Description
Easy Fried Mashed Potato Balls are a crispy, golden snack or appetizer made from leftover mashed potatoes mixed with cheese and herbs, then breaded and fried until perfectly crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They’re simple to make, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for using up extra mashed potatoes in a deliciously creative way.
Ingredients
2 cups cold mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, finely chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
Instructions
1 In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined and the mixture holds together.
2 Scoop out small portions and roll into bite-sized balls using your hands. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
3 Place the beaten egg in one bowl and breadcrumbs in another. Dip each potato ball into the egg, then roll in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
4 Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully drop the potato balls into the oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch.
5 Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels. Serve hot, optionally with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
This recipe works best with cold, firm mashed potatoes. Avoid overly creamy or runny mash for best results. You can customize the filling with cooked bacon bits, herbs, or different cheeses. For a shortcut, use store-bought seasoned breadcrumbs or try baking them in the oven for a lighter version.