How to Make Savory Bacon and Cheddar Mashed Potato Bites
Who doesn’t love a crispy, cheesy snack that’s loaded with flavor? Bacon and cheddar mashed potato bites are crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with the rich taste of smoky bacon and gooey cheddar cheese. Whether you’re hosting a party, cooking for your family, or just want a fun appetizer for yourself, these bites are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into how you can make them step-by-step in just simple, easy-to-follow instructions.
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, here are the ingredients you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of mashed potatoes (can be made fresh or use leftovers!)
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour (or breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works great)
- Sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make or Prepare Your Mashed Potatoes
If you don’t have any leftover mashed potatoes handy, you can make them fresh. Peel and boil 2-3 medium potatoes until tender. Then mash them with a little butter and milk for creaminess. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.
Tip: Using leftover mashed potatoes works perfectly for this recipe. Waste not, want not!
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions (if you’re using them). Green onions add a pop of color and a light crunch, but you can skip them if you prefer. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as necessary. A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing out the flavors!
Step 3: Form Your Potato Balls
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out small amounts of the potato mixture and roll them into balls. Aim for about 1-2 inches in diameter—this size is perfect for bite-sized snacks that are both easy to fry and fun to eat.
Place your formed potato balls on a plate or tray while you prepare the coating.
Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls
Now it’s time to create that crunchy outer layer. In a shallow dish, crack one egg and beat it lightly. In a separate dish, pour your flour, breadcrumbs, or even a mix of both for extra crispiness.
Dip each potato ball into the egg, coating it evenly, then roll it in the flour or breadcrumbs. Make sure the coating sticks well to the potato ball to give it that golden crunch after frying.
Step 5: Fry to Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to create bubbles when you drop in a potato ball, but not so hot that it burns your food quickly. You can test the heat by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it turns golden brown within a few seconds, your oil is ready.
Carefully place a few potato balls into the oil (don’t overcrowd the pan!) and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on all sides. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Remove the fried potato bites with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the process until all your potato balls are cooked.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your bacon and cheddar mashed potato bites are ready, serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce—sour cream, ranch dressing, or even spicy ketchup pair beautifully. Don’t be surprised if they disappear fast; these bites are highly addictive!
Tips and Variations
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Baked Option: If you want a lighter version, you can bake the potato bites. Place them on a greased baking sheet, brush them lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Extra Cheddar Lover: For a gooier surprise, insert a small cube of cheddar cheese into the center of each potato ball before rolling. That melty cheese inside is the ultimate treat!
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Make It Spicy: Kick up the flavor by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the potato mixture. It’s perfect if you love a little heat in your snacks.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon and Cheddar Mashed Potato Bites
These bites are pure comfort food. They’re fun to make, incredibly satisfying to eat, and versatile. You can customize the recipe based on your favorite flavors or what you have in your kitchen. Plus, they’re great for game nights, holidays, or any occasion that calls for finger foods.
So what are you waiting for? Time to roll up your sleeves and make these delicious potato bites. Your friends and family will thank you—with empty plates and big smiles!
