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Crispy Loaded Mashed Potato Bites – Easy Homemade Recipe

crispy loaded mashed potato bites - featured image

These crispy loaded mashed potato bites are the perfect appetizer or snack, featuring a golden panko crust and a creamy, cheesy center. Made with simple ingredients like leftover mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and bacon, they’re quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cold mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 strips)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Cooking spray or olive oil
  • Sour cream (for serving, optional)
  • Hot sauce (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, beaten egg, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
  3. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the potato mixture and shape into 1.5-inch balls. You should get about 20-24 bites.
  4. Roll each potato ball in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick. Make sure each bite is evenly coated.
  5. Place the coated potato bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with extra green onions, and serve warm with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For best results, use cold mashed potatoes. If making fresh potatoes, chill them for at least 1 hour. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and panko. For vegetarian, omit bacon. For vegan, use plant-based cheese, flax egg, and vegan panko. To make ahead, prepare up to step 5 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; add 2-3 minutes to baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potato bites, crispy potato bites, loaded potato bites, appetizer, snack, leftover mashed potatoes, easy recipe