Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls with Bacon
These crispy fried mashed potato balls with bacon feature a crunchy golden crust wrapped around creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and smoky bacon, making a perfect savory snack or party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (450 g) mashed potatoes, preferably homemade or leftover
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until just crispy but still flexible
- ½ cup (60 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions (optional)
- ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs, plain or panko
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- About 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix gently until well combined but keep some texture. (About 5 minutes)
- Shape the mixture into 12 even balls, about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes if mixture is too soft. (10 minutes)
- Wrap each ball with a strip of cooked bacon, tucking the ends underneath. Use toothpicks if needed to secure. (10 minutes)
- Set up dredging stations with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls. Roll each bacon-wrapped ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs to coat evenly. (10 minutes)
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). (5 minutes)
- Fry 3-4 balls at a time for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding. (15 minutes total)
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel-lined plate. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. (5 minutes)
Notes
Use thick-cut bacon for better texture. Chill potato balls before frying to prevent falling apart. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best crispiness. For gluten-free, substitute flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Baking option available but less crispy. Broil briefly after frying for extra bacon crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato ball
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: mashed potato balls, bacon snack, fried potato balls, crispy potato balls, cheesy potato balls, party appetizer, easy snack