Description
Deliciously crispy bites of mashed potatoes filled with bacon and cheddar cheese, perfect for gatherings or as a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 1/4 cup real bacon bits
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons Italian parsley leaves (chopped)
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
- Oil (for deep frying)
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Start with your cold, leftover mashed potatoes. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the beaten egg, bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley to the mashed potatoes. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
- Shape the balls: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in bread crumbs.
- Chill: Place the breaded potato balls on a baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Heat the oil: In a skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry in batches: Carefully add the potato balls to the hot oil and fry until they turn a lovely golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve warm: Enjoy immediately, while they’re hot and crispy!
Notes
Chill potato balls before frying to maintain their shape. Can be made ahead and fried just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 potato balls
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg