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loaded mashed potato bites in a bowl
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4.70 from 50 votes

Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Fried Mashed Potato Balls are the perfect way to use up leftovers from Thanksgiving. Loaded mashed potatoes combined with crispy bacon, cheese, green onion are shaped into the balls and coated with the crispy Panko bread crumbs and fried to golden brown crust! Yum!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Author: Becky Hardin

Ingredients

  • 3 cups leftover or pre-prepared mashed potatoes, cold
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 3/4 cup cooked bacon crumbles
  • 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/2 cup panko style bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, shredded cheddar, onions, and bacon. Mix everything nicely.
    3 cups leftover, 1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup chopped green onions, 3/4 cup cooked bacon crumbles
    combine mashed potato, cheese and bacon in a glass bowl.
  • Use an ice cream scoop to form 1 inch balls, rolling with your hands to create the shape.
    rolling mashed potato mixture into the palm to make a dent
  • Push 1 Colby Jack cube into the center of each ball, and then re-roll the mashed potato mixture around it to make it round again.
    Place on a plate and repeat with the rest of the mashed potatoes. Set in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.
    8 ounces Colby Jack cheese
    placed a cheese cube and roll it back to a round ball
  • In a shallow bowl, place the egg.
    1 egg
  • In another shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and salt and pepper.
    1/2 cup panko style bread crumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste
  • Start by dipping each ball into the egg mixture, shaking off the excess, and then rolling in the panko mixture.
    Pat to make sure the panko adheres well and that the mashed potatoes are fully covered. Set back on the plate and set aside.
    dredging and coated with Panko bread crumbs
  • Heat a large pot or dutch oven with about 2-3 inches of oil to 375°F.
    Oil for frying
  • Carefully drop in the mashed potato balls 3-4 at a time into the hot oil, allowing them to be fully submerged. Use a slotted spoon to lightly stir as they fry to make sure they don't stick to the bottom or sides of the pot.
    deep frying the coated loaded mashed potato balls
  • Fry each for 2-3 minutes or until they are fully browned and crispy. Use the slotted spoon to remove from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining mashed potato balls until they are all fried.
    Serve while hot and enjoy!
    place them on a kitchen towel

Video

Notes

  • For more flavors add sour cream or seasoned cream cheese.
  • Feel free to use cilantro or parsley or thyme in place of green onions.
  • While deep frying, keep turning the balls every 1 minute. Don't wait to cook on one side before turning sides. It makes the cheese come out in the middle.
  • If want to bake in the oven, bake them for 20 min at 350°F. Flip them in between.
  • To air fry them, spray the basket with non-sticky cooking oil and fry them at 380°F for 15-20 mins or until crust is golden.

Nutrition

Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 855mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1205IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 445mg | Iron: 1.2mg