Craving a delightfully crispy and cheesy snack that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance? Look no further than these irresistible Fried Mashed Potato Balls! Transforming leftover (or freshly made) mashed potatoes into portable pockets of pure bliss, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for parties, game days, or anytime the craving strikes.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Fried Mashed Potato Balls
To whip up a batch of these Fried Mashed Potato Balls, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this crowd-pleasing snack:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Fried Mashed Potato Balls
Ready to get your fry on? Here’s how to transform those leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy perfection:
Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, green onions, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well-incorporated.
Form Balls
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and gently roll it into a ball. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
Prepare for Frying
Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls—one filled with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with additional breadcrumbs (for an extra crispy coating).
Coat the Balls
Working with one potato ball at a time, roll it in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumbs.
Fry the Balls
Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully add the coated potato balls to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Serve
Remove the fried Mashed Potato Balls from the oil with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve these hot, melty bites with your favorite dipping sauce and get ready for the oohs and aahs to commence!

Tips for Perfect Fried Mashed Potato Balls
To ensure your Fried Mashed Potato Balls turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, keep these tips in mind:
- Use cold, firm mashed potatoes for the best texture. Freshly made or refrigerated mashed potatoes work best.
- Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to boost the flavor.
- Letting the formed balls chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes helps them hold their shape during frying.
- Maintain the oil temperature between 350-375°F for consistently crispy results.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces
These Fried Mashed Potato Balls make the perfect party appetizer or side dish. Serve them up with a variety of dipping sauces for maximum flavor exploration. Some delicious options include:
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy ketchup
- Creamy horseradish sauce
- Honey mustard dip
For a fun presentation, arrange the crispy potato balls on a platter and surround them with the dipping sauces. Your guests will love getting creative with their flavor combinations!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you deep fry potato balls?
The Fried Mashed Potato Balls should be fried for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be sure to maintain the oil temperature between 350-375°F for the best results.
What are fried mashed potatoes called?
These delectable fried morsels are often referred to as “Fried Mashed Potato Balls,” “Potato Croquettes,” or “Potato Puffs.” No matter what you call them, they’re a crowd-pleasing snack that’s hard to resist!
How to know when potatoes are done being fried?
The Fried Mashed Potato Balls are done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F, indicating they’re cooked through.
What are the ingredients in crispy potato balls?
The key ingredients in these Fried Mashed Potato Balls are mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan, breadcrumbs, and beaten egg. The combination of starch, cheese, and crispy breading creates the ultimate texture and flavor.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Loaded BBQ Bacon Tater Tot Casserole
- Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
- Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- Parmesan Potato Stacks
Conclusion
Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and downright delicious all around, these Fried Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort food snack that will have your taste buds singing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a solo snack session, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So what are you waiting for? Get frying and enjoy every last bite of these irresistible potato bites!
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Discover the Best Fried Mashed Potato Balls Recipe for Everyone
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and downright delicious all around, these Fried Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort food snack that will have your taste buds singing.
Ingredients
- 4 cup mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, green onions, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well-incorporated.
2. Scoop out about 2 tablespoon of the potato mixture and gently roll it into a ball. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
3. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls—one filled with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with additional breadcrumbs (for an extra crispy coating).
4. Working with one potato ball at a time, roll it in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumbs.
5. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully add the coated potato balls to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove the fried Mashed Potato Balls from the oil with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve these hot, melty bites with your favorite dipping sauce and get ready for the oohs and aahs to commence!
Notes
Use cold, firm mashed potatoes for the best texture. Freshly made or refrigerated mashed potatoes work best.
Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to boost the flavor.
Letting the formed balls chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes helps them hold their shape during frying.
Maintain the oil temperature between 350-375°F for consistently crispy results.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg