Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. + standing Cook: 5 min./batch

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
The key to this recipe is to start with mashed potatoes that are firm from chilling. Serve the fried mashed potato balls with sour cream or ranch salad dressing on the side. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
  • Oil for frying

Directions

  1. Place mashed potatoes in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Stir in the egg, cheese, onions and bacon. Shape into 1-in. balls; roll in bread crumbs. Let stand for 15 minutes.
  2. In an electric skillet, heat 1 in. oil to 375°. Fry potato balls, a few at a time, until golden brown, 2-1/2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Serve warm.
Fried Mashed Potato Balls Tips

How can you make fried mashed potato balls your own?

To make these fried mashed potato balls your own, experiment with mix-ins—try adding ingredients such as corn, sour cream or garlic, depending on your personal tastes. You can also shape the mashed potatoes into patties instead of balls.

How else can you cook fried mashed potato balls?

You can easily adapt this recipe to make it in an air fryer. Just reduce the suggested temperature by 25°F and the cook time by about 25%, making sure to flip the mashed potato balls halfway through cooking to help with crispiness (and don't hold back on spraying them with oil, either!)

How can you serve fried mashed potato balls?

Serve these fried mashed potato balls as fun twist on traditional meat and potatoes alongside meatloaf, pork roast, or roasted turkey, or enjoy them alone as an appetizer or snack with some dipping sauce.

—Sammi DiVito, Taste of Home Assistant Editor

Nutrition Facts

5 potato balls: 290 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 496mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.