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- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably leftover) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup cooked and crumbled spicy sausage or a plant-based alternative - ½ cup green onions, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - Vegetable oil for frying To make crispy stuffed mashed potato balls, I use simple and tasty ingredients. The mashed potatoes are the base. Using leftovers makes this dish easy and fun. Cheddar cheese adds a nice gooeyness when you bite into them. The spicy sausage gives a kick, but you can swap it for a plant-based option if you want. Green onions add a fresh crunch. Garlic and onion powder boost flavors without being too strong. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper for balance. The flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs help create that crispy outer layer. If you don’t have mashed potatoes, you can use instant mashed potatoes, but the flavor may differ. For cheese, mozzarella or pepper jack works great too. Instead of sausage, you can try bacon bits or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Chives can replace green onions if you want a milder taste. You can also try different spices like paprika for a smoky flavor. To take your crispy stuffed mashed potato balls up a notch, serve them with a dip. A spicy aioli or ranch dressing pairs well. You can sprinkle parsley or extra chopped green onions on top for a pop of color. If you like heat, add some hot sauce to your dipping sauce for a zing. These little touches can make your dish feel special and inviting. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of mashed potatoes. If you have leftovers, that works great! Next, mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Then, add ½ cup of cooked and crumbled spicy sausage, or a plant-based choice if you prefer. Toss in ½ cup of chopped green onions too. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until it combines nicely. Now, using your hands, take a spoonful of the potato mix. Shape it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. This part is fun, and you can get a little messy! Continue this process until all the mixture is shaped into balls. Place them on a baking sheet as you go. Next, set up your breading station. You will need three separate bowls. Fill the first bowl with 1 cup of all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, place 2 large beaten eggs. Finally, add 1 cup of breadcrumbs, preferably panko, to the last bowl. This will help you get that nice crunch! Now it’s time to bread the potato balls. Take one ball and roll it in the flour first. Make sure it’s fully coated. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Lastly, roll it in the breadcrumbs until it’s well covered. Repeat this for all the potato balls. In a large, deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil. You want it to be at medium heat and reach 350°F (175°C). A thermometer helps ensure the oil is hot enough. Once it’s ready, carefully add a few potato balls at a time. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to take them out and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. These crispy stuffed mashed potato balls are best served hot. You can enjoy them as a snack or a side dish. Try pairing them with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor. They make a great addition to any meal! To get that perfect crunch, choose panko breadcrumbs. They create a light, crispy shell. Make sure to coat each ball well. Roll them in flour first, then dip in egg, and finally coat in breadcrumbs. This three-step process helps lock in the crunch. Fry in hot oil at 350°F for the best results. If the oil is not hot enough, the balls can become soggy. You can prepare these potato balls in advance. After forming them, place the balls on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. This method helps them keep their shape. When you are ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer. Just add a minute or two to the cooking time. One common error is overmixing the filling. This can make the potatoes gummy. Stick to mixing just until blended. Another mistake is overcrowding the frying pan. Fry only a few at a time. This keeps the oil temperature steady. Finally, don’t skip the draining step. Placing them on paper towels helps remove excess oil, keeping them crisp. Pro Tips Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: For the best texture, make sure your mashed potatoes are cold; this helps them hold their shape better when forming the balls. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize your potato balls with different cheeses, meats, or veggies to suit your taste preferences. Test the Oil Temperature: Always use a thermometer to check the oil temperature; if it's too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Drain Properly: After frying, let the potato balls rest on a paper towel-lined plate to ensure they remain crispy by absorbing excess oil. {{image_2}} You can get creative with the fillings in your crispy stuffed mashed potato balls. Try adding cooked bacon for a smoky taste. You can also use diced ham or even chopped mushrooms for a different twist. Cheese lovers can mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor. Don't forget to experiment with herbs or spices to match your taste. If you're looking for vegetarian options, you can skip the meat and add more veggies. Chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even corn can work great. For a vegan version, replace the cheese with a plant-based alternative. You can also use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of eggs for binding. Adding spices and herbs can elevate your potato balls. Try mixing in smoked paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning for a new flavor profile. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can add a nice touch. Don't be shy to experiment! A little extra garlic powder or onion powder can also boost the taste. To keep your crispy stuffed mashed potato balls fresh, let them cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are not stacked on top of one another to avoid crushing. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the potato balls on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm and crispy again. This method keeps them crunchy and tasty. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great! First, place the formed but un-fried potato balls on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer. Just add an extra minute of cooking time for best results. Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe. They save time and still taste good. But, fresh mashed potatoes give a better flavor and texture. If you want a more homemade feel, use the real thing when you can. Vegetable oil is the best choice for frying. It has a high smoke point, so it won't burn. You can also use canola oil or peanut oil. Both work well and give a nice crisp to the potato balls. To keep your potato balls from falling apart, follow these tips: - Make sure your mixture is well combined. - Chill the formed balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. - Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in small batches to keep them intact. Yes, you can bake the potato balls. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won't be as crispy, but they still taste great. You can serve these potato balls with many dips and sides. Here are some ideas: - Sour cream or ranch dressing - Ketchup or barbecue sauce - A fresh salad for a light side - Your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor Crispy stuffed mashed potato balls are fun and tasty. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step steps to make them, and tips for the best results. I shared ways to mix flavors and store leftovers, too. Use this guide to make your own versions. Experiment and find what you love best. Enjoy serving these delights at your next meal or party!

Crispy Stuffed Mashed Potato Balls

Delicious and crispy potato balls filled with cheese and sausage, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably leftover)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup cooked and crumbled spicy sausage or a plant-based alternative
  • 0.5 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
  • for frying amount vegetable oil

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled sausage, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Using your hands, take a spoonful of the potato mixture and shape it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Continue until all the mixture is formed into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
  • In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
  • Roll each potato ball in flour, making sure to coat it entirely. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. Repeat for all potato balls.
  • In a large, deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
  • Carefully add a few potato balls at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • Enjoy your crispy stuffed mashed potato balls while they are still hot!

Notes

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
Keyword appetizer, fried, mashed potatoes, snack