Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Name: Fried Mashed Potato Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 5 serving(s)
Ingredients: 3 c. leftover mashed potatoes; 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2/3 c. shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp. thinly sliced chives; 1/2 tsp. garlic powder; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 egg, beaten; 1 1/3 c. panko bread crumbs; Vegetable oil, for frying

By Lena AbrahamUpdated: Mar 2, 2023

4.8

8 Ratings

preview for Fried Mashed Potato Balls Are The Best Way To Use Up Leftovers

This recipe turns leftover mashed potatoes into magical, fried bites of savory deliciousness. What better way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers than by turning them into crispy balls full of all the cheesy, bacon-y goodness we love about loaded mashed potatoes, but in bite-sized form? Ready in 25 minutes, these delish creations are a perfect last-minute appetizer when you want something a bit different than your average mashed potatoes, or simply need a fun take on classic comfort food.

Somehow, these mashed potato balls get even better. You can make them in one of our favorite tools — the air fryer. Both the stovetop and air fryer will give that crunchy, golden coating we're looking for, but with some slight differences in cooking methods. Frying on the stovetop will have your bites ready to go in 2-3 minutes, while cooking in the air fryer takes around 10 minutes. But, if you're looking to limit your oil intake — or simply don't feel like dealing with the process that is deep frying — the air fryer will give you that same crispiness without any of the added oil.

Filled with creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, cheese, chives and seasoning, we think these bombs of savory flavor are perfect all on their own. But, feel free to add and experiment! If you like less salt, feel free to add to taste. Throw some fresh herbs or more chives on top for an added green touch. If you want to try dunking these, they'd be great in sour cream, homemade ranch dressing or even our sriracha butter if you want a kick of rich heat.

If you tried our favorite leftover mashed potatoes recipe, let us know how it went in the comments below!

Editor's Note: This intro was updated to add more information about the dish on September 8, 2022.

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Yields:: 5 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 15 mins
Total Time:: 25 mins
Cal/Serv:: 631

Ingredients

3 c.
leftover mashed potatoes
3
slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2/3 c.
shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp.
thinly sliced chives
1/2 tsp.
garlic powder
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2
egg, beaten
1 1/3 c.
panko bread crumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (Serves 5)

Calories631 Fat50 gSaturated fat9 gTrans fat1 gCholesterol91 mgSodium704 mgCarbohydrates31 gFiber3 gSugar2 gProtein12 gVitamin D1 mcgCalcium173 mgIron1 mgPotassium501 mg

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Directions

For the Stovetop:
1. Step 1In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes with cooked bacon, cheddar, chives, and garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are incorporated.
2. Step 2Place eggs and panko in separate shallow bowls. Use a small cookie scoop to scoop 1” to 2” balls of mashed potato mixture. Roll into a ball in your hands, then dredge first in egg and then in panko. Repeat until all mashed potatoes are used.
3. Step 3Heat 3” of oil in a large cast iron skillet until candy thermometer reads 375°. Fry potato balls in batches until golden on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on a paper towel lined plate and season immediately with more salt.
For the Air Fryer:
1. Step 1In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, 8 minutes. Drain on a paper-towel lined plate. Crumble bacon into a large bowl and combine with mashed potatoes, cheddar, chives, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2Place eggs and panko in separate shallow bowls. Use a small cookie scoop to scoop 1” to 2” balls of mashed potato mixture. Roll into a ball in your hands, then dredge first in egg and then in panko. Repeat until all mashed potatoes are used.
3. Step 3Working in batches, arrange potato balls in a single layer in air-fryer basket. Cook at 375° until panko is golden, about 10 minutes.
4. Step 4Season immediately with salt before serving.

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Parker Feierbach

Lena Abraham

Contributor

Lena Abraham is a freelance contributor with Delish, and was formerly Senior Food Editor, where she developed and styled recipes for video and photo, and also stayed on top of current food trends. She’s been working in the food industry for over 10 years, and will argue that the best fish tacos in the world are made in New York. Don’t @ her.