These mashed potato bites are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—perfect little snacks! Made with creamy mashed potatoes and cheese, they are sure to please everyone.
They’re so easy to make that I often whip them up for parties or just as a treat for myself. They disappear fast—who can resist a cheesy potato bite? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: The heart of this dish! Use smooth, creamy mashed potatoes. You can make them from scratch or use store-bought. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using sweet potatoes.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives a great flavor! If you want a different taste, feel free to swap it for mozzarella or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tang. You might also consider Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute or for lactose-free options.
Chives: Fresh chives add a nice oniony flavor. If you don’t have chives, green onions or parsley can work too.
Egg: This binds everything together. If you’re vegan, try using ground flaxseed mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute.
How Do You Achieve a Crispy Finish on Your Potato Bites?
To get that perfect crispy exterior, focus on your baking method. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven properly; this ensures even cooking and crispiness from the start.
- Brush the tops with melted butter. It creates a golden crust that enhances the flavor!
- Don’t overfill the muffin cups; a slight dome shape allows the heat to circulate and crunch up.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; each oven is different. Look for a golden brown color to know they’re ready.
With these tips, your potato bites will turn out crispy and delicious every time!
How to Make Mashed Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Bites:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared, smooth and creamy)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped chives (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake, making the total time approximately 35-40 minutes. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing everything together, and in no time, you’ll have delicious bites ready to pop into the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, take your mini muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little bit of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, put your creamy mashed potatoes. Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s all well combined and creamy!
3. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the potato mixture into each mini muffin cup. Press the mixture down gently to make sure it holds its shape, and shape the tops slightly rounded for a nice finish.
4. Brush for Crispiness:
Now, take a little melted butter and brush it onto the tops of each potato bite. This helps them get nice and golden brown while baking!
5. Bake Them Up:
Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and once the edges are golden brown, you know they’re done!
6. Cool and Garnish:
After baking, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the bites cool for a few minutes. To make them even tastier, add a dollop of sour cream on top of each potato bite and sprinkle with extra chopped chives.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your warm mashed potato bites as a delightful appetizer or snack. They’re crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, making them an irresistible treat!
These mashed potato bites are not just delicious but also perfect for any gathering. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure they are smooth and creamy, as chunky potatoes may not hold well in the muffin tin.
What If I Don’t Have Mini Muffin Tins?
No worries! If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can use a regular muffin tin or even shape the mixture into small balls and bake them on a lined baking sheet. Adjust the baking time as needed!
Can I Freeze These Potato Bites?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked potato bites. Simply prepare the mixture, fill the muffin tin, and then freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through for that crispy texture again!
