Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Name: Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls with Cheese and Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 tbsp freshly chopped chives; 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp buttery garlic and herb seasoning; 2 eggs, beaten; 3 cups peanut oil, for frying; Ranch dressing, for serving

Fried mashed potato balls are a savory appetizer made by rolling cold mashed potatoes with melted cheese, bacon, and chives, breading them in seasoned panko, and deep-frying until golden and crispy. They're an excellent way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into an indulgent, restaurant-quality snack.

🌍American 🏷️Fried mashed potatoes 🏷️Potato balls 🏷️Appetizer 🏷️Leftovers Comfort food

🏷️

🏷️Cheesy

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TikTok

Total

25 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

3 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 tbsp freshly chopped chives
1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp buttery garlic and herb seasoning
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups peanut oil, for frying
Ranch dressing, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large bowl, combine the cold leftover mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, shredded mozzarella, shredded sharp cheddar, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives.
2
Mix all ingredients until well combined, then roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls.
3
In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the buttery garlic and herb seasoning.
4
In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs to create an egg wash.
5
Dip each potato ball first into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
6
Next, roll the egg-coated ball in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure it's fully coated.
7
Heat the peanut oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
8
Carefully place the breaded potato balls into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
9
Using a spider strainer, remove the fried balls from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain.
10
Serve hot with ranch dressing for dipping, and garnish with additional chives if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pack each ball firmly to prevent splitting during frying; use an ice-cream scoop for uniform sizing and faster assembly.
Chill formed balls for 30 minutes before breading to ensure they hold together when coated and fried.
Fry at a steady 350°F; use a thermometer to avoid temperature swings that result in greasy or undercooked centers.
Test doneness by cutting into one ball—the interior should be hot and creamy, the exterior deep golden brown (about 3–4 minutes per batch).

Substitutions

Sharp cheddar → gruyere or smoked gouda (sharper, more complex flavor)
Bacon → crispy pancetta or smoked ham (same smoky umami element)
Panko breadcrumbs → crushed saltine crackers or seasoned Italian breadcrumbs (crispier or more herbaceous crust)
Peanut oil → vegetable or canola oil (neutral flavor, same frying results)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled fried balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze unbaked breaded balls for 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crispy; do not microwave.

Equipment

deep-fry thermometer · slotted spoon or spider strainer

Common Questions

Can I use warm mashed potatoes instead of cold ones?

No. Cold mashed potatoes are essential—they hold their shape during rolling and frying. Warm potatoes will fall apart. Chill your leftovers for at least 1 hour before forming balls.

How do I prevent the balls from bursting while frying?

Pack the mixture firmly and ensure the oil reaches 350°F before adding balls. Don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches. Lower heat causes oil absorption and burst balls.

Can I air-fry these instead of deep-frying?

Yes. Lightly spray panko-coated balls with cooking oil and air-fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway. Results are less crispy but still satisfying.