These Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, packed with cheese, bacon, and green onions! They’re perfect for a snack or side dish.
Who can resist that cheesy goodness? I love making them for gatherings, and they usually disappear fast. They’re so easy to pop in your mouth—just be careful, they’re hot! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Use well-seasoned mashed potatoes, either homemade or store-bought. If you have leftover potatoes, this is a great use! If you’re short on time, instant mashed potatoes can work in a pinch, just add extra flavorings.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack adds a nice twist too if you want a little spice! You can also use dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon adds a delicious crunch. You can swap in turkey bacon for a healthier option, or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version. Smoked paprika can give a nice flavor if you skip the bacon.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko adds a light, crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but they won’t have the same crunch. If you’re avoiding gluten, there are gluten-free panko options available!
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Coating on These Bites?
The secret to a perfect crispy coating lies in the breading technique. Follow these steps carefully to ensure the coating sticks and fries up nice and crunchy.
- Coat each potato ball in flour first. This helps absorb moisture and create a base for the egg to adhere to.
- After dipping in the egg, roll it in panko breadcrumbs thoroughly. Press lightly to help the breadcrumbs stick well.
- Fry in hot oil—make sure it’s around 350°F (175°C) for the best crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches.
- Let them rest on paper towels to drain excess oil to keep them crispy.
These tips will help you achieve that unbeatable crunch every time!
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (well seasoned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (reserve some for topping)
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (plus extra for serving)
- 1 large egg, beaten
For Breading and Frying:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ranch dressing or cheese sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 25-30 minutes in total, including prep time (15 minutes) and frying time (10-15 minutes). Once you fry them, they’re ready to be enjoyed hot and crispy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, sour cream, and the beaten egg. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy. Taste it, and if you think it needs a little extra flavor, add salt and pepper to your liking.
2. Shape the Bites:
Using your hands, take small portions of the potato mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray as you go. It’s okay if they’re a little different in size—just try to keep them consistent for even cooking!
3. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Get your breading station ready! In one shallow bowl, add the flour. In a second bowl, pour in the beaten egg. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. This will help you coat the potato bites perfectly!
4. Coat the Potato Bites:
Take a potato ball and lightly coat it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg so it’s fully covered, and then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat this for all the potato balls.
5. Fry the Bites:
In a deep pan or fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few potato bites to the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once all the bites are fried, garnish each one with a sprinkle of extra crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. Add a small dollop of sour cream on top for that extra touch!
7. Enjoy!
Serve these warm, with optional ranch dressing, cheese sauce, or extra sour cream on the side for dipping. They’re sure to be a hit—enjoy your delicious Loaded Mashed Potato Bites!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for these bites. Just make sure they’re well-seasoned and have a nice creamy texture. If they’re a bit dry, add a splash of milk or cream to moist them up before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying These Bites?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded potato bites on a greased baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for added crispiness. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover potato bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare and shape the potato bites, then refrigerate them (covered) for a few hours or overnight before frying. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before frying for the best results!