Hook & Introduction

Comfort food has a way of bringing people together, and few dishes embody that cozy indulgence quite like mashed potatoes. Creamy, buttery, and endlessly versatile, mashed potatoes are a staple at family dinners and holiday feasts. But when you take that familiar favorite and transform it into crispy, golden bites, you get something truly irresistible: mashed potato balls.

These aren’t just any potato balls—they’re loaded with all the good stuff. Imagine gooey melted cheese tucked inside, smoky bits of bacon folded throughout, and fresh scallions adding a pop of brightness. Roll them in breadcrumbs, fry or bake until crisp, and you’ve got the ultimate snack that’s crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

Perfect for game day spreads, holiday parties, or casual family dinners, loaded mashed potato balls are a crowd-pleaser that disappear as quickly as they’re served. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Whether you serve them with ranch, sour cream, or spicy aioli, these bite-sized delights are comfort food at its finest.

What Are Loaded Mashed Potato Balls?

Loaded Mashed Potato Balls are a playful twist on classic mashed potatoes, turning creamy spuds into crispy, bite-sized snacks. The base is simple: mashed potatoes mixed with savory add-ins like cheese, bacon, and scallions. Rolled into balls, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried or baked, they deliver a perfect contrast of textures—crispy exterior, soft and cheesy interior.

Think of them as cousins to croquettes, but cheesier, heartier, and more indulgent. While croquettes often lean toward elegance, potato balls embrace comfort food fun. They’re versatile enough to serve as appetizers, side dishes, or snacks, and they pair beautifully with dips like ranch, sour cream, or spicy aioli.

Loaded mashed potato balls are proof that leftovers can be reinvented into something extraordinary, making them both practical and delicious.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Mashed potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are ideal. Russets provide fluffiness, while Yukon golds add creaminess. Always cool mashed potatoes before shaping to ensure firmness.
Cheese: Cheddar brings sharpness, mozzarella adds gooey stretch, and pepper jack introduces a subtle kick. Choose based on your flavor preference.
Bacon: Crispy bits of bacon add smoky depth and savory crunch. Cook until crisp, then crumble finely for even distribution.
Scallions/chives: These fresh herbs cut through richness, adding brightness and color.
Coating: A classic breading of flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs ensures a golden crust. Panko breadcrumbs are especially good for extra crunch.
Optional extras: Jalapeños for spice, sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan in the coating for added flavor.

Tip: Double-coating the balls in breadcrumbs creates maximum crispiness and helps them hold together during frying or baking.