Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into an irresistible appetizer! These golden-fried mashed potato bites are perfectly breaded, offering a crispy exterior and a creamy, flavorful interior. They are truly the ultimate finger food for any gathering.
This post has been created in partnership with Betty Crocker
The Ultimate Crispy Mashed Potato Bites: Your New Favorite Appetizer!
The holiday season, or any festive occasion, calls for delicious and memorable appetizers that will delight your guests. Not long ago, I reached out to my wonderful community on Facebook, asking what types of recipes they were most eager to create for upcoming celebrations. While I half-expected a chorus of requests for elaborate cookies or decadent desserts, the response was overwhelmingly clear: appetizers!
And boy, have I got an appetizer for you today! Get ready to discover a true crowd-pleaser that takes comfort food to an entirely new level. These delectable mashed potato balls are a celebration of carbs, pure indulgence, and ultimate satisfaction. If there’s ever a time to pull out all the stops and serve something truly special that your friends and family won’t be able to get enough of, it’s now. These crispy potato bites are not just food; they’re an experience, a conversation starter, and a guaranteed hit!
What makes these fried loaded mashed potato balls so phenomenal? Besides their incredible taste and texture, they are surprisingly easy to prepare. The secret weapon for speed and flavor? We start with Betty Crocker Ultimate Loaded Mashed Potatoes. This choice significantly cuts down on prep time without sacrificing that rich, savory, and creamy mashed potato goodness. The key to their perfect structure and fry-ability is to prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and ensure they are thoroughly chilled before you begin the breading process. Once coated in a light, crunchy panko breadcrumb layer, they’re ready for their golden transformation. A quick fry just before serving, and you’ll have an appetizer that will disappear faster than you can say “more, please!”
Why These Mashed Potato Bites Are a Must-Try
Beyond being incredibly tasty, these crispy mashed potato bites offer several advantages that make them ideal for entertaining:
- **Crowd-Pleaser:** Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? Frying them and serving them as bite-sized pieces makes them universally appealing.
- **Make-Ahead Potential:** The ability to prepare the potato balls and refrigerate them in advance is a game-changer for stress-free hosting.
- **Versatile:** While perfect as an appetizer, they also make a fantastic side dish for a casual dinner or a fun addition to a brunch spread.
- **Comfort Food Elevated:** Taking a beloved classic and transforming it into a sophisticated, yet approachable, finger food adds a touch of culinary creativity to your menu.
- **Texture Heaven:** The contrast between the crisp, golden exterior and the warm, fluffy, loaded mashed potato interior is simply irresistible.
Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these extraordinary fried loaded mashed potato balls.
Simple Ingredients for Stunning Results
You’ll be amazed at how few ingredients are needed to create such an impressive appetizer. For this recipe, you’ll primarily require three core components:
- **Chilled Mashed Potatoes:** As mentioned, Betty Crocker Ultimate Loaded Mashed Potatoes work wonders here, prepped according to package directions and then thoroughly chilled. Chilling is crucial as it firms up the potatoes, making them much easier to handle and preventing them from falling apart during the breading and frying stages.
- **Eggs:** These act as the binding agent, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the potato balls.
- **Panko Breadcrumbs:** The secret to that extra-crispy, light, and airy crust. Panko provides a superior crunch compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
- **Oil for Frying:** A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, is essential for deep frying.
That’s it! With these simple items, you’re well on your way to creating a culinary masterpiece.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Perfection
1. Forming the Potato Balls
Begin by taking your thoroughly chilled mashed potatoes. Using a small scoop, like a mini ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, is the easiest and most consistent way to form 1-inch balls. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking. Roll each portion gently between your palms to create a smooth, compact sphere. This step is much simpler with cold potatoes, as they are less sticky and hold their shape better. Place the formed balls on a clean baking sheet as you go.
2. The Double Breading Technique
To ensure a robust, crispy crust that locks in all the creamy potato goodness, we’ll employ a double-breading method. This creates a stronger barrier, preventing the potato from escaping into the hot oil and giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
First, set up your dredging station: one shallow dish for the whisked eggs and another for the panko breadcrumbs. Take each potato ball and gently dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Next, carefully transfer the egg-coated potato ball into the panko breadcrumbs. Roll it around, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere completely to all surfaces.
For the second layer, dip the breaded potato ball back into the egg wash.
And then, for the final touch, roll it once more in the panko breadcrumbs. This double layer is what gives these bites their incredible texture and holds them together perfectly during frying.
3. Chilling for Success
Once all the potato balls are double-coated, place them back on a baking sheet. Now, it’s critical to refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This second chilling period is just as important as the first. It allows the breading to set firmly, creating a resilient crust that won’t fall off in the hot oil. You can even prepare these well in advance – a few hours or even overnight – and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to fry, making them an ideal make-ahead appetizer for busy hosts.
4. Frying to Golden Perfection
The final step is perhaps the most exciting! Heat about 2 inches of a neutral frying oil in a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. The ideal oil temperature for frying these potato balls is around 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you have a deep-fry thermometer, use it! If not, a small piece of breading dropped into the oil should sizzle immediately but not burn. Fry the potato balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy results. Fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy all over. Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serving Suggestions & Expert Tips
Serve these crispy potato bites warm for the best experience. If you need to fry them a little ahead of time, keep them warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with a wire cooling rack so that air can circulate, helping them stay crispy while they wait. Avoid stacking them, as this can trap steam and make them soft.
Enhance the Experience with Dips:
While delicious on their own, these fried mashed potato balls are incredible with a dipping sauce. Consider:
- Sour cream and chive dip
- Ranch dressing
- Warm cheese sauce
- Spicy sriracha mayo
- Classic ketchup
- A homemade garlic aioli
Creative Variations:
Feel free to get creative with your mashed potatoes before forming the balls:
- **Cheesy Bites:** Fold in a handful of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan cheese into your mashed potatoes before chilling.
- **Bacon Lovers:** Add crispy, crumbled bacon bits to the mashed potatoes.
- **Herb Infusion:** Mix in finely chopped fresh chives, parsley, or dill for an aromatic twist.
- **Spicy Kick:** A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the mashed potatoes can add a delightful warmth.
These perfect little potato bites are guaranteed to be a hit at your next party, game day, or family gathering. They’re a simple yet elegant way to elevate a classic side dish into an unforgettable appetizer.
Fried Loaded Mashed Potato Balls
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Ingredients
- 1 package Betty Crocker Ultimate Loaded Mashed Potatoes half of a 10 oz box, prepared, chilled
- 4 egg
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Using a scoop or your hands, roll the chilled mashed potatoes into approximately 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet.
- Prepare your breading station: Lightly whisk the eggs in one shallow dish, and place the panko breadcrumbs in another. For a double coating, first roll a potato ball thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, then dip it into the whisked egg, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs again, ensuring a complete and even coating. Repeat this process for all potato balls. Arrange the breaded balls on a clean baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the coating.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully fry the potato balls in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are crispy and beautifully golden brown. Remove the fried balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy immediately!