunch. For a vegetarian version, use cooked and crumbled mushrooms or bacon bits instead.
Chives: Fresh chives add color and flavor. If you don’t have chives, green onions or even parsley make good substitutes.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs will work too, but the texture may be slightly different. You could even try crushed cornflakes for a unique twist!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch in My Potato Bites?
The key to achieving that great crunchy exterior is in the breading and frying process. Here’s how to get it just right:
- First, make sure to coat your potato balls fully in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This layering is essential.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the balls; this helps them stick during frying.
- Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F. If it’s too low, your bites will absorb oil and be greasy rather than crispy. A thermometer helps.
- Fry in batches to avoid crowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain the oil temperature.
- Lastly, once fried, let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
With these tips, your Loaded Mashed Potato Bites will be perfectly crispy on the outside and deliciously creamy on the inside!
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably creamy and smooth)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Sour cream or ranch dressing (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time and an additional 15 minutes for frying. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have crispy, cheesy Loaded Mashed Potato Bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix everything together until all ingredients are well incorporated and evenly distributed.
2. Shape the Bites:
With clean hands or a small scoop, take portions of the potato mixture and shape them into small balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Try to make them uniform in size for even cooking!
3. Set Up the Dredging Station:
Prepare three separate bowls for the breading process. Fill the first bowl with flour, the second with the beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs. This setup will make coating the potato balls much easier!
4. Coat the Potato Balls:
Take each potato ball and roll it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated, and finally roll it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well. Repeat this for all the balls.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep frying pan or heavy pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). A kitchen thermometer can help you check the temperature!
6. Fry the Potato Bites:
Carefully place the coated potato balls in the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Turn them gently with a slotted spoon for even cooking.
7. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the potato bites from the oil using a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. This step will help keep them crispy!
8. Enjoy!
Serve the Loaded Mashed Potato Bites hot, garnished with extra chopped chives. Don’t forget to provide some sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping! Enjoy your snack!
Delicious, cheesy, and oh-so-crispy—these Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure they’re not too thin – if they are, you might want to thicken them up with a bit of cheese or extra potatoes.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the breaded bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover potato bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, making them crispy again!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the potato balls, coat them, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. Just add a few extra minutes of frying time if they’re chilled when you start cooking.