What better way to use up your leftover mashed potatoes than by turning them into crispy balls full of all the cheesy, bacon-y goodness we love about loaded mashed potatoes, but in bite-sized form? Ready in 25 minutes, this bite-sized app is the recipe to turn to when you want something a bit different than your average mashed potatoes, or simply need a fun take on classic comfort food. It’s one of our favorite ways to use up our Thanksgiving leftovers, or to switch up the staple holiday side. Keep reading on for all of our top tips on how to make them the best they can be:
How to make fried mashed potato balls:
Both the stovetop and air fryer will give that crunchy, golden coating we’re looking for, but with some slight differences in cooking methods. Frying on the stovetop will have your bites ready to go in 2-3 minutes, while cooking in the air fryer takes around 10 minutes. But, if you’re looking to limit your oil intake—or simply don’t feel like dealing with the process that is deep frying—then the air fryer will give you that same crispiness without any of the added oil.
Ingredients
- 3 c.leftover mashed potatoes
- 3slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2/3 c.shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 Tbsp.thinly sliced chives
- 1/2 tsp.garlic powder
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2egg, beaten
- 1 1/3 c.panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
For the Stovetop:
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- Step 1In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes with cooked bacon, cheddar, chives, and garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Step 2Place eggs and panko in separate shallow bowls. Use a small cookie scoop to scoop 1” to 2” balls of mashed potato mixture. Roll into a ball in your hands, then dredge first in egg and then in panko. Repeat until all mashed potatoes are used.
- Step 3Heat 3” of oil in a large cast iron skillet until candy thermometer reads 375°. Fry potato balls in batches until golden on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on a paper towel lined plate and season immediately with more salt.
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For the Air Fryer:
- Step 1In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, 8 minutes. Drain on a paper-towel lined plate. Crumble bacon into a large bowl and combine with mashed potatoes, cheddar, chives, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2Place eggs and panko in separate shallow bowls. Use a small cookie scoop to scoop 1” to 2” balls of mashed potato mixture. Roll into a ball in your hands, then dredge first in egg and then in panko. Repeat until all mashed potatoes are used.
- Step 3Working in batches, arrange potato balls in a single layer in air-fryer basket. Cook at 375° until panko is golden, about 10 minutes.
- Step 4Season immediately with salt before serving.