Crispy Mashed Potato Bites

Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into crave-worthy fried bites. Crunchy outside, cheesy goodness inside. You just toss in some bacon, cheddar, plus fresh chives for a real punch of flavor. It’s a simple crowd-pleaser, perfect for snacking or bringing to a party. Folks will be back for more.

INGREDIENTS

• Cheddar cheese: ⅔ cup shredded
• Kosher salt and black pepper: add as much as you want
• Panko bread crumbs: 1⅓ cups
• Chives: 2 tbsp sliced up
• Bacon: 3 cooked strips, crumbled
• Leftover mashed potatoes: 3 cups
• Eggs: 2, beaten well
• Vegetable oil: for frying up
• Garlic powder: ½ tsp

HOW TO MAKE IT

Step 1:

Mix together the garlic powder, salt, pepper, chives, cheddar, mashed potatoes, and crumbled bacon in a big bowl.

Step 2:

Grab some of the mix and roll it into balls, about golf ball size, maybe smaller.

Step 3:

Dip the balls into your beaten eggs, then cover them all over with panko.

Step 4:

For air frying: Lay them in the fryer basket so they're not touching. Set to 375°F, and let them cook for 10 minutes till they brown up.

Step 5:

If pan frying: Warm up 3 inches oil to 375°F in a deep pan. Add balls in batches. Let them fry 2-3 minutes until you see golden. Drain any oil off on a towel.

Tips for Serving & Keeping Fresh

• To keep them crispy, reheat any leftovers in your air fryer or oven. Store extras in a sealed box in the fridge (good for about two days).
• They taste best while piping hot. Dip them in ranch, spicy mayo, or sour cream if you want extra flavor.

Handy Stuff to Know

• Don’t be afraid to try mozzarella or pepper jack for a new twist.
• If your mash is too soft, it’s tricky to make balls. Chill the mix or add flour to firm it up before shaping.

What Chefs Swear By

• Let the balls hang out in the fridge for 15 minutes before frying so they keep their shape better.

Bite-Sized Cheesy Perfection

You’ll love biting into that crisp shell and smooth, cheesy center. These snacks are easy to put together, fun to eat, and your leftovers will never go to waste again.

FAQs

Is baking an option?

Yep, pop them in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes, turn 'em once, and wait for that crispy finish.

No panko crumbs—what else can I use?

Crush up some crackers or use basic breadcrumbs instead. Works great!

Can I prep them before I need them?

Definitely. Shape the balls and let them sit in the fridge for a few hours before frying or air frying.

Why are they falling apart?

Your mashed potatoes might be too soft or warm. Try cooling them more or stir in a bit of flour to help hold it together.

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Summary

Crunchy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, these potato balls bring new life to mashed potato leftovers. Mix in sharp cheddar, bits of bacon, and a handful of herbs, then shape the blend into bite-size balls. Coat them with egg wash and panko, and fry them to a crispy finish. You can also air-fry for a healthier version without missing out on the crunch. Serve them fresh for a satisfying snack or appetizer everyone will crave!