Oh boy, have I got a fantastic treat for you today! If you love comfort food and finger foods rolled into one delicious bite, then get ready to fall head over heels for these Loaded Mashed Potato Bites. I stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering, and it quickly became a star dish. Everyone was raving about it, and the best part? They’re super fun to make, especially with friends or kids.
These bites are basically little balls of joy filled with creamy mashed potatoes, savory cheddar, crispy bacon, and zesty green onions. They’re like the ultimate comfort food but in a snackable form. I mean, who wouldn’t want to snack on something with that much flavor? I’ve made these for game nights, birthday parties, and even as a cozy movie night snack. Trust me; they never last long!
What’s in Loaded Mashed Potato Bites?
Let’s break down these delicious ingredients, shall we?
Prepared Mashed Potatoes: You can use homemade or store-bought, depending on how ambitious you’re feeling. If you opt for homemade, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Cheddar Cheese: Because what’s a potato bite without a little cheese, right? I usually go for sharp cheddar to give it that extra flavorful punch.
Bacon: Cooked and crumbled, because let’s be honest, bacon makes everything better! You can also swap it out for turkey bacon if you want something a bit lighter.
Green Onions: They add a fresh, crisp flavor to the bites. I love the pop of color they bring too!
Sour Cream: This gives the mixture a lovely creaminess and tang that’s just divine.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices really elevate the flavors without any fuss.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing everything together.
All-Purpose Flour: This is what helps the breadcrumbs stick to the potato mixture, creating that delicious crispy exterior.
Eggs: Beaten, they act as a binder and help everything hold together.
Breadcrumbs: I love using panko for that extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine.
Oil for Frying: Vegetable or canola oil works best for frying these puppies to golden perfection!
Are Loaded Mashed Potato Bites Good for You?
Now, let’s not kid ourselves—these bites are definitely a treat, but they do bring some goodies to the table too!
Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes are a great source of vitamins like B6 and C, as well as potassium. However, when frying them, it’s good to keep moderation in mind.
Cheddar Cheese: Offers calcium and protein, which is good for your bones and overall health.
Bacon: While it does add flavor, it’s also higher in fat and sodium, so I’d recommend using it sparingly.
Green Onions: They’re low-calorie and filled with nutrients like vitamin K and vitamin C, helping to balance out your bites a bit.
Sour Cream: Contains probiotics which can be good for your gut health, but don’t overdo it if you’re watching your fat intake.
So, in summary, I’d say these are a delicious indulgence but best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily affair.
Ingredients for Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
This recipe makes about 20 bites, perfect for sharing (or not!).
– 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
– Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
How to Make Loaded Mashed Potato Bites?
Alright, let’s get cooking!
1. In a large bowl, combine the prepared mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended and looking scrumptious.
2. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat this until all the mixture is formed into cute little balls, placing them on a baking sheet.
3. Set up your breading station: put flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third. It’s like an assembly line of yum!
4. Dip each potato ball into the flour, then coat it in the beaten eggs, and finally roll it through the breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re evenly covered—this is key for that crispy crust.
5. Heat a large skillet or fryer over medium-high heat and pour in enough oil to submerge the bites halfway.
6. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a breadcrumb—if it sizzles, you’re ready!), carefully add the potato bites in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan; we want them to cook evenly. Fry until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Remove the bites with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
8. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or ketchup. You can never go wrong with a classic!
Creative Serving Suggestions for Your Loaded Bites!
– Want some spice? Throw in some jalapeños or diced chili peppers for a kick!
– Different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a fun twist.
– You can make them smaller for bite-sized appetizers at a party or larger for a meal with a side salad.
– **Tip**: These little gems can be prepped ahead of time! Just freeze them before frying, then fry directly from frozen—they’ll be just as crispy and delicious.
These Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are sure to become a household favorite. I can’t wait for you to make them! Give them a shot and let me know how they turn out. Happy cooking, my friends!
