Crispy Mashed Potato Balls

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Crispy Mashed Potato Balls

Crispy Mashed Potato Balls bring together the comfort of creamy mashed potatoes and the crunch of golden-brown breadcrumbs. This delightful dish is not just another recipe; it’s a step-by-step guide to transforming humble leftovers into something sensational. Whether you’re gearing up for a cozy family dinner, a game day snack, or simply wish to impress your friends at a gathering, these delectable bites are sure to win everyone over with their crispy exterior and cheesy center. Made with minimal ingredients, they are easy to whip up, making them worthy of any kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe shines for its simplicity and kid-friendly appeal. Using just a few ingredients, it requires little prep time and is perfect for making use of leftover mashed potatoes. Families will appreciate the void of fussiness, making it an ideal dish for get-togethers. The crispy exterior packed with cheesy goodness is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Not only do these crispy potato balls offer a satisfying crunch, but they are also adaptable to suit various tastes—feel free to play around with different cheese or spices!

Ingredients for Crispy Mashed Potato Balls

Let’s gather the essentials for these crispy delights!

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes: Creamy and flavorful, they’re the heart of this dish.
• 1 cup cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Melty and rich, it brings a delightful surprise to each bite.
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: For that extra crunch, panko breadcrumbs take these potato balls to the next level.
• 2 eggs: Lightly beaten, they’ll help the breadcrumbs stick to the potato balls for a perfect coating.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Just the right amount of seasoning enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
• Oil for frying: Essential for that perfect golden brown you’re after.

Step-by-Step Directions for Crispy Mashed Potato Balls

1. Preheat Oil: Begin by heating oil in a frying pan to 375°F (190°C) or, if you prefer a healthier option, preheat your air fryer to the same temperature.

2. Mix Potatoes: In a mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the mixture is seasoned well for maximum flavor.

3. Shape Balls: Take a small amount of the mashed potato mixture, flatten it out, and place a piece of your chosen cheese in the center. Mold the potato around the cheese, forming a neat ball. Repeat this step until all the mixture is used.

4. Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. This step is essential for giving the crispy coating its lovely texture.

5. Coat Balls: Dip each ball into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated, then roll them in panko breadcrumbs until they are well covered.

6. Fry or Air Fry: Carefully place the potato balls into the hot oil, frying them for about 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown. If using an air fryer, cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway for even crispiness.

7. Cool and Serve: Allow the balls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm to experience the delightful combination of textures and flavors!

Tips & Tricks for Crispy Mashed Potato Balls

• Cheese Varieties: Don’t hesitate to mix up the cheese! Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
• Extra Flavor: Add herbs like parsley or chives to the mashed potatoes for an additional layer of taste.
• Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch, freeze any leftover potato balls, and then fry them whenever you crave a quick snack.
• Uniform Size: For even cooking, try to make each potato ball the same size. An ice cream scoop can help achieve uniformity.
• Texture Control: If the mixture is too soft, you can add a bit of flour or additional breadcrumbs to firm it up.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Crispy Mashed Potato Balls are versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Serve them with a creamy dip, such as ranch or sour cream, for the perfect accompaniment. Consider plating them alongside a fresh salad or vegetable platter for a balanced meal. For a special touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs over the top for a pop of color and flavor.

Nutritional Information

While the exact nutritional information may vary based on ingredients and serving sizes, a standard serving (approximately 3 balls) contains about 250 calories. Keep in mind that these crispy delights are best enjoyed as an occasional treat, so don’t hesitate to indulge every now and then!

Storing Tips & Variations for Crispy Mashed Potato Balls

To freeze the leftovers, allow the potato balls to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, you can either bake them in the oven or re-fry them. For a healthier twist, consider baking them at 400°F (200°C) until golden rather than frying. You can also experiment by adding different fillings, such as diced vegetables, cooked chicken, or bacon, for an extra flavor kick!

Conclusion for Crispy Mashed Potato Balls

Crispy Mashed Potato Balls are not only a clever way to repurpose leftovers but also a fantastic treat that your family and friends will adore. With a delightful crunch and cheesy secret center, these balls are perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Don’t wait too long—dash to your kitchen and create these amazing morsels today!

FAQs

1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
While using leftover, homemade mashed potatoes delivers the best flavor, instant mashed potatoes can work in a pinch, but texture may vary.

2. Can I make these potato balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the balls ahead of time, refrigerate them, and fry them just before serving.

3. What is the best oil to fry the potato balls?
For frying, oils with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are ideal for achieving a crispy texture.

4. Are there any vegetarian options for the cheese?
Yes! There are many vegetarian cheeses available on the market; make sure to check the labels.

5. How long will these potato balls last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, they should last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven for best results!

Crispy Mashed Potato Balls

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Delightful bites combining creamy mashed potatoes with a crispy coating, filled with melty cheese, perfect for any occasion.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Preheat oil in a frying pan to 375°F (190°C) or preheat your air fryer to the same temperature.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine leftover mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Take a small amount of the potato mixture, flatten it, add cheese in the center, and mold it into a ball.
4. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl for the egg wash.
5. Dip each potato ball in the egg mixture, then roll in panko breadcrumbs.
6. Fry the balls for 4-5 minutes until golden brown or air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway.
7. Cool slightly before serving and enjoy warm.

Notes

Feel free to try different cheese varieties and add herbs for extra flavor. These can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 balls
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

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