Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Printer-friendly)
Crispy golden potato bites with cheddar and green onions, chilled then fried for a creamy center and crunchy exterior.
# What You'll Need:
→ Mashed Potato Mixture
01 - 3 cups cold mashed potatoes
02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 - 2 green onions, finely chopped
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 large egg
→ Coating
08 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
09 - 2 large eggs, beaten
10 - 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
→ For Frying
11 - Vegetable oil for deep frying
# How To Make It:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and one egg until fully blended.
02 - Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture and shape into balls approximately 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Arrange on a tray.
03 - Set up three bowls: the first with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs.
04 - Roll each potato ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs, ensuring an even covering.
05 - Place breaded balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
06 - Fill a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil and heat to 350°F (175°C).
07 - Fry potato balls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per batch.
08 - Remove balls using a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- They use up leftover mashed potatoes in a way that feels totally new and a little bit fancy.
- The crispy shell with the creamy, cheesy center makes them irresistible even to picky eaters.
02 -
- If your mashed potatoes are too warm or loose, the balls fall apart in the fryer—chill them well first.
- Letting the breaded balls rest in the fridge before frying completely changes their sturdiness and crunch factor.
03 -
- Use a fork to gently roll the balls in breadcrumbs without squishing them flat.
- A pair of chopsticks is unexpectedly handy for turning the balls in hot oil and fishing them out quickly.