Description
Turn leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden-fried potato balls with gooey cheese centers. Perfect for parties, game day, or cozy snacking, this recipe is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients
2 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers work best; make sure they’re not too runny)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella/pepper jack for variation)
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, or swap for ham/chicken/veggies)
2 tablespoons chives or green onions, finely chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups panko bread crumbs (seasoned or plain)
Vegetable oil, for frying (canola or peanut oil also work)
Sour cream or ranch, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheese, bacon, chives, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into balls slightly smaller than a golf ball. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Set up a coating station: beat eggs in one shallow bowl and add panko to another. Roll each potato ball in egg, then coat in panko. Press lightly so crumbs stick.
Refrigerate coated potato balls for 20–30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 375°F. Working in small batches, fry potato balls for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve hot with sour cream, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Option: Spray coated potato balls lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for about 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Notes
Make Ahead: Shape and coat the balls, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before frying.
Freeze: Freeze uncooked balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Fry from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to cook time.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until crisp again.
Variations: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack; add veggies like corn or spinach; or skip bacon for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 potato balls
- Calories: 280KCL
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 9mg
Keywords: Fried mashed potato balls, leftover mashed potatoes recipe, potato appetizer, crispy potato snack