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If you love all things crispy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavor, the Fried Mashed Potato Balls with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives Recipe is about to become your new go-to snack or side dish. This delightful recipe transforms simple mashed potatoes into irresistible golden bites bursting with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh chives. Every crispy ball offers a perfect harmony of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures that will have you reaching for seconds without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create a dish that is both familiar and exciting. Each element plays a key role, from the creamy texture of mashed potatoes to the crispy, golden coating that makes these balls so addictive.
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes: The creamy base that holds everything together, offering that classic comforting flavor.
- 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds a smoky crunch that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese and potatoes.
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts delightfully inside for gooey, cheesy pockets in every bite.
- 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced chives: Brings a fresh, mild oniony brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder: Delivers a subtle savory underline without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Kosher salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds just the right hint of warmth and spice.
- 2 eggs, beaten: Binds the coating to the potato balls, ensuring a crispy crust.
- 1 1/3 cups panko bread crumbs: Provides a light but crunchy exterior for that perfect fried texture.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Essential for getting that golden, irresistible crust when frying traditionally.
How to Make Fried Mashed Potato Balls with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture
Start by combining your creamy mashed potatoes with the crumbled bacon, sharp cheddar, fresh chives, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Don’t forget to season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper—this step is key to bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony. Mix thoroughly so every bite is bursting with a balanced blend of savory goodness.
Step 2: Form and Bread the Potato Balls
Once your mixture is perfectly combined, it’s time to shape! Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into balls about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Then, dip each ball into the beaten eggs before rolling it generously in panko bread crumbs. The egg wash acts as a glue for the panko, ensuring a crunchy, golden coating after cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Potato Balls by Frying
Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet to 375°F. Carefully fry the potato balls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan so they cook evenly. In just 2 to 3 minutes, they’ll transform into golden, crispy spheres of joy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to keep that perfect crunch. Hit them with a sprinkle of salt right away to enhance the savory crust.
Step 4: Cook the Potato Balls by Air Frying
If you want a lighter cooking method without sacrificing crunch, the air fryer is your best friend here. Preheat it to 375°F and arrange the potato balls in a single layer to ensure crispness. Air fry for about 10 minutes or until they’re evenly golden and crispy. When they’re done, season immediately with salt for that final punch of flavor. Either method yields fantastic results!
How to Serve Fried Mashed Potato Balls with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Fried Mashed Potato Balls with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives Recipe truly shine, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or a little shredded cheddar on top. For a fun twist, offer a side of sour cream or a creamy ranch dip to complement the crispy exterior and cheesy interior perfectly.
Side Dishes
These potato balls pair beautifully with almost anything from a fresh green salad for a light bite to roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal. They also work wonderfully alongside grilled meats or crispy fried chicken, making them versatile enough for appetizers, snacks, or dinner sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your Fried Mashed Potato Balls with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives Recipe into party stars? Serve them on skewers with alternating cherry tomatoes and cubes of cheese, or create a playful dipping station with multiple sauces like spicy aioli, honey mustard, and chipotle mayo. Presentation matters as much as flavor when you want to impress friends and family!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the balls moist inside but still lets you enjoy the flavors without compromise.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the shaped and breaded potato balls on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months and can be cooked straight from frozen, perfect for a quick snack anytime.
Reheating
To bring your Fried Mashed Potato Balls back to their crispy glory, reheat them in the air fryer or oven rather than the microwave. This method restores their crunchy outer layer while warming the cheesy, flavorful center just right.
FAQs
Can I use freshly made mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! Freshly made mashed potatoes work wonderfully as long as they’re not too watery. For best results, let them cool and firm up in the fridge before making the balls so they hold their shape during frying.
What can I substitute for panko bread crumbs?
If panko isn’t available, regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers can work as a coating. Just keep in mind that panko provides a lighter, crispier texture that’s hard to beat.
Can these be baked instead of fried?
You can bake these potato balls at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they won’t be as crispy as fried, they still taste delicious with a golden crust.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Simply omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon substitute. The cheddar and chives still deliver great flavor, making this a tasty vegetarian-friendly treat.
How long do the potato balls take to cook?
When frying, they cook in about 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. In an air fryer, expect about 10 minutes at 375°F. Both methods are quick and give you that perfect crispy exterior.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into warm, crispy, cheesy fried mashed potato balls that are packed with smoky bacon and bright chives. The Fried Mashed Potato Balls with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives Recipe is a fantastic way to turn simple leftovers into a dish that feels special and indulgent. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy morsel with your loved ones!
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Fried Mashed Potato Balls with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy fried mashed potato balls are a perfect savory snack or appetizer made from leftover mashed potatoes mixed with bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives, then breaded and fried until golden brown. They can be cooked either by deep frying or air frying, offering a versatile and delicious way to enjoy a comforting classic.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced chives
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Breading and Frying
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/3 cups panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes with cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced chives, and garlic powder. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form and Bread the Potato Balls: Place the beaten eggs and panko bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Scoop 1 to 2 inch portions of the potato mixture using a small cookie scoop or hands, and roll into balls. Dip each ball first into the beaten eggs, then evenly coat with panko breadcrumbs. Continue until all mixture is shaped and breaded.
- Cook the Potato Balls by Frying: Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat to 375°F, using a candy thermometer to monitor temperature. Fry the potato balls in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until golden brown on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Immediately season with salt.
- Cook the Potato Balls by Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Arrange breaded potato balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if required. Air fry until the panko coating is golden and crispy, approximately 10 minutes. Season with salt right after cooking before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to ensure the potato balls cook evenly and become crispy.
- If you prefer a lower-fat option, use the air fryer method instead of frying in oil.
- Use leftover mashed potatoes that are well seasoned and not too runny for best results.
- You can add other herbs or spices like paprika or parsley for additional flavor.
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding while frying or air frying to maintain crispiness.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
