If you’re on the lookout for a snack that combines comfort food magic with irresistible crunch, you have to try this Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Bites Recipe. These little golden morsels pack creamy cheddar and Parmesan into perfectly crispy potato balls that are so easy to make and even easier to devour. Whether you’re whipping up a quick appetizer or sharing a cozy snack with loved ones, this recipe transforms simple mashed potatoes into something delightfully crunchy and cheesy that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for these Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Bites are straightforward yet crucial for building the rich flavor and satisfying texture you want. Each component plays a part, from the creamy potatoes to the crunchy breadcrumbs, creating a bite that’s bursting with taste and crispness.
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (preferably chilled leftovers): Using chilled mashed potatoes helps the mixture hold together better when frying.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp cheddar adds gooey, melty flavor inside.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Parmesan enriches the bites with a slightly nutty, salty depth.
- 1 large egg (beaten, for mixture): Eggs act as a binder to keep everything together neatly.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle hint of garlic gives a savory boost.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder enhances aroma and flavor without adding moisture.
- Salt (to taste): Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: For dredging, helps form a crispy outer shell.
- 1 large egg (beaten, for coating): Preps the bites for breadcrumb adhesion.
- 2/3 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended): Panko breadcrumbs create that unbeatable crunch.
- Olive oil (for frying): Olive oil gives a golden fry with a slightly fruity undertone.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped, for garnish): Adds freshness and a bright pop of color.
How to Make Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Bites Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Potato and Cheese Base
Start by blending your chilled mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, the beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly in a large bowl until you have a smooth, creamy mixture that’s easy to shape. This blend is where your crispy bites get their rich flavor and soft, cheesy core.
Step 2: Shape the Potato Mixture into Balls
Next, scoop the mixture and roll it gently between your palms to form small balls, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Keeping the shape uniform helps ensure they fry evenly and look perfectly bite-sized for snacking.
Step 3: Prepare the Dredging Station
Create three shallow bowls to set up your dredging station: one with flour, one with a beaten egg, and the last one with panko breadcrumbs. This classic breading method is essential for getting a crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender inside.
Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls
Roll each ball first in the flour to give the egg something to stick to, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. This triple coating builds the signature crunch that makes this Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Bites Recipe stand out from your typical mashed potato snack.
Step 5: Heat the Olive Oil
Pour enough olive oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom by about half an inch and heat over medium heat until the oil shimmers. The right oil temperature ensures your bites will crisp up beautifully without soaking up too much oil.
Step 6: Fry Until Golden Brown
Carefully fry the coated potato balls in batches, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re irresistibly golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; giving them space lets the heat circulate properly for even frying.
Step 7: Drain and Garnish
Once fried, transfer the bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness just before serving hot. Now you’ve got a snack that’s crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with cheesy flavor.
How to Serve Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely burst of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that lifts the rich, cheesy flavor perfectly. You can also add a dusting of smoked paprika or a grating of extra Parmesan for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
These crispy bites pair wonderfully with classic sides like a fresh garden salad, tangy coleslaw, or even a bowl of warm tomato soup for dipping. They’re also fantastic alongside a zesty ranch or spicy aioli dip to complement the savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party platter, arrange these golden bites on a wooden board surrounded by bowls of dipping sauces such as sour cream with chives, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic dip. Serving them in small paper cones adds a fun, street-food vibe and makes sharing even easier.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any bites left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy your Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Bites Recipe the next day without any hassle.
Freezing
You can freeze these bites before frying them: simply shape and coat with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then place on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen solid, transfer to a resealable bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month, ready for a quick, crispy snack whenever you like.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-skillet crispiness, reheat your bites in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy. This way, you get that perfect crunchy texture every time.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes or do they need to be chilled?
While fresh mashed potatoes can work, chilled mashed potatoes hold their shape better and result in less sticky mixtures, making the shaping and frying process much easier and yielding crispier bites.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar and Parmesan are ideal because cheddar melts beautifully for a creamy center and Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Baking is a great lighter alternative. Arrange the coated bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crisp.
Are these potato bites suitable for freezing after cooking?
Freezing them after cooking is possible but less ideal because the texture can become soggy upon reheating. Freezing before frying maintains a better crispy texture after cooking.
What dips go well with Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Bites?
Ranch dressing, spicy aioli, garlic sour cream, or a simple marinara sauce all pair wonderfully with these bites, balancing their rich, cheesy flavor with fresh or tangy notes.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Bites Recipe is a little treasure of simple ingredients transformed into an unforgettable snack that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. Once you try these golden, cheesy morsels, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for gatherings, game days, or whenever a deliciously crispy treat calls your name. Don’t wait to make these—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Bites are delightful, bite-sized snacks made from creamy mashed potatoes mixed with cheddar and Parmesan cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and pan-fried until golden brown. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these cheesy bites combine smooth texture inside with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Potato Cheese Mixture
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (preferably chilled leftovers)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 large egg (beaten, for mixture)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Coating
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (beaten, for coating)
- 2/3 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
For Frying and Garnish
- Olive oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the potato cheese mixture: In a large bowl, blend chilled mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, one beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Form the bites: Scoop the mixture and roll it into small balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Set up dredging stations: Arrange three shallow bowls for coating: one with all-purpose flour, the second with a beaten egg, and the third with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the potato balls: Roll each ball first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it evenly with breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Heat the oil: Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat and wait until the oil shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for frying.
- Fry the bites: Carefully place the coated bites in the skillet in batches. Fry each batch for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the bites turn golden brown and achieve a crispy crust.
- Drain and garnish: Remove the crispy bites and transfer onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use chilled mashed potatoes as warm potatoes can make the mixture too soft to form bites.
- Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for extra crispiness but regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
- Ensure the oil is sufficiently hot before frying to prevent the bites from absorbing too much oil.
- These bites are best enjoyed immediately while crispy; leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore crunch.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste—adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder can kick up the flavor.
