I had mashed potato bits, little stubborn specks of potato, stuck to the ceiling fan blades last Tuesday. Don’t ask. Just know that sometimes, cooking gets a little energetic.
Especially when you are trying to scoop out cold, stubborn mashed potatoes for something truly good. These Fried Mashed Potato Balls are worth a little kitchen chaos, and you can even look up the Best Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe for more inspiration. Maybe a quick wipe-down of the ceiling fan when you’re done.
Why You’ll Love These Fried Mashed Potato Balls
Look, everyone ends up with mashed potato leftovers. It happens, and usually, it is a good problem to have.
But you can only eat so much cold mashed potato with a spoon straight from the container. These balls turn something boring into a snack everyone wants.
Ingredients for Fried Mashed Potato Balls
Alright, let’s talk about what you need to make these beauties. No fancy stuff, just kitchen basics.
Potato Base
3 c. leftover mashed potatoes. Make sure they are cold, as cold potatoes hold together better. Use 1 tsp. garlic powder, Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
The Good Stuff
Add 3 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled. Toss in 2/3 c. shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp. thinly sliced chives.
For Frying
You will need 2 eggs, beaten, 1 1/3 c. panko bread crumbs, and vegetable oil for frying.
How to Make Fried Mashed Potato Balls
Get a big bowl and toss in your cold mashed potatoes. Add the bacon, cheddar, chives, and seasonings, then stir well.
Scoop the mixture into 1 to 2-inch balls. Dip each in the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the panko bread crumbs.
Heat 3 inches of oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry in batches for two to three minutes until golden brown.
Tips for Perfect Fried Mashed Potato Balls
Hot oil is key to avoiding greasy balls. Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady.
Do not skip chilling the mashed potatoes. Cold, firm potatoes hold their shape in the fryer.
Do not overcrowd the pan. Frying in small batches ensures each one gets crispy and cooks evenly.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These are great with sour cream or Greek yogurt. For a full spread, consider trying our Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: Fluffy and Flavorful Breakfast alongside them.
You can also swap in pepper jack cheese or smoked gouda. Air fry these at 375 degrees for 10 minutes if you prefer less oil.
Health Benefits
Potatoes are a solid source of Vitamin C, B6, and potassium. You can read more about the 7 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Potatoes for a deeper dive.
Eating real food made at home is always better. Moderation is key to enjoying these tasty treats.
Fried Mashed Potato Balls
Ingredients
- 3 c. leftover mashed potatoes
- 3 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2/3 c. shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp. chives thinly sliced
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 egg beaten
- 1 1/3 c. panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, 8 minutes. Drain on a paper-towel lined plate and crumble.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes with crumbled bacon, cheddar, chives, and garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until well incorporated.
- Place beaten eggs and panko bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls.
- Use a small cookie scoop to scoop 1” to 2” balls of the mashed potato mixture. Roll into a ball in your hands, then dredge first in egg and then in panko bread crumbs. Repeat until all mashed potatoes are used.
- For frying: Heat 3” of oil in a large cast iron skillet until candy thermometer reads 375°. Fry potato balls in batches until golden on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on a paper towel lined plate.
- For air-frying: Working in batches, arrange potato balls in a single layer in the air-fryer basket. Cook at 375° until panko is golden, about 10 minutes.
- Season with additional salt if desired and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use freshly made mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use freshly made mashed potatoes, but ensure they are chilled and firm before forming the balls for the best results.
How do I prevent the potato balls from falling apart when frying?
Make sure your mashed potatoes are well-chilled, and the potato balls are thoroughly coated in the egg and panko bread crumbs for a strong outer crust.
What kind of oil is best for frying these potato balls?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all great choices for deep frying as they have a high smoke point.
Can I bake or air fry these instead of deep frying?
You can try baking or air frying for a healthier option, but the texture may not be as crispy as deep-fried. Preheat your oven or air fryer and cook until golden brown.
How long do fried mashed potato balls last in the refrigerator?
Cooked fried mashed potato balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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