If you’re looking to turn leftover spuds into pure comfort-food gold, Mashed Potato Balls are your secret weapon. These crispy, cheesy bites put leftover mashed potatoes in the spotlight, wrapping them up with smoky bacon, gooey cheddar, and a golden crunch that’s impossible to resist. Every bite is soft on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside, making this dish feel both nostalgic and exciting, whether you’re serving them as party appetizers, a family snack, or a side for your weeknight dinner.

Mashed Potato Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple, letting each ingredient shine to create the ultimate appetizer. With just a few staple ingredients, you’ll transform leftovers into a dish that disappears in seconds—so don’t be surprised if people ask for seconds (or thirds).

Cold leftover mashed potatoes: Chilling the potatoes helps them hold their shape and makes the mix easy to form into balls.
Large egg (lightly beaten): Acts as a binder so everything sticks together without falling apart during frying.
Real bacon bits: Adds a pop of smokiness and savory flavor in every bite—real bacon makes all the difference.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts inside the potato balls, delivering gooey, cheesy goodness.
Italian parsley leaves (chopped): Brings a fresh herby note and brightens up the flavor and color.
Dry bread crumbs: Creates the perfect crispy, golden coating for that satisfying crunch.
Oil (for deep frying): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point—this gets the Mashed Potato Balls gorgeously crisp without burning.

How to Make Mashed Potato Balls

Step 1: Let the Mashed Potatoes Stand

Start by placing the cold, leftover mashed potatoes in a large bowl. Leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes—this little pause makes the potatoes easier to mix and helps the flavors open up. It also ensures that the egg blends in smoothly without clumping due to cold spots.

Step 2: Mix in the Good Stuff

Once your potatoes have taken the chill off, stir in the lightly beaten egg, bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh parsley. This is your moment to blend all the flavors, marrying the smokiness of bacon with the richness of cheddar and the herbal brightness of parsley. Don’t overmix—just enough so every scoop has a little of everything.

Step 3: Shape and Coat the Balls

Now for the fun part: Use your hands to shape the potato mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each one in bread crumbs until well coated, making sure every bit is covered for maximum crunch. Place each ball onto a tray or plate, and, once they’re all rolled, pop them in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This quick chill sets their shape and helps the coating cling during frying.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Pour about an inch of oil into a deep skillet or heavy pan and heat it to 375°F (190°C). Fry the Mashed Potato Balls in batches, just a few at a time so the oil stays hot and the balls don’t stick together. As soon as they turn light golden brown—just a couple of minutes—scoop them out with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels. Serve them up right away while they’re crispy and piping hot.

How to Serve Mashed Potato Balls

Garnishes

A final shower of chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheddar can make these look as amazing as they taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of smoked paprika or a dusting of grated parmesan is fantastic for an added flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Mashed Potato Balls love company! They go beautifully alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or a simple green salad. Serving them with a tangy dip—think sour cream, ranch, or a homemade garlic aioli—turns them into a party-worthy appetizer or a crowd-pleasing snack for game nights.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to wow your guests, try serving the Mashed Potato Balls stacked in a tower with wooden skewers, arranged on a platter with colorful dips, or nestled among roasted vegetables for a playful mix of textures and flavors. They also make perfect finger food for kids or a fun addition to brunch spreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (don’t be surprised if you don’t!), let the Mashed Potato Balls cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days, making them a handy snack or side for your next meal.

Freezing

These little balls freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months and defrost quickly for instant snacks whenever you need them.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat the Mashed Potato Balls in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F until warmed through—about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy instead of crisp.

FAQs

Can I use freshly made mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?

Absolutely! Just let your freshly made mashed potatoes cool down and firm up in the fridge for at least an hour before starting. This helps them get the right consistency for shaping and frying.

What kind of cheese works best inside Mashed Potato Balls?

Cheddar is a classic because it melts wonderfully and adds plenty of flavor. But you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little heat. The key is to use a cheese that melts nicely.

Can I bake Mashed Potato Balls instead of frying them?

Yes, if you want a lighter version, bake them on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for about 18-20 minutes, turning once. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but they’ll still taste fantastic!

What kind of oil should I use for frying?

Choose a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, all of which handle high heat well and won’t overpower the flavor of the Mashed Potato Balls.

Can I add other fillings or flavors?

You bet! Chopped scallions, a dash of garlic powder, or even diced jalapeños can be mixed in for extra depth and personality. Just don’t overload the mixture so the balls hold together nicely.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover mashed potatoes, these Mashed Potato Balls are the answer you’ve been waiting for. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself, they’re easy, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious. Give them a try—and get ready for them to disappear fast!