These Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are little balls of happiness! Packed with creamy mashed potatoes, cheese, and crisp bacon bits, they’re perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
Honestly, who can resist a cheesy bite with a crispy outside? I love making these for friends—they always disappear faster than I can make them! Add some sour cream for extra fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Start with cool, creamy mashed potatoes. You can use leftovers or make them fresh. If you’re in a pinch, store-bought mashed potatoes work, just make sure they’re not too runny.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a fantastic flavor. You can swap it for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different taste. Vegan cheese alternative works too if you’re dairy-free!
Bacon: Cooked bacon crumbles bring in a nice crunch. If you’re vegetarian, turkey bacon or chopped mushrooms can be good replacements to maintain that hearty texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are perfect for that crispy coating. Regular breadcrumbs can work as a substitute but may not be as crunchy. For a gluten-free version, check for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
How Do You Get Crispy Coating on Loaded Mashed Potato Bites?
The coating on these bites is key to achieving that delicious crunch! Here’s how to nail it:
- First, ensure your panko coating is generous. It gives a light, crispy texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- When forming the balls, make sure the potato mixture is well combined. Otherwise, they may fall apart while frying.
- For frying, heat your oil to around 350°F (175°C). Too cool, and the bites soak up oil; too hot, and they burn before cooking through.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. This keeps the temperature steady and helps the bites fry evenly.
Following these tips should help you achieve perfectly crispy Loaded Mashed Potato Bites every time!
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mixture:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and cooled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Coating and Frying:
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Serving:
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Optional: drizzle of maple syrup or hot sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes for cooking, making the total time about 45 minutes. It’s a fun and quick way to enjoy mashed potatoes in a new way!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely combined. This will be the tasty filling for your bites!
2. Shape the Bites:
Using your hands or a scoop, take the mixture and form it into bite-sized balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined tray or plate so they don’t stick together.
3. Set Up for Coating:
Prepare two shallow dishes: one with the beaten eggs and the other with the panko breadcrumbs. This will make the coating process easy and organized.
4. Coat the Potato Bites:
Take each potato ball and dip it into the beaten eggs first, making sure any excess egg drips off. Next, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until it’s fully coated. Place the coated bites back on the tray, ready for frying.
5. Fry the Bites:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the potato bites in batches, for about 2-3 minutes each, until they turn golden brown and crispy. This step is where the magic happens—they’ll get nice and crunchy!
6. Drain and Serve:
Once they’re golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the bites and drain them on paper towels to get rid of any excess oil.
7. Enjoy Your Loaded Bites:
Serve the bites warm, garnished with extra chopped green onions. Don’t forget to add sour cream on the side for dipping! If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle them with maple syrup or hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor. Enjoy your delicious, crispy Loaded Mashed Potato Bites!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure they’re cool when mixing to help the bites hold their shape.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated bites on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through for even browning.
How Do I Store Leftover Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With These Bites?
Sour cream is a classic choice, but you can also try ranch dressing, a spicy mayo, or even a homemade salsa for a fun twist. Adding a drizzle of balsamic reduction also brings an elegant touch!
