Loaded mashed potato bites are like little pockets of comfort! These crispy, golden bites are packed with creamy mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon for extra yum.
Who can resist a tasty snack that’s a bit cheesy? I love serving these at parties—they disappear faster than you can say “mashed potato!” They’re super easy to make, too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Start with creamy mashed potatoes made with butter and cream. If you’re short on time, store-bought mashed potatoes work too! For a healthier option, use cauliflower puree instead.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its rich flavor, but you can substitute with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist. Vegan cheese can also work if you’re avoiding dairy!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a great crunch! If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using crumbled tempeh bacon or leave it out entirely. Smoked paprika can also add a nice touch.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the bites a crunchy coating. In a pinch, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko makes them extra crispy.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Crispy Coating?
Achieving that golden, crispy outside is key to these bites. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F) before frying. This helps the bites cook quickly and become crispy without absorbing too much oil.
- Refrigerating the coated balls for 15-20 minutes helps them hold their shape while frying—this is a must!
- Don’t overcrowd your pan. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
By following these steps, you’ll end up with perfectly crunchy loaded mashed potato bites that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and cream)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Breading and Frying:
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Garnish:
- Extra bacon bits
- Chopped chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a little time mixing and forming the bites, with some chilling in the fridge for best results. In total, you’ll be enjoying these tasty morsels in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, and some salt and pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Form the Bites:
Now it’s time to make some bite-sized pieces! Grab a small ice cream scoop or your hands and take about 1 ½ inches of the potato mixture to form into balls. Place each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking.
3. Prepare for Breading:
Set up a little assembly line: put the beaten eggs in one bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in another. This will help you coat the potato bites perfectly.
4. Coat the Potato Bites:
Take each potato ball, dip it into the beaten egg, letting any extra egg drip off. Then, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until it’s fully coated. The breadcrumbs will give it that nice, crispy exterior!
5. Chill the Coated Bites:
Put the coated bites back on the baking sheet. To help them hold their shape while frying, refrigerate them for 15-20 minutes. This makes a difference in the texture!
6. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. Use a thermometer to check that it’s around 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for frying!
7. Fry the Potato Bites:
Once your oil is hot, carefully drop in the potato bites in small batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to crowd the pan—this helps them cook evenly.
8. Drain and Cool:
Once they’re golden, use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle your delicious loaded mashed potato bites with extra bacon bits and chopped chives for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them warm and enjoy your homemade snack!
These loaded mashed potato bites make for a delightful appetizer or even a fun side dish. Everyone will love them! Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure they are well-seasoned and creamy, so they hold together nicely when formed into bites.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and crispy, flipping halfway through for even browning.
How Do I Store Leftover Potato Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again!
Can I Freeze These Loaded Mashed Potato Bites?
Definitely! You can freeze the formed but uncooked potato bites. Just place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook them, fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
