Fried Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort food snack – crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and packed with delicious flavor. They take humble mashed potatoes and turn them into golden, bite-sized treats that are impossible to resist. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack, these little bites are always a hit.
The magic starts with leftover mashed potatoes, which are shaped into small balls and filled with cheese, herbs, or even bacon bits for an extra burst of flavor. Once coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown, they develop a perfectly crunchy crust that gives way to a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth center. Each bite delivers the best of both worlds, crispy texture and creamy comfort.
What makes these potato balls so irresistible is their versatility. They can be seasoned with garlic, green onions, paprika, or Parmesan to suit any taste, and they pair beautifully with dipping sauces like goat cheese dip, spicy mayo, or ranch. You can even bake them for a lighter version without losing their signature flavor and texture.
Perfect for using up leftovers, Fried Mashed Potato Balls are simple yet crowd-pleasing. They make an excellent addition to game nights, holiday spreads, or casual dinners, adding a touch of indulgence to any occasion. Their golden color and crispy exterior make them look as good as they taste, and once you try one, it’s hard to stop at just a few.
Crispy, creamy, and full of flavor, Fried Mashed Potato Balls are comfort food at its finest. They take something familiar and elevate it into a snack that feels both nostalgic and exciting, the kind of dish everyone reaches for first when it hits the table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes leftover or freshly made
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup chives chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs for coating
- 2 pieces eggs beaten
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- as needed tablespoons oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Form the mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Dip each ball into the beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the potato balls in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm.
Nutrition
These are amazing! I could eat them all day.
I tried this recipe but it was kinda bland. Maybe more spice next time?
Can I bake these instead of frying? I don’t have oil.
Very easy to make! My kids love them, thanks for sharing!
Yummy! 🤤
OMG so good! I added some bacon bits and they were a hit!
Bacon bits sound like a great idea! I will definitely try that next time!
I don’t know, adding bacon to a potato dish seems kinda weird… Mashed potatoes are perfect as is!
I don’t get it. Why fry something that’s already mashed? Sounds waste of potatoes.
Frying gives them a nice crispy texture! Don’t knock it till you try it. 😊
These were good but took too long to cook. I was getting hungry waiting!
I totally get you! Sometimes waiting for food feels like eternity, especially when you’re hungry. 🙄 But these potato balls are soooo worth it, right? Maybe next time, prep a snack while you wait! 😊