Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Introduction

If you love mashed potatoes and crispy fried snacks, then Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls are about to become your new favorite dish. Golden on the outside with a soft, creamy mashed potato filling on the inside, these little bites of heaven are the perfect side dish, appetizer, or snack. The crispy coating provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy mashed potatoes inside offer a warm, comforting bite that everyone will love.

Perfect for parties, holiday meals, or any time you’re craving something indulgent, these Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls are a fun twist on traditional mashed potatoes. Whether served as an appetizer with dipping sauces or as a savory side dish, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and easy to make, with endless opportunities for customization based on what you have on hand.

In this article, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to create these crispy, creamy potato balls, from prep to frying. I’ll share tips to make them extra crispy, ideas for filling variations, and ways to make them your own. Let’s dive in and start frying up these delicious bites of comfort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy Perfection
   The crispy exterior is perfectly balanced by the creamy, smooth mashed potato filling. Each bite is a combination of crunch and comfort that’s hard to resist.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
   Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a game day party, or a casual family meal, these mashed potato balls are an ideal addition to any spread. They’re great as appetizers, sides, or snacks.
3. Easy to Make
   With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you don’t need to be an expert cook to make these. The process of mashing, forming, and frying is easy to follow and fun to do!
4. Customizable
   You can get creative with the ingredients you mix into the mashed potatoes or what you use for dipping sauces. Add cheese, bacon, or fresh herbs to your filling, or try different coatings for a unique twist.
5. Make Ahead & Freeze
   You can prepare these ahead of time and freeze them for later, making them a great dish for meal prep or future parties.
6. Kid-Friendly
   These mashed potato balls are a hit with kids! They’re bite-sized, easy to eat, and loaded with flavors that everyone enjoys.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 40 minutes

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (Frying Time)

Servings: This recipe makes approximately 18-20 potato balls, serving about 4-6 people depending on serving size.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g

Ingredients

To make Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls, you’ll need the following:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably leftover or freshly made)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, for added savory goodness)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for a touch of freshness)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for binding)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch)
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

If you’re starting from scratch, make your mashed potatoes first. Use about 2 cups of mashed potatoes (which is about 4 medium-sized potatoes). Make sure the mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy, as the consistency will help the balls hold together when frying. If your mashed potatoes are too thin, you can add a tablespoon or two of butter or sour cream to thicken them.

Optional Add-ins:

• For extra flavor, add in cheddar cheese, cooked bacon crumbles, or green onions to your mashed potatoes. These add-ins make your potato balls even more delicious and elevate the flavor.

Let the mashed potatoes cool for about 5 minutes before handling them to form the balls.

Step 2: Form the Potato Balls

Take about 1 tablespoon of mashed potatoes and roll it between your hands to form a smooth, compact ball. Repeat this process until all of the mashed potatoes are shaped into balls. The size of the balls can vary depending on how large or small you want them, but 1-inch balls work well for bite-sized servings.

Step 3: Dredge the Potato Balls

Once all the mashed potatoes are shaped, it’s time to coat them. This step ensures that the outside of the potato balls becomes crispy during frying.

1. Flour Dredge: Start by dredging each potato ball in all-purpose flour. This light coating helps the egg wash adhere.
2. Egg Wash: Dip the floured potato ball into the beaten egg to coat it thoroughly. This will help the breadcrumbs stick.
3. Breadcrumb Coating: Finally, roll the potato ball in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, you can use panko breadcrumbs, which provide a lighter, crispier texture.

Place each coated potato ball on a tray or plate and set them aside. Repeat this process until all the potato balls are coated.

Step 4: Fry the Potato Balls

Now it’s time to fry these crispy delights!

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat about 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when a small piece of bread dropped into the oil sizzles immediately.
2. Fry the Potato Balls: Carefully lower the potato balls into the hot oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the potato balls for 3-4 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy on all sides.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Once fried, remove the potato balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls have cooled slightly, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy ketchup.

How to Serve

Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls are extremely versatile and can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them as a fun, bite-sized appetizer at your next party or gathering. Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo.
• As a Side Dish: These potato balls are perfect alongside your favorite entrees, from roast chicken to grilled steak to vegan dishes like lentil loaf.
• For Game Day: Serve these crispy bites during a sports event or casual get-together with friends. They’re easy to grab and go, making them perfect for snacking.
• As a Comfort Food Snack: Enjoy these crispy, creamy potato balls on a cozy night in, paired with your favorite Netflix series and a cold drink.

Additional Tips

1. Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: If you’ve got leftover mashed potatoes from a previous meal, this is the perfect way to repurpose them. Just ensure the potatoes are cool enough to handle before forming the balls.
2. Make Them Ahead: If you’re preparing for a party or meal, you can make the mashed potato balls ahead of time, coat them, and freeze them before frying. When you’re ready to fry, simply heat the oil and cook from frozen (you may need to add an extra minute or two to the frying time).
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the potato balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures they fry evenly and become crispy all around.
4. Check the Temperature: To make sure the potatoes are heated through and fully cooked, you can check one by cutting it in half after frying. The inside should be soft and warm.

Recipe Variations

• Cheese-Stuffed Potato Balls: Try stuffing the center of your mashed potato balls with a small cube of cheddar or mozzarella cheese for an extra gooey, cheesy surprise.
• Bacon and Chive: For a savory twist, mix crispy bacon crumbles and chopped chives into the mashed potatoes. This version adds a smoky flavor to the balls that pairs wonderfully with the creamy potatoes.
• Spicy Potato Balls: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or jalapeño to the mashed potatoes for a spicy kick.
• Vegan Option: For a vegan version, simply use dairy-free mashed potatoes and substitute the egg with a flax egg or cornstarch slurry to bind the potato balls.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover mashed potato balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them by placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Freezing: To freeze the potato balls, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, fry them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Conclusion

Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls are an incredibly satisfying snack or side dish that’s sure to impress at your next meal or gathering. With their crispy exterior and creamy potato interior, they combine all the best flavors of comfort food into one irresistible bite.

By following this easy-to-follow recipe and incorporating your own personal twists, you’ll have a dish that’s not only crowd-pleasing but also a total game-changer in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to share your results—I’d love to hear what variations you come up with and how you serve them! Enjoy your crispy, golden, mashed potato perfection!

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