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Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 220 reviews

These Fried Mashed Potato Balls are a delightful and crispy appetizer or snack made from leftover mashed potatoes mixed with sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and chives, coated in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, then deep-fried until golden brown. Perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they’re a delicious way to transform leftovers into a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potato Ball Mixture

  • 1 ½ cups leftover mashed potatoes (cold from fridge, 1–3 days old)
  • ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese (packed)
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 TBSP chopped chives or scallions
  • ⅛ tsp salt and pepper

Coating

  • ¼ – ⅓ cup flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs

For Frying

  • Oil for frying (avocado oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil)

Optional

  • Sour cream for dipping

Instructions

  1. Prep the Potatoes: In a medium bowl, combine the cold leftover mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese, chopped chives, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well with a large spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  2. Scoop into Balls: Using a small cookie scoop (2 teaspoon capacity) or a regular teaspoon, scoop the mixture into small balls no larger than 1 inch in diameter. Roll each scoop into a ball. If the balls are too soft or don’t hold their shape, refrigerate them for 10-20 minutes to firm up before frying.
  3. Prepare the Coating: Place flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls. Whisk the egg until fully combined. This setup will be used for the dredging process.
  4. Coat the Potato Balls: Dredge each mashed potato ball first in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat completely with panko breadcrumbs. Ensure the balls are fully covered for maximum crispiness.
  5. Fry the Mashed Potato Balls: Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a small pot to 375℉. Carefully lower 3-4 potato balls at a time into the hot oil using a slotted metal spoon. Stir gently at the beginning to prevent sticking. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with the slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all balls are fried.
  6. Serve: Enjoy the fried mashed potato balls hot and crispy, served with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Using cold mashed potatoes is key for the balls to hold their shape.
  • Adjust the amount of flour used if the mixture seems too wet for easier handling.
  • Do not overcrowd the oil when frying to maintain oil temperature and ensure crispiness.
  • Leftover balls can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to retain crunch.
  • Try variations by adding cooked bacon bits or different cheeses for extra flavor.

Keywords: mashed potato balls, fried potato balls, appetizer, snack, leftover mashed potatoes, crispy potato balls, cheddar cheese potato balls

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/fried-mashed-potato-balls-recipe/