Fried Mashed Potato Balls – Leftover mashed potatoes make these perfect crisp bites for a tasty side dish or appetizer. Crunchy outside, stuffed with a creamy inside.
I do hearby declare that this is the first ‘fried’ recipe on my blog. Don’t get me wrong we do occasionally eat fried foods it’s just not something I choose to make a habit out of for my family. We try to go with healthier versions. But after sighting these at Taste of Home website I simply couldn’t resist trying them.
I love how these make use of leftover mashed potatoes and Wham! Bam! Thank you Ma’am! We’ve got a crispy delish dish, perfect as a side dish or appetizer. My kids could not wait to get their hands on these. And I know why. I couldn’t either!
Look at that creamy texture! How many of you are mashed potato fans? I certainly am. It’s a comfort food to me and call weird if you must but I eat my mashed potatoes plain. No gravy. My hubby certainly thinks that’s absurd. But why should I cover that delicious creaminess with gravy and then not even be able to taste it? See my point!?
If you’re looking for something to use up mashed potatoes, this is your thing. Or you could be like me and make mashed potatoes just so you can make them. Either way…it’s a winner.
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Til we meet and eat again,
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Fried Mashed Potato Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Shape mashed potatoes into 1-in. balls. Roll in egg then in bread crumbs. Freeze for 10-15 minutes.
- Using an electric skillet, heat 1 in. of oil to 375°. Or use a deep frying pan and heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry mashed potato balls, a few at a time, for 2-1/2 to 3 minutes, turning once halfway or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towel lined plate or try to drain. Serve warm with gravy or alone.
Recipe adapted from a combination of: Taste of Home & Taste and Tell
Items used to make this recipe:
Joanne says
Frying has a time and place, for sure. Love this reinvention of the mashed potatoes!
Zainab says
This is a great leftover recipe!! Love it!! Hope you have a great weekend!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
oh my goodness!!! Such a great idea!!! My kids love mashed potatoes so I know they would love this!!! and your first ‘fried’ recipe on the blog?! Well, you chose a great one! pinned!
Melanie says
Thanks Alice for stopping by and for the pin!
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
Melanie – these balls are just brilliant! I am not a huge fan of mashed potatoes (I hope you don’t disown me as a friend) but, I would eat a plateful of fried mashed potato balls! BRILLIANT!
Melanie says
Thanks Shashi! Can’t believe you don’t like mashed potatoes but of course I would never disown my friend. When you come over I’ll just make you something else. 🙂
Matt Robinson says
What an awesome idea, love these!
Melanie says
Thanks Matt! We do too.
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
What a great way to use left over mashed potatoes! Fried food isn’t healthy, but a crispy, crunchy outside is sure delicious!
Melanie says
Definitely not healthy but as a once in a while treat I like to make the best! Thanks for stopping by!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
This is such a great idea! My family would love these! What a great way to use up leftovers too!
Melanie says
Hope you get a chance to try them Kelly! I’m sure you’ll enjoy them.
heather @french press says
AMAZING!
Melanie says
Thanks Heather!
Mary Frances says
Creamy and crunchy all in one recipe sounds incredible!
Melanie says
Thank you Mary Frances!
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
We don’t do a lot of frying foods, but I’m always amazed at the foods that can be fried. I would have never thought to do this. They do look pretty darn amazing!
Melanie says
I know. I typically stay away but every now and then I just go for it! This one did not disappoint. 🙂
Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says
I don’t fry much at home either, but I would totally make an exception for these!! YUM!
Melanie says
Break out the fryer! 🙂
Bri | Bites of Bri says
This looks so good! I’m not a huge fan of fried food either, but this is the perfect use of leftover mashed potatoes. Love these!
Melanie says
Yeah, I usually stay clear of it because of the grease and but who can resist every now and then? Thanks for stopping by!
Sam @ Sugar Spun Run says
I LOVE the idea of this. I’m not a gravy fan either (I prefer to smother my mashed potatoes with creamed corn myself), so you’re not alone! I need to try these out ASAP 🙂
Melanie says
Wow. That’s probably fantastic Sam. Creamed corn + potatoes. Definitely need to try that!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
These are just TOO good!
Melanie says
Ditto. 🙂
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
As if mashed potatoes couldn’t get any better! These sound so good and a great idea for your first fried recipe!
Melanie says
I know, right? Thanks Ashley!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Holy moly these look so good! I can’t wait to try these after Thanksgiving!
Melanie says
Thanks girl! They were really good. So glad you stopped by!
Angela says
We (as in people of the south) have been doing this for awhile…. but they have a touch of onion & are called potato cakes and are made flat like pancakes. They are delish! I like the addition of the bread crumbs though! I bet a touch of onion & some cheese then rolled in bread crumbs would really send these over the top!
Melanie says
Yes, I believe adding a few ingredients would be fun too I was just keeping them simple this time around. Love potato cakes as well!
Thanks for stopping by Angela!
Lee-ann says
For how long can you freeze the mash balls….
Kayla says
Good Morning Lee-ann, Melanie is away on vacation but she will be happy to answer your question as soon as she returns. Have a great day!
Philippe says
Just trying these out, but put a bit of garlic powder and parmesan in with the bread crumbs, great idea for using leftover mashed potatoes for breakfast instead of hashbrowns!
Thanks for the recipe!!
Melanie says
That sounds so tasty! Glad you enjoyed Philippe. Come back to visit soon!
Sharon says
Try mixing bacon bits or ham, grated cheese and jalapeno in cold mashed potatoes before making potato balls, then egg and crumbs and deep fry. OMG.
Bonnie Laughon says
I’ve always made something similar to this, known to our family as a potatoe cake.. i chopped a sweet onion up very fine, add grated sharp cheese. No egg. coated them in flour or bread crumbs. spray skillet so
they don’t stick. with just enough oil to cook. as soon as the side down turns to a golden brown turn & repeat the other side. They are so good! I plan on using some bacon bits on my next batch, Thanks for the tip!
Melanie says
Sounds delicious Bonnie! Thanks for dropping by today!
Connie says
Has anyone tried these in an air fryer? if so, any hints or suggestions?
Thanks.