These Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They’re packed with cheese, bacon, and green onions for a tasty treat everyone loves!
These little bites are perfect for parties or just a cozy night in. I like to dip them in sour cream—so good! They disappear fast, so be ready for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Use creamy, leftover mashed potatoes for convenience. If you don’t have any, instant mashed potatoes can work in a pinch. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for the right texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to try pepper jack for a spicy kick. If you’re a fan of gooey cheese, mix in mozzarella, or use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
Bacon: For those who prefer a vegetarian option, swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers to add flavor. You could also try a vegan bacon alternative for a plant-based version.
Panko Breadcrumbs: If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work too. For a gluten-free bite, use crushed rice cereal or gluten-free bread crumbs. They won’t be quite as crunchy, but they’ll still hold together.
How Can I Make Sure My Potato Bites Are Crispy?
Getting that crispy exterior is all about the frying technique! Here are some tips:
- Ensure your oil is hot enough (350°F) before frying. A temperature check with a thermometer makes it easy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches to keep the oil temperature stable. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Double coating the bites with egg and breadcrumbs adds extra crunch. Consider letting them chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before frying to help them hold together.
With these tips, you’ll have crispy, delicious Loaded Mashed Potato Bites ready to impress!
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared, creamy)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation and cooking. You’ll spend some time mixing and shaping the bites, followed by frying them until they’re crispy. The result? Delicious munchies ready to be devoured!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Potato Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon pieces, sour cream, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy.
2. Shape the Bites:
Take about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and shape it into a ball using your hands. Make a small indentation in the center of each ball, place a tiny bit of shredded cheddar cheese inside, and seal the ball back up to completely enclose the cheese.
3. Prepare for Frying:
Set up your dredging stations with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This will help you get an even coating on each potato bite.
4. Coat the Bites:
Roll each potato ball first in the flour, ensuring it’s fully covered, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. For an extra crunchy texture, feel free to repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
5. Fry to Perfection:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the potato bites in batches, frying them for about 3-4 minutes per batch until they are golden brown and crispy all over. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan!
6. Drain and Serve:
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bites onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This keeps them nice and crispy!
7. Enjoy!
Serve the Loaded Mashed Potato Bites hot. Garnish with extra chopped bacon and green onions, and don’t forget your favorite dipping sauce, like sour cream or ranch. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure they’re creamy and seasoned to your taste for the best flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even a vegan bacon alternative for a similar smoky flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Potato Bites?
Store any leftover potato bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake these bites! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.