Easy Fried Mashed Potato Balls – Perfect Snack or Appetizer!

Highlighted under: Nostalgic Flavors

These delightful Easy Fried Mashed Potato Balls are a game-changer for any snack or appetizer spread! Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they’re made with leftover mashed potatoes and a blend of flavorful ingredients, then fried to golden perfection. A fun twist on a classic comfort food, these bites are sure to impress at your next gathering or family dinner. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible treat!

Hayley Morton

Created by

Hayley Morton

Last updated on 2025-12-10T16:24:02.563Z

A Perfect Use for Leftovers

Leftover mashed potatoes can often sit in the fridge, waiting to be transformed into something delightful. These Easy Fried Mashed Potato Balls breathe new life into your leftovers, providing an innovative and appetizing option that reduces food waste. The addition of cheese and green onions elevates the flavors, making them a popular snack choice for both kids and adults alike. It’s an exciting way to enjoy a comforting dish in a new presentation that’s sure to please everyone.

Whether you have mashed potatoes from a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe is a fabulous solution. Just a few additional ingredients can turn those plain potatoes into a gourmet appetizer. Plus, these potato balls are versatile enough to be customized based on what you have on hand—feel free to add bacon bits, herbs, or even veggies to amp up the flavor.

Crispy and Creamy Delight

One of the highlights of these fried mashed potato balls is their satisfying texture. The outside becomes perfectly crispy during frying, providing a delightful crunch with every bite. Meanwhile, the inside remains creamy and comforting, reminiscent of traditional mashed potatoes. This contrast makes them an exciting addition to any snack table, as they appeal to a wide range of taste preferences.

The technique of frying these potato balls ensures they are cooked evenly and have that golden-brown hue that we often associate with fried foods. Achieving this perfect balance between crispy and soft takes mere minutes, making them an ideal choice when you want a quick yet satisfying treat for gatherings or game day.

Dipping Sauces to Pair With

To take your Easy Fried Mashed Potato Balls to the next level, consider serving them with an array of delicious dipping sauces. Classic choices like ranch dressing or salsa can enhance the flavor and introduce new taste dimensions. For something a bit more adventurous, try a spicy aioli or garlic dipping sauce that complements the savory potatoes beautifully.

Offering a selection of dips not only makes for an exciting presentation but also appeals to a variety of palates. Guests will enjoy experimenting with different combinations, making the experience interactive and fun. Whether for a party or a casual movie night, your mashed potato balls paired with the right dips can create memorable culinary moments.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

Mix all the ingredients well in a bowl.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, flour, green onions, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Form the Balls

Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.

Fry the Balls

In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the potato balls and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Drain and Serve

Remove the fried potato balls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Easy Fried Mashed Potato Balls!

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Pro Tips

  • For extra flavor, consider adding spices such as garlic powder or paprika to the mixture.

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftover fried mashed potato balls, you can store them easily for later enjoyment. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to regain that crispy texture, or use an air fryer for a quick option. Microwaving is also possible but may compromise the texture.

To ensure they remain delicious, avoid stacking them in the container, as this can lead to sogginess. Instead, separate layers with parchment paper. By following these simple storage tips, you can optimize the enjoyment of your tasty potato balls even after the initial frying.

Ideal for Any Occasion

These Easy Fried Mashed Potato Balls are perfect for a variety of occasions, from cocktail parties to cozy family dinners. Their bite-sized nature makes them an excellent finger food that guests can enjoy while mingling. They fit seamlessly into any appetizer spread, bringing comfort food flair to more formal dining setups, as well.

Not only can you serve them as a standalone snack, but they also pair wonderfully with main courses, providing a comforting side option. No matter the event, these potato balls will undoubtedly become a staple, bringing smiles and satisfaction to everyone around the table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh mashed potatoes?

Yes, fresh mashed potatoes can be used instead of leftover ones.

→ How can I keep them crispy?

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying and drain the balls on paper towels.

Easy Fried Mashed Potato Balls – Perfect Snack or Appetizer!

These delightful Easy Fried Mashed Potato Balls are a game-changer for any snack or appetizer spread! Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they’re made with leftover mashed potatoes and a blend of flavorful ingredients, then fried to golden perfection. A fun twist on a classic comfort food, these bites are sure to impress at your next gathering or family dinner. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible treat!

Prep Time15.0
Cooking Duration20.0
Overall Time35.0

Created by: Hayley Morton

Recipe Type: Nostalgic Flavors

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4.0

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  2. 1 cup shredded cheese
  3. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  4. 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  5. 1 egg, beaten
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. Oil for frying

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, flour, green onions, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 02

Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 03

In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the potato balls and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Step 04

Remove the fried potato balls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Extra Tips

  1. For extra flavor, consider adding spices such as garlic powder or paprika to the mixture.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Protein: 5g