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Loaded Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

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4.2 from 85 reviews

Loaded Mashed Potato Balls are crispy on the outside and packed with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes inside. These bite-sized snacks are seasoned with smoked paprika, spring onions, and perfectly fried until golden brown. They make a delicious appetizer or side dish, great for serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 20-25 potato balls

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups mashed potatoes
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 cup dried breadcrumbs (or more as needed)
  • 1/3 cup chopped spring onions (substitute with chopped chives)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 egg
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare coating stations: Add the flour and dried breadcrumbs to separate shallow plates. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and set it aside for coating.
  2. Mix potato base: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped spring onions. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Form potato balls: Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls approximately the size of a ping pong ball. Continue until all the mixture is used.
  4. Heat the oil: In a saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a few breadcrumbs into the oil; if they float and bubble immediately, the oil is at the perfect frying temperature.
  5. Coat the balls: Working in batches of about five at a time, roll each potato ball first in the flour, then dip into the whisked egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
  6. Fry the potato balls: Carefully place the coated balls into the hot oil and fry over medium heat until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  7. Drain and serve: Remove the fried balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a kitchen towel to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Add crumbled cooked bacon to the potato mixture for extra flavor.
  • Season the breadcrumbs with herbs and spices such as garlic powder, parsley, or chili flakes for a personalized touch.
  • For a gooey center, stuff each ball with a small block of cheese instead of mixing shredded cheese inside.
  • Use chilled mashed potatoes, ideally firm and fluffy, not sloppy, for best results.
  • If possible, chill the formed potato balls before frying or quick freeze for 5 minutes to help maintain their shape during frying.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American