MASHED POTATO BALLS

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Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort-food transformation. They take humble leftover mashed potatoes and turn them into crisp, golden bites filled with melty cheese, savory bacon, and fresh herbs. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, side dish, or party food, these potato balls deliver big flavor with minimal waste—making them both delicious and practical.

If you’ve ever had leftover mashed potatoes sitting in your refrigerator with no exciting plan for them, this recipe is the answer. With a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can create irresistibly crunchy potato balls that look impressive, taste indulgent, and disappear fast.

These Mashed Potato Balls are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and endlessly customizable. They can be pan-fried, air-fried, or baked depending on your preference, and they’re perfect for dipping in sour cream, ranch, or spicy aioli.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Uses leftover mashed potatoes (no waste!)

  • Crispy, golden crust with creamy interior

  • Easy to customize with different cheeses and mix-ins

  • Great for make-ahead meals and parties

  • Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

  • Can be fried, baked, or air-fried

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
    (Cold mashed potatoes work best—plain or lightly seasoned)

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
    Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but mild cheddar works too

  • ¼ cup crumbled turkey bacon (optional)
    Adds smoky, savory depth without excess grease

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
    For freshness, color, and mild onion flavor

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Seasonings

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Coating

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

For Cooking

  • Neutral oil for frying (if pan-frying), or

  • Cooking spray (for baking or air-frying)

Ingredient Notes & Tips

Mashed Potatoes

Leftover mashed potatoes are ideal because they’re already chilled and firm, which makes shaping much easier. If your mashed potatoes contain butter or milk, that’s perfectly fine. Just avoid potatoes that are overly runny or watery.

If your mashed potatoes are very soft:

  • Add 1–2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs or grated cheese to help firm them up.

Cheese

Cheddar melts beautifully and adds richness, but you can substitute:

  • Mozzarella (for stretchy centers)

  • Pepper Jack (for spice)

  • Colby-Jack

  • Smoked cheddar

Turkey Bacon

Turkey bacon provides savory flavor with less fat. You can substitute:

  • Regular bacon

  • Pancetta

  • Diced ham
    Or omit entirely for a vegetarian version.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, add:

  • Mashed potatoes

  • Shredded cheddar cheese

  • Crumbled turkey bacon (if using)

  • Chives or green onions

  • Garlic powder

  • Onion powder

  • Salt and pepper

Mix thoroughly using a spatula or clean hands until everything is evenly incorporated.

Why this step matters:
Even mixing ensures every bite has cheese, seasoning, and flavor—not just plain potato.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture (If Needed)

If the mixture feels too soft or sticky:

  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes

Chilling helps the potatoes firm up, making them easier to shape and coat.

Step 3: Shape the Potato Balls

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball.

Place shaped balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Pro Tip:
Lightly dampen your hands with water to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Set Up the Breading Station

Prepare two shallow bowls:

  1. One with the beaten egg

  2. One with panko breadcrumbs

Roll each potato ball:

  1. First in the egg, coating completely

  2. Then in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere

Place coated balls back onto the baking sheet.

Cooking Methods (Choose One)

Option 1: Pan-Frying (Crispiest Result)

  1. Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.

  2. Once hot, carefully add potato balls in batches.

  3. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden brown.

  4. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Best for: Ultra-crispy exterior and classic flavor.

Option 2: Air Frying (Lighter Option)

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Lightly spray potato balls with cooking spray.

  3. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Best for: Less oil, quick cleanup.

Option 3: Baking (Hands-Off)

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).

  2. Place balls on a greased baking sheet.

  3. Spray lightly with oil.

  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.

Best for: Large batches and convenience.

Serving Suggestions

Mashed Potato Balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

As an Appetizer

  • With sour cream

  • Ranch dressing

  • Garlic aioli

  • Spicy sriracha mayo

As a Side Dish

  • With roasted chicken

  • Alongside steak or pork chops

  • As a holiday side alternative

As Party Food

  • Serve with toothpicks

  • Pair with multiple dipping sauces

  • Keep warm in a low oven

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead

  • Shape and bread the potato balls

  • Refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking

Freezing

  • Freeze uncooked balls on a tray

  • Transfer to freezer bags

  • Freeze up to 2 months

  • Cook directly from frozen (add a few extra minutes)

Storage

  • Store cooked balls in an airtight container

  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days

Reheating

  • Air fryer: 375°F for 4–5 minutes

  • Oven: 400°F for 8–10 minutes
    (Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose crispness)

Flavor Variations

Loaded Potato Balls

Add:

  • Extra cheese

  • Bacon

  • Serve with sour cream

Spicy Version

Add:

  • Jalapeños

  • Cayenne pepper

  • Pepper Jack cheese

Italian Style

Add:

  • Parmesan cheese

  • Italian seasoning

  • Serve with marinara sauce

Vegetarian Version

Skip bacon and add:

  • Sautéed mushrooms

  • Spinach

  • Roasted garlic

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using warm mashed potatoes – They won’t hold shape

  2. Skipping chilling – Makes rolling difficult

  3. Overcrowding the pan – Leads to uneven browning

  4. Too much oil heat – Burns the coating before the inside warms

Nutrition & Comfort Food Balance

Mashed Potato Balls strike a balance between indulgence and practicality. They repurpose leftovers, control portion sizes, and allow flexibility with cooking methods. Baking or air-frying significantly reduces fat while keeping texture satisfying.

Final Thoughts

These Mashed Potato Balls are proof that leftovers can become something extraordinary. Crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads. Once you try them, you’ll start making extra mashed potatoes just to have an excuse to prepare these golden bites.

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