When the holiday season rolls around, I can’t help but crave those comforting dishes that bring family and friends together. That’s when I discovered the joy of Loaded Mashed Potato Balls—a delightful morsel that transforms plain leftovers into something truly extraordinary. Picture this: crispy, golden-brown balls with a warm, fluffy interior bursting with rich cheddar cheese and fresh chives. They’re irresistibly crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making each bite feel like a warm hug.
These little gems are not just an appetizer; they’re a conversation starter at potlucks, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging during cozy nights in. Whether you’re searching for a way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or looking to add a crowd-pleasing dish to your table, these Loaded Mashed Potato Balls promise to be a family favorite. Plus, with easy variations to suit any taste, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Let’s dive into the comfort of these delightful bites—you won’t regret it!
Why are Loaded Mashed Potato Balls irresistible?
Crispy Delight: With their golden-brown exterior, these balls deliver a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy inside.
Comforting Flavor: Enjoy the rich combination of tangy cheddar cheese and fresh chives, making these a hit at any gathering.
Easy to Make: Even beginner cooks will appreciate the simple steps required to whip up this delicious dish.
Versatile Variations: Customize them with different cheeses or spices to fit your family’s preferences. For more creative takes, check out my other favorite leftover recipes!
Party Favorite: These bite-sized wonders are perfect for potlucks, holiday snacks, or just a fun family dinner.
Loaded Mashed Potato Balls Ingredients
For the Balls
• Leftover Mashed Potatoes – Provides the base and creamy texture; fresh mashed potatoes work too.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds flavor and richness; substitute with mozzarella or your favorite cheese.
• Chopped Fresh Chives – Enhances flavor and freshness; you can swap in green onions or omit if preferred.
• Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients together; consider an egg substitute for vegan options.
• Cayenne Pepper – Adds a hint of spice; optional depending on your heat preference.
For the Coating
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Creates a light, crispy texture; regular breadcrumbs work as a substitute but may lack crunch.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan – Boosts flavor in the crust; can be omitted or replaced with nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
For Frying
• Vegetable Oil – Ideal for frying; choose low smoke point oils for best results.
These Loaded Mashed Potato Balls promise to be a delightful crowd-pleaser, perfectly utilizing those leftovers for an irresistible bite!
How to Make Loaded Mashed Potato Balls
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, cayenne pepper, and beaten eggs. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and creamy.
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Form Balls: With clean hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Once shaped, roll each ball in the Panko breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, ensuring they are well-coated for a crispy bite.
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Fry the Balls: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat—enough to cover the bottom. Carefully add the potato balls and fry until they are golden brown and crispy, approximately 4-5 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.
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Serve: Once crispy, remove the balls from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot, garnished with extra chives if desired, ready for everyone to indulge!
Optional: Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Loaded Mashed Potato Balls are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a time-saving meal prep option! You can prepare the mixture of leftover mashed potatoes, cheese, chives, and spices up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine the ingredients, form the balls, and refrigerate them in an airtight container. This prevents the balls from drying out, ensuring they remain just as delicious when cooked. When you’re ready to serve, just heat the oil and fry the potato balls until they are golden brown and crispy—about 4-5 minutes. This way, you can enjoy warm, mouthwatering Loaded Mashed Potato Balls with minimal effort!
Loaded Mashed Potato Balls Variations
Customize your Loaded Mashed Potato Balls to suit every palate and occasion with these tasty twists!
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Spicy Option: Add diced jalapeños to the potato mixture for an exciting kick that will wake up your taste buds.
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Cheesy Delight: Substitute cheddar with sharp blue cheese or creamy goat cheese for an unforgettable flavor dimension.
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Herby Infusion: Mix in fresh parsley, dill, or basil to brighten the taste and add an aromatic flair to your balls.
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Vegan Twist: Use mashed cauliflower in place of potatoes and flax eggs as a binder for a plant-based alternative.
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Bacon Lovers: Incorporate cooked, crumbled bacon or use a bacon alternative to infuse a smoky flavor that meat lovers will adore.
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Crunchy Coating: Experiment with crushed cornflakes instead of panko for an even crunchier exterior that kids will love.
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Zesty Twist: Add a dash of lemon zest to the mixture for a refreshing twist that balances the richness of the cheese.
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Sweet Heat: Mix in a touch of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the egg mixture for a subtly spicy flavor that is simply irresistible!
Expert Tips for Loaded Mashed Potato Balls
- Perfectly Crisp: Ensure the oil is hot before frying to achieve that ideal crunch; test with a small piece of the mixture.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking; overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked or soggy balls.
- Use Cold Potatoes: If using leftovers, make sure your mashed potatoes are cold for easier handling and shaping into Loaded Mashed Potato Balls.
- Baking Alternative: For a healthier option, bake instead of frying. Place on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden and crispy.
- Enhance Flavor: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite herbs or spices for a twist; try smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra depth!
What to Serve with Loaded Mashed Potato Balls?
When it comes to crafting the perfect meal, these crispy delights deserve some delicious companions that enhance their flavor and add variety to your spread.
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Creamy Sour Cream Dip:
A dollop of tangy sour cream perfectly balances the richness of the potato balls, brightening each bite. -
Garlic Roasted Broccoli:
This vibrant side adds a burst of color and a satisfying crunch, complementing the softness of the mashed potato balls beautifully. -
Spicy Marinara Sauce:
The zesty notes of marinara offer a delightful contrast, bringing a splash of flavor that makes each ball even more irresistible. -
Caesar Salad:
The crisp, crunchy greens paired with a creamy dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to the indulgent potato balls; it’s a classic combo! -
Honey Glazed Carrots:
Sweet, tender carrots drizzled with honey elevate the meal, providing a touch of sweetness that meshes perfectly with the savory bites. -
Cheesy Garlic Bread:
This classic favorite adds a comforting, indulgent component to your meal, inviting everyone to dig into this hearty feast. -
Fresh Fruit Salad:
A mix of sweet and tart fruits offers a refreshing palate cleanser that pairs delightfully with the heavier richness of the loaded mashed potato balls. -
Chilled White Wine:
A crisp, chilled white wine complements the dish’s flavors, making it an elegant addition to your holiday table. -
Decadent Chocolate Cake:
For dessert, a slice of rich chocolate cake rounds off the meal perfectly, creating a sweet ending that everyone will love.
How to Store and Freeze Loaded Mashed Potato Balls
Fridge: Store Loaded Mashed Potato Balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain their texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet for up to 1 month. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container to save space.
Reheating: To enjoy the crispy goodness again, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can microwave them in intervals if you’re in a hurry, but the oven method preserves crispiness better.
Loaded Mashed Potato Balls Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes should I use for Loaded Mashed Potato Balls?
Absolutely! Using leftover mashed potatoes is perfect for this recipe, as they bring a creamy texture. If you don’t have leftovers, fresh mashed potatoes work wonderfully too. Just ensure they are well-seasoned.
How do I store cooked Loaded Mashed Potato Balls?
You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they are completely cooled before sealing the container to maintain their delightful texture.
Can I freeze Loaded Mashed Potato Balls?
Yes, go ahead! To freeze, arrange the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1 hour until solid. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. This method prevents them from sticking together and makes for easy reheating later!
What should I do if my potato mixture is too sticky to form balls?
If the mixture is sticky, try chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps firm it up and makes shaping the balls much easier. Alternatively, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs to absorb some moisture if needed.
Are Loaded Mashed Potato Balls a good option for gluten-free diets?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of Panko and verify that your spices do not contain gluten. This way, your Loaded Mashed Potato Balls remain delicious and accessible for everyone!
How can I make my Loaded Mashed Potato Balls spicier?
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or more cayenne pepper to the potato mixture before shaping the balls. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo to amplify the heat!
Loaded Mashed Potato Balls: A Comforting Holiday Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, cayenne pepper, and beaten eggs. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and creamy.
- With clean hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Once shaped, roll each ball in the Panko breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, ensuring they are well-coated for a crispy bite.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat—enough to cover the bottom. Carefully add the potato balls and fry until they are golden brown and crispy, approximately 4-5 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.
- Once crispy, remove the balls from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot, garnished with extra chives if desired, ready for everyone to indulge!