Cheddar Bacon Potato Balls Recipe

Introduction

These crispy potato balls are a delicious and comforting snack or appetizer. Made with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar, bacon, and chives, they offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Fried to golden perfection, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (chilled)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
• 1/4 cup chives (chopped)
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives until well mixed.
2. Step 2: Using an ice cream scoop, portion the mixture and shape it into balls. In a separate bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs; set aside.
3. Step 3: Roll each potato ball first in all-purpose flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the Parmesan-panko mixture.
4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry the potato balls in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove the potato balls from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the potato mixture.
• Try swapping bacon for cooked, crumbled sausage or diced ham for a different flavor.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Make sure the mashed potatoes are well chilled to help the balls hold their shape during frying.

Storage

Store leftover potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep the exterior crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the potato balls instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy. Baking is a healthier option but may result in slightly less crispiness than frying.

What type of mashed potatoes work best?

Use smooth, creamy mashed potatoes that have been chilled. Avoid mashed potatoes with too much excess moisture, which can make shaping difficult and cause the balls to fall apart during cooking.

Cheddar Bacon Potato Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 95 reviews

These crispy and cheesy Potato Balls are a delicious appetizer or snack, combining creamy mashed potatoes with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh chives, all coated in a crunchy Parmesan-panko crust and deep-fried to golden perfection.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 potato balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potato Mixture

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (chilled)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
• 1/4 cup chives (chopped)

Coating

• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs (beaten)

For Frying

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, and chopped chives until well combined.
2. Form balls: Using an ice cream scoop, portion the potato mixture and roll each portion into a smooth ball shape.
3. Prepare coating mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs and set aside.
4. Coat the balls: Roll each potato ball first in the all-purpose flour until evenly coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the Parmesan-panko breadcrumb mixture.
5. Heat oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large pot, enough to fully submerge the balls, and heat it to 375°F (190°C).
6. Fry the potato balls: Carefully place the coated potato balls into the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried potato balls and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the mashed potatoes are well chilled before forming balls; this helps them hold their shape during frying.
• For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder or paprika to the potato mixture.
• Do not overcrowd the fryer to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
• Leftovers can be reheated in an oven to retain crispiness rather than microwaving.

Keywords: potato balls, crispy potato bites, cheesy potato appetizer, fried potato balls, bacon potato snacks