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Cheddar Bacon Potato Balls Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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