Have you ever wondered what to do with leftover mashed potatoes? Look no further than these incredible Fried Mashed Potato Balls! Crispy on the outside and creamy, cheesy on the inside, these delightful bites transform yesterday’s side dish into today’s star attraction. First, I’ll share why these addictive morsels deserve a spot in your recipe collection, and then guide you through creating them with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why Fried Mashed Potato Balls Will Become Your New Favorite
Unlike many leftover makeovers that taste like, well, leftovers, these Fried Mashed Potato Balls elevate simple mashed potatoes into something truly special. The contrast between the golden, crunchy exterior and the soft, cheesy center creates an irresistible texture combination that appeals to all ages.
Moreover, these versatile Fried Mashed Potato Balls work beautifully as an appetizer, side dish, or even the main attraction of a casual meal. Their portable nature makes them perfect for everything from game day gatherings to elegant cocktail parties.
The Perfect Solution for Leftover Mashed Potatoes
For one thing, we all face the challenge of repurposing leftover mashed potatoes. After all, they rarely maintain their creamy appeal when simply reheated. Transforming them into Fried Mashed Potato Balls not only solves this dilemma but actually improves upon the original!
In addition, this recipe helps reduce food waste while creating something new and exciting your family will request again and again. You might even find yourself deliberately making extra mashed potatoes just to create these Fried Mashed Potato Balls the next day!
Key Ingredients for Perfect Fried Mashed Potato Balls
The beauty of Fried Mashed Potato Balls lies in their simplicity. You’ll need:
- Cold leftover mashed potatoes as your base
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite variety)
- Eggs to bind everything together
- Breadcrumbs for that perfect crispy coating
- Optional mix-ins like bacon, herbs, or green onions
Interestingly, slightly dry leftover mashed potatoes often work better for Fried Mashed Potato Balls than freshly made ones, as they hold their shape more readily during the forming and frying process.
Cheese Options to Explore
While cheddar offers classic appeal in Fried Mashed Potato Balls, don’t hesitate to experiment with other varieties:
- Mozzarella creates amazing cheese pulls when the balls are broken open
- Pepper jack adds a spicy kick to your Fried Mashed Potato Balls
- Blue cheese provides a sophisticated flavor profile
- Gouda adds a subtle smokiness
Consequently, you can customize your Fried Mashed Potato Balls to complement whatever main dish you’re serving or simply match your mood that day.
Flavor Boosters for Extra Zing
Beyond the basic recipe, consider these delicious additions to your Fried Mashed Potato Balls:
- Crispy bacon bits
- Caramelized onions
- Roasted garlic
- Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill
- Finely diced jalapeños for heat
Furthermore, experimenting with different seasonings like smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or everything bagel seasoning can create exciting flavor variations in your Fried Mashed Potato Balls.
The Secret to Perfect Shaping
Before you begin forming your Ashed Potato Balls, chilling the mixture for at least 30 minutes makes a tremendous difference in the ease of shaping. Cold potato mixture handles more cooperatively than room temperature mash.
Additionally, slightly damp hands prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers as you roll the Fried Mashed Potato Balls. This simple trick helps create those perfectly round shapes that cook evenly.
Cooking Method Options
Although traditional deep-frying creates the most authentically crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls, you have several cooking alternatives:
- Air fryer (spray with oil for golden results)
- Oven baking (on a well-oiled sheet pan)
- Pan-frying in a skillet with less oil
Regardless of your chosen method, you’ll achieve that desirable contrast between crispy exterior and creamy interior that makes Fried Mashed Potato Balls so craveable.
Dipping Sauce Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Fried Mashed Potato Balls, consider these complementary dipping options:
- Tangy sour cream and chive sauce
- Spicy sriracha mayo
- Classic ranch dressing
- Warm marinara sauce
- Honey mustard
Indeed, offering a variety of dipping options allows everyone to customize their Fried Mashed Potato Balls experience.
Make-Ahead Tips for Entertaining
Perhaps the best feature of Fried Mashed Potato Balls for entertaining is their make-ahead potential. You can:
- Form the balls and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before coating and frying
- Coat the balls in breadcrumbs and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying
- Fully cook the Fried Mashed Potato Balls, then reheat in a 375°F oven just before serving
Thanks to these options, you can prepare most of the work well before your guests arrive, allowing you to enjoy the party rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
Storage and Reheating Solutions
If you happen to have leftover Fried Mashed Potato Balls (though this rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To restore their crispy exterior, reheat them in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes rather than using the microwave, which would leave them soggy. Your reheated Fried Mashed Potato Balls will taste nearly as good as freshly made ones!
Perfect Pairings
Besides enjoying Fried Mashed Potato Balls as an appetizer with dipping sauces, consider serving them:
- Alongside a hearty soup for lunch
- With a fresh green salad for dinner
- As a side dish with grilled meats
- As part of a brunch spread with eggs
However you choose to serve them, these versatile bites complement a wide variety of meals and occasions.
Kid-Friendly Cooking Project
Since forming Fried Mashed Potato Balls involves simple, hands-on techniques, this recipe makes an excellent cooking project for children. Kids love shaping the balls and watching the transformation as they cook.
As a bonus, children who help prepare Fried Mashed Potato Balls are more likely to enjoy eating them, making this a sneaky way to ensure your leftover mashed potatoes don’t go to waste!
Ready to Create These Irresistible Treats?
Below, you’ll find my tested recipe for creating perfect Fried Mashed Potato Balls that will have everyone asking for seconds. The process is straightforward, and the results will become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
As soon as you bite through that crispy exterior into the creamy, cheesy center, you’ll understand why these humble potato balls deserve their spotlight!
Cheesy Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe to Love
Description
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly cheesy, these Fried Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate way to reinvent your leftover mashed potatoes. Each bite delivers a perfect contrast of crunchy exterior and creamy, melty center—guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Whether served as an appetizer, side, or snack, these savory bites turn yesterday’s leftovers into today’s crowd-pleasing favorite. Ideal for parties, game nights, or cozy family dinners!
Ingredients
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, green onions, bacon (if using), garlic powder, pepper, and 1 beaten egg. Mix thoroughly.
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beat the remaining egg in a second dish, and mix panko breadcrumbs with dried parsley and paprika in a third dish.
With slightly dampened hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and roll into a ball (about 1½ inches in diameter).
Roll each ball first in flour (shaking off excess), then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the breaded Fried Mashed Potato Balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes to set the coating.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be about 2 inches deep.
Carefully lower 4-5 balls into the hot oil at a time, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove the Fried Mashed Potato Balls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with a light sprinkle of salt while still hot.
Continue frying in batches until all the Fried Mashed Potato Balls are cooked.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 230kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 8g16%
- Vitamin C 6 mg
- Calcium 110 mg
- Iron 1.2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
