Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Loaded Mashed Potato Bites! They are like a mini version of all your mashed potato dreams rolled into a crispy, golden snack. I came across this recipe during one of those cozy weekends where I just wanted to whip up something fun that would impress my husband. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, ooey-gooey cheese, and crispy bacon is just heavenly.
These little bites are perfect for gatherings or even a movie night at home. They’re super easy to make, and the best part is that you can customize them with your favorite toppings. The smell of them baking fills the house and makes everyone eager to dig in. Plus, they always get a thumbs up from family and friends, making them a true crowd-pleaser. If you’re as obsessed with potatoes as I am, you might also love my Cheesy Potato Casserole – it’s another favorite in our home!
Why You’ll Love These Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
- Loaded with gooey cheddar cheese and crispy bacon for ultimate flavor
- Creamy inside with a perfectly crispy Panko coating
- Super easy to make with leftover mashed potatoes – no waste!
- Quick frying method lets you serve them hot and fresh
- Customizable by swapping in your favorite mix-ins like jalapeños or herbs
- Perfect for parties, game days, or as a comforting snack
These bites are not only delicious but also an excellent way to transform leftovers into a crowd-pleasing treat!
How to Make Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
If you’re looking for a fun, tasty snack or appetizer, these Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are the way to go! They’re crispy on the outside and packed with all the comforting goodness of mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon inside. Perfect for game day or just a cozy night in!
What You’ll Need:
- Mashed potatoes – 2 cups, prepared and cooled. I recommend making your own for that extra homemade touch!
- Cheddar cheese – 1/2 cup, shredded. Sharp cheddar adds a wonderful punch of flavor.
- Cooked bacon – 1/4 cup, crumbled. Cooking your own bacon yields the best crunch, but feel free to use pre-cooked for convenience!
- Green onions (scallions) – 1/4 cup, finely chopped. Fresh scallions brighten up the flavor beautifully.
- Cream cheese – 1/4 cup, softened. This adds creaminess and makes the bites incredibly rich!
- Salt and pepper – to taste. Always season to your liking!
- Breadcrumbs – 1 cup (Panko preferred). Panko breadcrumbs give an extra crunchy texture.
- Eggs – 2 large, beaten. They help the breadcrumbs stick nicely.
- All-purpose flour – 1/2 cup. This is essential for the first coating.
- Oil for frying – like vegetable or canola oil. I like canola oil for its high smoke point, making frying a breeze.
The Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix the cooled mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, cream cheese, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Keep going until you’ve rolled out all the potato mixture.
- Set up a breading station: Put the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Take each potato ball, roll it in flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, then coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re fully coated for that perfect crunch!
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). A cooking thermometer is great for this, but you can also test it with a breadcrumb; if it sizzles right away, you’re good!
- Carefully drop a few potato bites into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and let them drain on paper towels. Repeat for the remaining potato balls.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra chopped green onions or with your favorite dipping sauce like sour cream or ranch. Enjoy these tasty bites!
These Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are sure to be a hit! They’re so scrumptious and perfect for any gathering or just for treating yourself. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure they are cooled before combining with the other ingredients to maintain the right texture.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option or don’t have bacon on hand, try using diced cooked mushrooms or smoked paprika to add a similar smoky flavor. You can also include more cheese or veggies for added flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Uncooked Potato Bites?
You can store uncooked potato bites in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. If you want to freeze them, place the uncooked balls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Potato Bites?
To keep them crispy, reheat leftover potato bites in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will crisp them up nicely without making them soggy. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker option—about 5-7 minutes at the same temperature should do the trick!
More Delicious Potato Recipes!
If you love potatoes, you’re going to enjoy these tasty recipes. Check them out below:
- Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- Honey Mustard Roasted Potatoes
- Cheesy Ham & Bacon Potatoes
- Mississippi Mud Loaded Potatoes
- Creamy Potato and Sausage Chowder
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
These crispy Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are packed with cheese, bacon, and green onions, making them an irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for parties or snacking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and cooled)
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions (scallions), finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for extra crunch)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mashed potato mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Set up a breading station: Place the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Roll each potato ball first in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Ensure each ball is fully coated for a crispy finish.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop a few potato bites into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and drain them on paper towels. Repeat the frying process with the remaining potato balls.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped green onions or alongside your favorite dipping sauce (like sour cream or ranch).
Notes
For a twist, try adding different cheese varieties or herbs to the mixture. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
Keywords: loaded mashed potatoes, crispy snacks, party appetizer, comfort food
