Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

I absolutely love this Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe because it gives new life to leftover mashed potatoes in the most delicious way. There’s something magical about crispy, golden exteriors giving way to soft, cheesy, and savory centers that just feel like a little celebration in every bite. Whether you’re whipping these up for a casual family dinner or a fun party appetizer, they never fail to impress!

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was yet how much flavor packed inside each potato ball. You’ll find that making these is pretty straightforward, and the best part is how customizable they are – plus, they heat up amazingly well if you have leftovers. This Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I know you’ll enjoy it just as much as my family does.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe come together to balance creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures perfectly. Keep your leftovers handy, and I promise the rest will make your kitchen smell irresistible!

• Mashed potatoes: Leftover mashed potatoes work best since they’re already seasoned and cooled, making shaping easier.
• Bacon: Adds smoky crunch – cooking it until nice and crispy makes all the difference.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar provides that melty, gooey center everyone craves.
• Chives: Fresh chives bring a mild oniony brightness that lifts the whole dish.
• Garlic powder: A subtle punch of flavor that complements the cheese and potatoes.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance the flavors perfectly.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder and sticky coating for the bread crumbs to adhere to.
• Panko bread crumbs: Gives that unbeatable crunch and golden color when fried or air-fried.
• Vegetable oil: For frying – choose one with a high smoke point.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Adding your own personal flair means you can tailor it to any occasion, diet, or taste preference.

• Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms for a savory twist – my family actually liked it just as much that way!
• Spicy Kick: Mix in some finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to give these a little heat that wakes up your palate.
• Cheese swap: Try mozzarella or pepper jack for different melty textures or flavors – it keeps things fun.
• Air fryer approach: Perfect for a lighter version or when you want less mess, and the crispy coating turns out beautifully.

How to Make Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Season Your Mashed Potato Base

Start by combining your cold leftover mashed potatoes with crisp, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, thinly sliced chives, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. The key here is to make sure everything’s well distributed so each bite bursts with flavor. I love mixing gently with a spoon or my hands — it’s satisfying and lets you watch the mix come together perfectly.

Step 2: Shape and Coat Your Potato Balls

Grab a small cookie scoop or a spoon to portion out the mixture into 1-2 inch balls — don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round, rustic shapes taste better! Roll each ball gently in your hands to smooth the edges, then dip first into the beaten eggs and then in the panko bread crumbs. This double dip ensures a crispy, crunchy crust. I usually set up my bowls side by side for an efficient assembly line.

Step 3: Fry or Air Fry Until Golden and Crisp

If frying on the stovetop, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet to 375°F. Fry the potato balls in batches, turning to get a deep golden brown on all sides, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with a little extra salt. I discovered this step makes a huge difference – salty potatoes are irresistible!

Or, if using an air fryer, arrange the balls in a single layer in the basket and cook at 375°F for about 10 minutes until the panko looks golden and crisp, shaking halfway through. They come out wonderfully crispy without the extra oil, which is my go-to for a lighter treat.

How to Serve Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these potato balls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley for color and a subtle fresh flavor contrast. A dusting of paprika or a drizzle of garlic aioli can also elevate the experience. Personally, serving them with a side of sour cream mixed with a hint of lemon juice or even a spicy ketchup adds a nice tang that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

These Fried Mashed Potato Balls go great with a crisp salad to balance the heaviness—think arugula with a light vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw. For dinner, I pair them with grilled chicken or meatloaf. They also make a hit alongside comfort foods like baked beans or slow-cooked greens.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these on a platter with toothpicks inserted, surrounded by colorful veggies on the sides — it’s a fun finger food platter everyone loves. Another time, I layered them on a bed of spicy marinara sauce for a playful twist, almost like little potato arancini. Presentation can be as casual or dressed up as you want!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover fried mashed potato balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep surprisingly well, and I love having them ready for quick snacks or sides during the week. Just keep the container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and keep them crunchy.

Freezing

If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the uncooked potato balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to freezer bags. This way, I can fry or air fry from frozen, just adding a couple minutes to the cooking time. Freezing doesn’t sacrifice texture much, which is great for busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer popping them in the oven at 375°F or using the air fryer for 5-7 minutes to bring back crispiness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving because they tend to get soggy. This simple reheating method makes leftovers taste nearly fresh!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to ways to turn leftovers into something magical — it’s comfort food with a fun twist that brings smiles at every meal. I hope you give this a try soon because it’s just one of those recipes that’s easy to make, adaptable, and absolutely satisfying. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making these for every family gathering and craving you have!

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