Fried Mashed Potato Balls With Bacon and Cheese Recipe

Imagine crispy, golden perfection hiding a creamy, cheesy, smoky center—these Fried Mashed Potato Balls With Bacon and Cheese are the ultimate comfort food bite. Whether you’re planning game day snacks, a party appetizer, or a fun side for family dinner, this recipe transforms humble leftovers into irresistible, flavor-packed treats everyone will crave.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Fried Mashed Potato Balls With Bacon and Cheese is in their simplicity—each ingredient brings its own special magic, from creamy potatoes and gooey cheese to that hint of jalapeño heat and the smoky crunch of bacon. Here’s what you’ll need to create these tempting little bites:

• Leftover Mashed Potatoes (3 cups): The foundation of these bites—cold, starchy potatoes form perfectly into balls that turn creamy when fried.
• Green Onions (2, diced): Scallions add a zesty pop of color and a subtle bite that brightens the filling.
• Colby Jack Cheese (1½ cups, shredded): Melts into gooey goodness, binding everything together and pulling with each bite.
• Jalapeño (1½, diced): For a gentle kick; remove seeds for less heat or leave a few in if you want your potato balls boldly spicy.
• Crumbled Bacon (1 cup): Smoky, savory bits are the star—use freshly cooked bacon or good-quality bacon bits for convenience.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing the flavors—taste your potato mixture before rolling to make sure it’s just right.
• Eggs (2 large): Help the panko stick and give those potato balls a beautiful golden shell once fried.
• Panko Bread Crumbs (1½ cups): The secret to that extra-crispy, shattering crust.
• Neutral Oil for Frying (2–3 cups): Use a high-smoke-point oil like canola or vegetable oil to get irresistible crunch without overpowering flavor.

Variations

These Fried Mashed Potato Balls With Bacon and Cheese are super adaptable! You can tweak the recipe for what you’ve got on hand or suit everyone’s tastes—no fancy chef skills required.

• Swap the Cheese: Try sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even a bit of smoked gouda for a fun flavor twist.
• Veggie-Forward: Stir in finely chopped steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted red pepper for a colorful, veggie-packed bite.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko or finely crushed gluten-free cornflakes instead of regular panko for a crunchy crust, all without the gluten.
• Switch Up the Heat: Leave out the jalapeños for a mellow version, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
• Meatless Option: Skip the bacon and bump up the cheese, or toss in sautéed mushrooms for deep savory flavor—perfect for vegetarians.

How to Make Fried Mashed Potato Balls With Bacon and Cheese

Step 1: Make the Filling

Grab a large bowl and toss in your cold mashed potatoes, diced green onions, shredded cheese, jalapeño, crumbled bacon, and plenty of salt and pepper. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or your hands (the best tool!) to gently mix everything together until you have a thick, scoopable mixture bursting with color and savory aromas.

Step 2: Shape the Potato Balls

Scoop out ½-inch balls of the potato mixture—using a cookie scoop makes this a snap for even sizes. Roll each one between your palms to form a compact ball. The colder your mashed potatoes, the easier this step will be!

Step 3: Bread the Balls

Set up your breading station: In one bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth; in another, pour in your panko breadcrumbs. One by one, dunk each potato ball into the egg, then roll it through the breadcrumbs until every inch is coated in crispy promise. Set them aside on a plate while you finish.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Add about 2–3 inches of oil to a sturdy, high-sided skillet or pot. Heat the oil on medium-high—a little bread crumb should sizzle instantly when dropped in. Fry the balls in small batches, turning them every minute or so, for 4–5 minutes, or until gloriously golden brown all over.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

As soon as your Fried Mashed Potato Balls With Bacon and Cheese reach crispy golden perfection, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and let them drain briefly on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Serve hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauce—think ranch, sour cream, or spicy sriracha mayo for a tangy kick.

How to Serve Fried Mashed Potato Balls With Bacon and Cheese

Garnishes

For the finishing touch on your Fried Mashed Potato Balls With Bacon and Cheese, scatter over a handful of extra green onions or fresh chives. A pinch of flaky salt, a sprinkle of extra cheese, or even diced jalapeño on top can add that little wow factor—don’t forget a side of dipping sauce for maximum fun!

Side Dishes

These crispy bites love company! Serve them alongside a crisp green salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or even as a hearty side to grilled meats and barbecue. They play especially well with lighter mains to balance out all that cheesy, bacon-studded indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful—pile Fried Mashed Potato Balls With Bacon and Cheese into mini cups for grab-and-go party snacks, stack them on skewers for an appetizer tower, or arrange around a dipping sauce “pond” for a wow-worthy platter. They also make a unique addition to brunch boards and charcuterie spreads!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (a rare event!), pop cooled potato balls into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for snacking or an easy side later in the week.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Fried Mashed Potato Balls With Bacon and Cheese. After breading (but before frying), arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two until piping hot and crispy.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftover balls in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until exterior is re-crisped and the centers are hot and melty—about 8 to 10 minutes. This keeps them as delicious as when they were freshly fried!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If there’s ever been an appetizer that disappears faster than you can say “Fried Mashed Potato Balls With Bacon and Cheese,” it’s these crispy, cheesy bites. I hope you give this recipe a whirl—don’t be surprised when everyone asks for your secret, and you find yourself making them on repeat. Happy cooking and snacking!

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