Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Print)
Cheddar-studded mashed potato balls: crunchy exterior, creamy interior. Great finger food for gatherings.
# What You Need:
→ Mashed Potato Mixture
01 - 3 cups cold mashed potatoes
02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 - 2 green onions, finely chopped
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
07 - 1 large egg
→ Coating
08 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
09 - 2 large eggs, beaten
10 - 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs, panko or regular
→ For Frying
11 - Vegetable oil, for deep frying
# How to Make:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and one large egg until fully incorporated.
02 - Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the mixture and roll each into balls approximately 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Arrange on a tray.
03 - Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
04 - Roll each potato ball in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
05 - Place all coated balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to set their shape.
06 - Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot and heat to 350°F (175°C).
07 - Working in batches, fry the potato balls for 2 to 3 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
08 - Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Your mashed potatoes finally have a glorious second act and nobody will know they were leftovers.
- These are dangerously easy to devour—you might catch yourself fighting over the last one.
02 -
- Skipping the chill time means your balls might burst or fall apart in hot oil—believe me, it's messy.
- Frying too many at once will drop the oil temperature and risk soggy crust instead of that golden crunch.
03 -
- Bread everything before frying so you can batch fry quickly—holding up the process means a messier crust.
- Panko crumbs elevate the crunch to another level, so use them if you have them.