These Loaded Potato Bites are the ultimate comfort food with a crispy exterior and creamy, cheesy interior. They’re a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, and they make a fun, festive treat for your next Christmas gathering or family celebration. Served with ranch or honey mustard for dipping, these bites are sure to become a crowd favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 strips bacon, cooked and finely diced
- 1/3 cup scallions, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 ¼ – 1 ½ cups Italian bread crumbs
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Ranch or honey mustard for dipping
Directions:
- Prepare the Mixture: Take your leftover mashed potatoes out of the fridge and let them sit for a few minutes to warm up slightly. Meanwhile, shred the cheese, chop the scallions, and cook the bacon, then dice it finely. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes and flour. Stir in the cheese, bacon, and scallions. Take a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball with your hands. If the mixture doesn’t hold together well, add a little more flour. Repeat until all the mixture is formed into balls.
- Prepare for Frying: Heat oil in a medium saucepan or fryer to about 350-375°F. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and season it with salt and pepper. Place the bread crumbs in another bowl. Dip each potato ball into the egg, then roll it in the bread crumbs until fully coated. Set the coated balls aside on a sheet pan.
- Fry the Potato Bites: Test the oil with one ball. The oil should bubble when the ball is added, and it should take 1-2 minutes for the ball to brown and cook through. If the oil takes longer to cook, it needs to be hotter. If the outside browns too quickly but the inside is still cold, lower the temperature. Fry the potato balls in small batches for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper-lined plate. Repeat until all are fried.
- Serve: Let the potato bites cool for a minute or two before serving. Dip in your favorite sauce, like ranch or honey mustard, for the perfect bite.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: Makes about 20-24 bites
These Loaded Potato Bites are the perfect balance of crispy and creamy, making them the ideal finger food for any holiday party or family meal. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness with every bite!
Print
These Loaded Potato Bites are the ultimate comfort food with a crispy exterior and creamy, cheesy interior. They’re a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, and they make a fun, festive treat for your next Christmas gathering or family celebration. Served with ranch or honey mustard for dipping, these bites are sure to become a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 strips bacon, cooked and finely diced
- 1/3 cup scallions, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 ¼ – 1 ½ cups Italian bread crumbs
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Ranch or honey mustard for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: Take your leftover mashed potatoes out of the fridge and let them sit for a few minutes to warm up slightly. Meanwhile, shred the cheese, chop the scallions, and cook the bacon, then dice it finely. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes and flour. Stir in the cheese, bacon, and scallions. Take a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball with your hands. If the mixture doesn’t hold together well, add a little more flour. Repeat until all the mixture is formed into balls.
- Prepare for Frying: Heat oil in a medium saucepan or fryer to about 350-375°F. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and season it with salt and pepper. Place the bread crumbs in another bowl. Dip each potato ball into the egg, then roll it in the bread crumbs until fully coated. Set the coated balls aside on a sheet pan.
- Fry the Potato Bites: Test the oil with one ball. The oil should bubble when the ball is added, and it should take 1-2 minutes for the ball to brown and cook through. If the oil takes longer to cook, it needs to be hotter. If the outside browns too quickly but the inside is still cold, lower the temperature. Fry the potato balls in small batches for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper-lined plate. Repeat until all are fried.
- Serve: Let the potato bites cool for a minute or two before serving. Dip in your favorite sauce, like ranch or honey mustard, for the perfect bite.
Notes
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: Makes about 20-24 bites
These Loaded Potato Bites are the perfect balance of crispy and creamy, making them the ideal finger food for any holiday party or family meal. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness with every bite!