Get ready for bite-sized comfort food heaven with these Loaded Mashed Potato Bites! Imagine all the flavors you love in a loaded baked potato—cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, green onions—bundled inside a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside golden morsel. These are hands-down the best way to level up leftover mashed potatoes, and they’re dangerously addictive at parties or as a cozy weeknight treat. With each cheesy, crunchy bite, you get a punch of flavor and that fantastic mix of creamy and crisp textures. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or irresistible side, Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Loaded Mashed Potato Bites comes from simple ingredients that work together to bring big flavor and crave-worthy texture. Each one is essential—don’t skip a single component, because they all contribute to the perfect balance of cheesy, smoky, and savory in every bite.
- Mashed potatoes (2 cups cold): Start with cold, leftover mashed potatoes for easy rolling and the best texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Use sharp cheddar for richness and extra gooeyness.
- Cooked bacon, crumbled (4 slices): Smoky, crispy bacon adds irresistible savor and crunch.
- Green onions, thinly sliced (2): Bright green color and subtle zest cut through the richness.
- Large egg (1): Helps everything bind together for perfect bite-sized balls.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Forms the first crust layer and makes everything extra crispy.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Provides a light, ultra-crispy coating you’ll love.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers aromatic depth and warmth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors—taste and adjust as needed.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds the perfect pinch of heat.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Use a neutral, high-heat oil (like canola or peanut) to get those bites crisp and golden.
How to Make Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Step 1: Mix Up the Filling
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and toss in your cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, and thinly sliced green onions. Use a sturdy spoon—or your hands if you’re feeling bold!—to thoroughly combine everything. Stir in the egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper so everything holds together and is packed with flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Shape Into Bite-Sized Balls
Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the potato mixture, then roll them gently in your hands to form neat, uniform balls. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter so they cook evenly and are easy to pop in your mouth. If the mixture feels a touch sticky, dampen your hands slightly to help with rolling.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
Get three shallow bowls ready for the dipping process. In the first, add the all-purpose flour. In the second, crack and beat an extra egg (optional, but recommended for a thicker coating). In the third, pour in the panko breadcrumbs. This will set you up for that classic breaded, super-crunchy exterior everyone loves with Loaded Mashed Potato Bites.
Step 4: Coat and Bread Each Bite
Roll each potato ball first in flour, tapping off the excess, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally roll it through the panko breadcrumbs until it’s fully coated. This triple-layered shell is your secret weapon for perfect crunchiness. Line up your prepped bites on a tray or plate, ready to fry.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden and Crisp
Pour about 2 inches of oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potato bites in batches (don’t crowd the pan!) for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon or tongs, until they’re deeply golden and crispy all over. Remove the bites and drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate so they stay crisp and fresh.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Once all your Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are cooked, serve them immediately while they’re at their crispiest. They’re divine dipped in cool, creamy sour cream, ranch, or any favorite sauce. Watch them disappear in record time!
How to Serve Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Garnishes
There’s something magical about finishing touches! Before serving, shower your potato bites with a little extra sliced green onion, a sprinkle of cheddar, or even a dusting of smoked paprika for flair. Don’t forget a bowl of sour cream or ranch dressing on the side for dipping—these creamy sauces pair perfectly with the crispy outsides and cheesy insides.
Side Dishes
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are deliciously rich, so pair them with something light and refreshing. Think crisp green salads, zesty coleslaw, or roasted veggies for balance. Or, go big for game day with wings, sliders, and your favorite party snacks for an unforgettable spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, pile the Loaded Mashed Potato Bites high on a wooden board with dipping sauces in cute little bowls. Skewer them onto toothpicks for easy passing at parties, or arrange them in muffin liners on a tray for a festive touch! Get creative—these bites are a blank canvas for garnishing and display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Place the bites in an airtight container, separated by layers of parchment if you’re stacking, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They stay crispy if you reheat them properly!
Freezing
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are fantastic for meal prep. Once fried and cooled, freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Frozen bites go straight from freezer to oven to table—so convenient for parties or last-minute cravings.
Reheating
To recapture their signature crunch, reheat bites in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until hot and crisp. An air fryer works wonders, too! The microwave will soften the coating, so use the oven whenever possible for best results.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Instant mashed potatoes work well—just make them nice and stiff, and let them cool before assembling your bites. Fresh or leftover homemade mashed potatoes are best, but instant is a great shortcut for busy days.
Is it possible to bake Loaded Mashed Potato Bites instead of frying?
Yes, for a lighter version, simply spritz the breaded bites with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll still get golden and crispy, though frying gives them extra crunch.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The bites will turn out just as delicious and crisp.
How can I make these vegetarian?
Just skip the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative. All the other flavors still shine, and these bites are every bit as comforting and satisfying for vegetarians.
What dipping sauces go well with Loaded Mashed Potato Bites?
Classic sour cream is always a hit, but ranch, garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or even barbecue sauce make tasty choices. Mix and match to keep things exciting—these bites love a good dip!
Final Thoughts
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are the kind of comfort food you’ll crave again and again—easy to make, fun to eat, and impossible to resist. Invite some friends over, whip up a batch, and watch these crispy, cheesy bites vanish in no time. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Print
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are a delicious appetizer featuring creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions all rolled into a perfect bite-sized treat. Coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection, these bites are crispy on the outside and incredibly flavorful on the inside. They are perfect for parties, game day snacks, or simply as a fun twist on classic mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Bites:
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions. Add egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Form Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls.
- Coat Bites: Set up three shallow bowls with flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Roll each potato ball in flour, then egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Fry: Heat oil in a skillet, fry the bites in batches until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove from oil, drain on paper towels, and serve warm with sour cream or ranch dressing.
Notes
- Leftover mashed potatoes work great for this recipe.
- For a baked version, spray with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
