Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside—these Fried Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort food snack.
They’re bite-sized, golden brown, and bursting with flavor, making them perfect for parties, game night, or just a cozy treat at home.
What makes them so irresistible is the contrast of textures: a crunchy breaded coating gives way to creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and savory seasonings.
Plus, they’re endlessly versatile—pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, switch up the cheese, or even add bacon or herbs for your own twist.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How to Make Fried Mashed Potato Balls
- Mix the filling
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar, parmesan, green onions, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well blended. - Shape into balls
Roll the mixture into balls about 1–1.5 inches in diameter. - Bread the potato balls
Roll each ball in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. (For an extra-crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.) - Fry until golden
Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potato balls in batches for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. - Drain & serve
Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate and serve hot with sour cream, ranch, marinara, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use cold mashed potatoes: Chilled potatoes are firmer and easier to roll.
- Double coat for crunch: For an extra crispy shell, dip twice in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this keeps the oil hot and the crust crisp.
- Customize the filling: Add mozzarella for gooey centers, bacon for smokiness, or herbs for freshness.
Variations to Try
- Cheese-Stuffed: Hide a cube of mozzarella inside each ball for a melty surprise.
- Bacon & Cheddar: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon with the cheese mixture.
- Herb Lovers: Mix in parsley, thyme, or chives for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, cayenne, or paprika for heat.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese and a flax egg for breading.
Serving Ideas
These potato balls are versatile and can be served in so many ways:
- As party appetizers with a variety of dips.
- As a side dish with fried chicken, steak, or BBQ.
- With a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.
- In a wrap or sandwich with greens and sauce for a fun twist.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
Golden, crispy, and loaded with flavor, these Fried Mashed Potato Balls are a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re serving them for a gathering or just treating yourself, they’re the kind of snack that disappears fast—so you might want to double the batch!
Fried Mashed Potato Balls
They’re bite-sized, golden brown, and bursting with flavor, making them perfect for parties, game night, or just a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the filling
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar, parmesan, green onions, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Shape into balls
- Roll the mixture into balls about 1–1.5 inches in diameter.
- Bread the potato balls
- Roll each ball in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. (For an extra-crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.)
- Fry until golden
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potato balls in batches for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
- Drain & serve
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate and serve hot with sour cream, ranch, marinara, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Use cold mashed potatoes: Chilled potatoes are firmer and easier to roll.
Double coat for crunch: For an extra crispy shell, dip twice in egg and breadcrumbs.
Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this keeps the oil hot and the crust crisp.
Customize the filling: Add mozzarella for gooey centers, bacon for smokiness, or herbs for freshness.
Variations to Try
Cheese-Stuffed: Hide a cube of mozzarella inside each ball for a melty surprise.
Bacon & Cheddar: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon with the cheese mixture.
Herb Lovers: Mix in parsley, thyme, or chives for extra flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, cayenne, or paprika for heat.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese and a flax egg for breading.
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