Fried Potato Balls

Published: June 7, 2025

by Olivia

Delight in the crispy goodness of Fried Potato Balls! These little treats are a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, transforming them into a delicious snack or appetizer. With their crunchy exterior and soft, cheesy interior, they are perfect for parties, game nights, or simply as a tasty bite any time of day.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for novice cooks and busy kitchens alike.
Flavor Packed: The combination of bacon, cheese, and spices creates a mouthwatering flavor that will impress everyone.
Versatile Snack: Serve these potato balls at parties, as an appetizer, or even as a side dish for your main meals.
Great for Leftovers: Transform those leftover mashed potatoes into something exciting and new!
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add-ins to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience easier, gather the right tools before you start. Having everything on hand will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Skillet or air fryer
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs)
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients without mess.
Skillet or air fryer: Either option provides a great way to achieve that golden crispiness.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time.

Ingredients

Delight in crispy-coated mashed potato spheres, blending crunchy exteriors with soft, cheesy interiors. Perfect for a snack or appetizer!

For the Potato Balls

3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
⅔ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp thinly sliced chives
½ tsp garlic powder
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
2 eggs, beaten
1⅓ cups panko bread crumbs
Vegetable oil (for frying)

How to Make Fried Potato Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, chives, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Step 2: Form the Balls

Mold the mixture into spheres about 1-2 inches in diameter. This size ensures they cook evenly.

Step 3: Coat the Balls

Roll each ball first in the beaten eggs. Then coat them generously with panko bread crumbs for that perfect crunch.

Step 4: Fry on Stovetop

For stovetop cooking:
1. In a skillet, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil to 375°F.
2. Fry the potato spheres in batches for 2-3 minutes until they achieve a golden hue.
3. Use paper towels to pat dry once cooked.

Step 5: Air Frying Option

For air frying:
1. Place the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Cook at 375°F for about 10 minutes until they reach a golden shade.

Enjoy your crispy Fried Potato Balls hot from the fryer or air fryer!

How to Serve Fried Potato Balls

Fried potato balls are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night at home, these cheesy and crispy bites are sure to please.

As an Appetizer

Serve them hot with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy ketchup for added flavor.
Pair with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the fried potato balls.

With Dipping Sauces

Offer a selection of sauces, such as garlic aioli or BBQ sauce, to enhance the experience.
Try a tangy sour cream mixed with herbs for a refreshing complement.

In a Platter

Arrange on a platter alongside other snacks like chicken wings and spring rolls for a fun finger food spread.
Garnish with fresh herbs for visual appeal and added taste.

In Tacos

Use fried potato balls as a filling in soft tacos topped with avocado and salsa for a unique twist.
Add shredded lettuce for crunch and freshness.

As Party Bites

Skewer them with toothpicks for easy serving at parties and gatherings.
Serve in small cups or bowls to allow guests to grab them easily.

How to Perfect Fried Potato Balls

To achieve the ideal fried potato balls, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to ensure your snack turns out perfectly every time.

Use cooled mashed potatoes: Make sure your leftover mashed potatoes are chilled; this helps the balls hold their shape during frying.
Add more cheese: For extra creaminess, consider increasing the amount of cheddar cheese in your mixture.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature, ensuring even cooking and crispy textures.
Adjust seasoning: Taste your mixture before forming the balls; adjust salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
Experiment with breadcrumbs: Try different types of breadcrumbs for varied textures—regular breadcrumbs can work well too.

Best Side Dishes for Fried Potato Balls

Fried potato balls pair wonderfully with various side dishes. These options will complement their flavor and texture perfectly.

Garlic Bread – Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread adds robust flavor that pairs well with fried snacks.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing the richness of the fried potato balls.
Buffalo Wings – Spicy buffalo wings add heat and excitement, making it a perfect combo for game day celebrations.
Caesar Salad – The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons of Caesar salad create a satisfying contrast to the crispy potato bites.
Mozzarella Sticks – Another cheesy delight, mozzarella sticks offer gooeyness that complements the fried potato balls beautifully.
Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or meats add nutrition and variety to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Fried Potato Balls, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

Skipping the chilling step: If you don’t chill the formed balls before frying, they may fall apart in the oil. Always refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Using too much oil: Overcrowding the frying pan can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy balls. Fry in small batches for better results.
Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoned potato balls will taste bland. Make sure to taste your mixture and adjust salt and pepper before frying.
Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking time is crucial. Keep an eye on them while frying; they should be golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per batch.
Improper storage: Storing them incorrectly can lead to sogginess. Use airtight containers and separate layers with parchment paper.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing Fried Potato Balls

Place cooled potato balls in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Fried Potato Balls

Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Microwave: Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes. Note that they might lose crispiness this way.
Stovetop: Warm them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Fried Potato Balls.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of leftovers?

Yes, you can make mashed potatoes from fresh potatoes. Just ensure they’re well-seasoned before shaping them into balls.

What can I add to my Fried Potato Balls?

You can customize your Fried Potato Balls by adding ingredients like herbs, spices, or different types of cheese for extra flavor.

How do I keep my Fried Potato Balls crispy?

To maintain crispiness, avoid overcrowding during frying and store them properly as mentioned above.

Are Fried Potato Balls gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free panko bread crumbs, these delicious bites can be made gluten-free!

How long do Fried Potato Balls last in the fridge?

They last up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Fried Potato Balls are a delightful snack or appetizer that everyone will enjoy! Their crispy exterior combined with cheesy softness makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients or dip sauces. Try this recipe today and impress your family and friends!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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