Ever wondered what to do with leftover mashed potatoes? Transform them into crispy, golden Mashed Potato Balls! These bite-sized treats are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a fun side dish.

The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, savory onions, garlic, and a kick of cayenne pepper, all coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb exterior, makes these balls irresistible. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these delicious Crispy Mashed Potato Balls!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Delicious: The combination of a crispy panko breadcrumb exterior and a creamy mashed potato interior makes these balls irresistible.
Perfect for Appetizers: These bite-sized treats are ideal for parties, game days, or any social gathering.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Versatile: You can customize the seasonings and add-ins to suit your preferences, making it a versatile appetizer that’s sure to please.
Great Use of Leftovers: Transform leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious new dish, reducing food waste.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are the star of this recipe, providing a creamy and tender base. You can use leftover mashed potatoes or make a fresh batch specifically for this recipe.

Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispy and crunchy coating for the potato balls. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko offers a lighter and crispier texture.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp white cheddar cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor to the potato balls. You can substitute it with other types of cheese like Gouda, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.

Fresh Herbs

Fresh chives and minced red onion add a bright and savory note to the potato balls. You can substitute them with other fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Crispy Mashed Potato Balls (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, minced red onion, diced chives, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Mix Well: Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly combined. This step creates a rich and flavorful base for the mashed potato mixture.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Beat the Eggs: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
Prepare the Breadcrumbs: Place the panko bread crumbs in another bowl. This step ensures that the breading station is ready for coating the potato balls.

Step 3: Form the Potato Balls

Scoop the Mixture: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mashed potato mixture into 1 ½ inch balls.
Shape the Balls: Roll each ball in your palms to ensure they are evenly shaped. This step ensures that the potato balls are ready to be coated.

Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls

Dredge in Egg: Dredge each potato ball in the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated.
Roll in Breadcrumbs: Roll the egg-coated ball in the panko bread crumbs, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Place on Plate: Place the coated balls on a plate and repeat until all the mashed potato mixture is used. This step ensures that the potato balls are evenly coated and ready to be fried.

Step 5: Fry the Potato Balls

Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 360°F (180°C). Test the oil by placing the end of a wooden spoon in the oil; if it bubbles around the spoon, the oil is ready.
Fry the Balls: Carefully place a few potato balls in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides. This will happen quickly, so keep a close eye on them.
Avoid Overcrowding: Avoid overcrowding the oil with too many potato balls at once. This step ensures that the potato balls are evenly fried and achieve a perfect crispy texture.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Remove from Oil: Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried potato balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Season: Season with salt and pepper immediately if desired.
Serve Hot: Serve hot with your favorite dip. This step adds a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making the potato balls even more enjoyable.

Crispy Mashed Potato Balls

Spuddy

Crispy and delicious mashed potato balls coated in panko breadcrumbs, perfect for any appetizer or snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 ½ cups mashed potatoes
¼ cup minced red onion
2 tablespoons chives diced
2 garlic cloves minced
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
2 eggs beaten
1 ½ cup panko bread crumbs
Oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture:

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, minced red onion, diced chives, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Set Up the Breading Station:

Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl.
Place the panko bread crumbs in another bowl.

Form the Potato Balls:

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mashed potato mixture into 1 ½ inch balls. Roll each ball in your palms to ensure they are evenly shaped.

Coat the Potato Balls:

Dredge each potato ball in the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated.
Roll the egg-coated ball in the panko bread crumbs, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Place the coated balls on a plate and repeat until all the mashed potato mixture is used.

Fry the Potato Balls:

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 360°F (180°C). Test the oil by placing the end of a wooden spoon in the oil; if it bubbles around the spoon, the oil is ready.
Carefully place a few potato balls in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides. This will happen quickly, so keep a close eye on them.
Avoid overcrowding the oil with too many potato balls at once.

Drain and Serve:

Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried potato balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Season with salt and pepper immediately if desired.
Serve hot with your favorite dip.

Notes

Ensure the mashed potatoes are fully cooled before forming the balls to make handling easier.
You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.
For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and reduce the amount of oil for frying.

Keyword Crispy Mashed Potato Balls

Nutrition Information

Calories: 150
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 5g

Expert Tips for Success

Fully Cooled Mashed Potatoes: Ensure the mashed potatoes are fully cooled before forming the balls to make handling easier. This helps to achieve a consistent texture throughout the potato balls.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mashed potato mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs to suit your preferences.
Even Coating: Ensure the potato balls are evenly coated in egg and breadcrumbs to achieve a crispy and consistent texture.
Consistent Frying: Maintain a consistent oil temperature to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Variations and Customizations

Dietary Modifications

Vegan: Use plant-based cheese and eggs to make this recipe vegan-friendly. Ensure all other ingredients are certified vegan.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese to make this recipe dairy-free. Ensure all other ingredients are certified dairy-free.

Flavor Twists

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mashed potato mixture for a spicy twist.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the mashed potato mixture for an herbal note.
Cheesy Delight: Mix in additional shredded cheese like mozzarella or Swiss cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Crispy Mashed Potato Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the potato balls are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

You can freeze the potato balls for up to 2 months. Transfer the cooled potato balls to a freezer-safe container and freeze until solid. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the potato balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also use the microwave, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Add a splash of oil to help retain crispiness during reheating.

Serving Suggestions

These Crispy Mashed Potato Balls pair beautifully with:

Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch dressing, or sour cream.
Vegetable Sticks: Serve with vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for a healthier option.
Crackers: Serve with your favorite crackers for a crunchy and satisfying pairing.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed these Crispy Mashed Potato Balls, you might also like:

Swiss Potato Puffs: a delightful and crispy potato appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. With their fluffy mashed potato interior and golden, fried exterior.
Parmesan Stacked Potatoes: a delightful and elegant side dish that’s perfect for any special occasion. With their crispy Parmesan cheese topping and tender potato layers, they’re a dish that’s sure to impress.

Conclusion

Crispy Mashed Potato Balls are a delicious and versatile appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. With their creamy mashed potato interior and crispy panko breadcrumb exterior, they’re a treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them for a party, game day, or any social gathering, this recipe is a winner.

Don’t forget to try out the variations and customizations to make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Crispy Mashed Potato Balls!

Crispy Mashed Potato Balls Recipe