These Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are crispy little treats packed with cheesy goodness! Each bite is filled with creamy mashed potatoes, cheese, and crunchy bacon bits—yum!
What’s better than potato bites? Potato bites that are loaded! I love serving these as a snack at parties or just enjoying them on movie nights. They’re always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Use freshly made mashed potatoes for the best flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, store-bought mashed potatoes work too. Just make sure they’re creamy and well-seasoned!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor. If you want a milder taste, try medium cheddar or Monterey Jack. For a twist, experiment with pepper jack cheese for a little kick.
Bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon adds delicious crunch and saltiness. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, use crispy fried shallots or omit it altogether. Smoked cheese can add a similar flavor profile.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a unique crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work well. For a health boost, consider using crushed cornflakes or even ground almonds!
How Do I Ensure My Potato Bites Are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy outer layer is key! Here’s how to achieve it:
- Start with cooled mashed potatoes; warm potatoes can make your bites soggy.
- Use panko breadcrumbs — they’re lighter and crisp up better than regular breadcrumbs.
- Double coat your bites: dip in the egg, roll in panko, and repeat for an extra crispy texture.
- Maintain the right oil temperature. Too cold, and your bites soak up oil; too hot, and they’ll burn. Aim for 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding. This keeps the oil temperature steady and allows for even cooking.
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and cooled)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Coating and Frying:
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and about 20 minutes of frying. You’ll want to start with making the filling and shaping the bites, and then you can enjoy frying them up while they are fresh and crispy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and set aside.
2. Shape the Bites:
Using a spoon or a small scoop, take portions of the potato mixture and shape them into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy handling.
3. Prepare for Coating:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until blended. In another shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. You are all set for coating your potato bites!
4. Coat the Bites:
Take each potato ball, dip it first into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, and then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until it’s nicely covered. For an extra crispy texture, you can repeat this step and double coat them!
5. Frying Time:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated potato bites in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
6. Drain and Garnish:
Once fried, carefully remove the potato bites and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While they are still warm, sprinkle each bite with the remaining cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and extra chopped green onions for garnish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your loaded mashed potato bites immediately, accompanied by sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy these crispy, creamy bites with family and friends!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure they’re well-seasoned and not too wet; if they are, you might need to adjust the seasoning and add a bit of panko to bind the mixture.
How Do I Make These Potato Bites Healthier?
You can make healthier adjustments by using baked potatoes instead of traditional mashed potatoes and swapping bacon for turkey bacon or omitting it entirely. Consider baking the bites in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes instead of frying, which will cut down on the oil used.
Can I Freeze These Loaded Mashed Potato Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them! After shaping the potato bites, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Just fry them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy them—no thawing necessary, but you may need to fry them a bit longer.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With These Bites?
These loaded mashed potato bites pair wonderfully with sour cream, ranch dressing, or even sriracha mayo for a spicy kick. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dips for the perfect complement!
