Crispy Loaded Mashed Potato Bites Recipe: Snack Game-Changer

Crispy loaded mashed potato bites burst with flavor that’ll make you weak in the knees.

Potato lovers understand the magic of reimagining classic comfort food.

Creamy interiors hide a delightful blend of cheese, bacon, and green onions waiting to surprise you.

Small appetizer-sized parcels pack an incredible punch of satisfaction.

Each bite delivers a perfect combination of textures and savory goodness.

Guests will absolutely adore these irresistible little morsels that disappear faster than you can plate them.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe that promises to become your new party favorite.

Loaded Mashed Potato Bites to Savor

• Burst with Flavor: Packed with a zesty blend of jalapeño, bacon, and cheese, these potato bites deliver an explosive taste experience that tantalizes taste buds.
• Master Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, game days, or casual get-togethers, these bite-sized treats guarantee to impress guests with their irresistible combination of crispy exterior and creamy interior.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal twists by adjusting seasonings, swapping cheeses, or modifying spice levels to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Indulge in Comfort: Combining classic comfort food elements like mashed potatoes and bacon, these bites offer a nostalgic yet innovative culinary delight that satisfies deep cravings.

Ingredients for Loaded Mashed Potato Bites

Main Ingredients:

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that forms the core of the recipe.
• Jalapeño: Spicy pepper that adds heat and flavor to the potato mixture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy ingredients that provide rich, melty texture.
• Bacon: Savory meat that adds smoky flavor and crisp texture.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
• Sour Cream: Creamy ingredient that enhances moisture and tanginess.
• Black Pepper, Garlic Salt, Slap Ya Mama Seasoning: Spices that boost overall flavor profile.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb that provides a mild, sharp accent.

Coating Ingredients:

• Flour, Panko Breadcrumbs: Ingredients that create a crispy, golden exterior.

• Buttermilk, Egg: Ingredients that help breadcrumbs adhere to potato balls.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for deep frying the potato bites.

Instructions for Loaded Mashed Potato Bites

Step 1: Boil Potatoes and Jalapeño

Add diced potatoes and jalapeño to a large pot. Fill with water and bring to a rolling boil until potatoes become tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Create Creamy Potato Base

Drain the water and return potatoes and jalapeño to the pot. Mash thoroughly until smooth and consistent.

• Butter
• Sour cream
• Black pepper
• Garlic salt
• 'Slap Ya Mama' seasoning

Stir until everything blends perfectly.

Step 3: Enhance with Savory Additions

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded monterey jack cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Diced green onions

Combine until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Shape Potato Balls

Allow mixture to cool until comfortable to handle. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to create uniform one-inch potato balls.

Step 5: Prepare Coating Station

• First dish: All-purpose flour
• Second dish: Whisk buttermilk and egg together
• Third dish: Panko breadcrumbs

Step 6: Coat Potato Balls

Roll each potato ball first in flour, then dip in buttermilk-egg mixture, and finally coat with Panko breadcrumbs.

Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F.

Carefully drop coated potato balls into hot oil. Fry until exterior turns beautiful golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Drain and Serve

Remove potato bites using a slotted spoon. Place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for Loaded Mashed Potato Bites

• Prep ahead by boiling potatoes and jalapeños until fork-tender for smoother texture and easier mashing.
• Mix cheeses, bacon, and green onions thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout potato mixture.
• Chill potato mixture briefly before forming balls to help maintain shape during coating and frying process.
• Use a consistent oil temperature of 375°F to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior without burning the coating.
• Pat excess buttermilk off potato balls before rolling in Panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunchiness and even coating.

Variations of Loaded Mashed Potato Bites

• Gluten-Free Potato Bites: Replace Panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Cheesy Bites: Substitute bacon with crispy vegetarian bacon bits or finely chopped roasted mushrooms for a meat-free alternative.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Bites: Add diced jalapeños, replace 'Slap Ya Mama' seasoning with chili powder, and incorporate Mexican blend cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Bites: Swap potatoes with riced cauliflower, maintain the same cheese and seasoning blend, and adjust frying technique to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate option.

Pairing Suggestions for Loaded Mashed Potato Bites

• Hoppy IPAs or amber ales cut through the richness of these loaded potato bites, balancing their creamy texture with a crisp, refreshing finish.
• Whip up a zesty ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing to complement the jalapeño kick and provide a creamy counterpoint to the crispy exterior.
• Pair with a chilled glass of sweet tea or a classic bourbon cocktail to enhance the comfort food vibes and southern-inspired flavors of these potato bites.
• Serve alongside a light, crisp apple and arugula salad to add freshness and cut through the heavy, indulgent nature of the fried potato balls.

Storage Advice for Loaded Mashed Potato Bites

• Refrigerator Storage: Place cooled potato bites in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
• Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual potato bites in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Maintain quality for up to 2 months by preventing freezer burn.
• Oven Reheating: Arrange potato bites on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring crispy exterior remains intact.
• Air Fryer Revival: Restore crispness by air frying at 375°F for 4-5 minutes. Shake basket halfway through reheating to guarantee even warming and maintain original texture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheeses with alternatives like cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend that melts well. Just ensure they’re shredded for best results.

• How spicy are these potato bites?

The spice level depends on the jalapeño and ‘Slap Ya Mama’ seasoning. If you prefer less heat, remove the jalapeño seeds or use a milder seasoning blend.

• Are these potato bites gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses flour and Panko breadcrumbs, which contain gluten. To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Loaded Mashed Potato Bites Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Potato lovers discover pure bliss with these loaded mashed potato bites, combining creamy potatoes and crispy bacon. Cheese and chives elevate this irresistible appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 3 russet potatoes (large, peeled and diced)
• 1/2 cup (1/2 cup / 120 ml) butter
• 1/4 cup (1/4 cup / 60 ml) sour cream
• 1 jalapeño (finely diced)
• 6–8 pieces bacon (crumbled)
• 1 cup (240 g) sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup (240 g) monterey jack cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup green onions (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp ‘slap ya mama’ seasoning
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 egg (large)
• 2 cups (480 g) panko breadcrumbs
• vegetable oil (as needed for frying)

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Instructions

1. Dice potatoes and jalapeño, place in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Simmer until potatoes become tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, approximately 10-12 minutes. Drain completely and return vegetables to the pot.
3. Introduce butter, sour cream, black pepper, garlic salt, and ‘Slap Ya Mama’ seasoning. Mash and blend ingredients until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Fold in shredded cheeses, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the potato base.
5. Allow mixture to cool slightly for easier handling. Use a tablespoon to shape consistent one-inch diameter potato spheres, compacting gently to maintain structural integrity.
6. Prepare oil in a heavy-bottomed pan, heating to precisely 375°F. Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for optimal frying results.
7. Create a coating station: whisk buttermilk and egg together in one shallow dish, place flour in another, and Panko breadcrumbs in a third.
8. Roll each potato ball first in flour, creating a light dusting. Immediately dip in buttermilk mixture, then coat completely with Panko breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage.
9. Carefully lower breaded potato bites into hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, rotating occasionally, until exterior turns a deep golden-brown and becomes crispy.

Notes

• Chilling the potato mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes helps maintain the shape of the bites during coating and prevents them from falling apart.
• Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent at 375°F to achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing excessive oil or burning.
• Pat the bacon dry before crumbling to prevent excess moisture from making the potato balls soggy and compromising their texture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, and use gluten-free Panko crumbs for coating.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 282 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg