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Crispy cheesy bites

Featured in Nibbles and bites when hunger strikes.

Don’t waste mashed potatoes—turn them into cheesy bites that are crispy outside and gooey inside.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Sun, 30 Mar 2025 14:07:44 GMT
Golden potato bites oozing with cheese, topped with chives, served on a plate. Pin it
Golden potato bites oozing with cheese, topped with chives, served on a plate. | tasteofsavor.com

I whipped up these cheesy potato balls one night with leftover mashed potatoes sitting in my fridge. Making them brought back memories of the crunchy croquettes from my childhood days. The real magic happens when the cheese slowly melts inside these crispy little bites. They've become my go-to trick for turning leftovers into something truly mouthwatering.

My Favorite Food-Saving Trick

This recipe wins me over with how incredibly easy it is. Just grab some leftover mashed potatoes, add good cheese, and watch the transformation happen. The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool down when your kitchen smells so amazing. My kids always keep an eye out when I pull yesterday's potatoes from the fridge - they know these golden balls will soon appear.

What You'll Need

  • Homemade mashed potatoes: 2 cups, thoroughly chilled
  • Cheddar: A generous cup of shredded aged cheddar
  • Parmesan: A quarter cup, freshly grated
  • Breadcrumbs: My homemade fine breadcrumbs
  • Eggs: 2 farm-fresh eggs
  • Chives: Garden-fresh if you can get them
  • Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper
  • Oil: For that perfect golden finish

Step-by-Step Guide

Getting the mix ready
I toss the cold potatoes, cheese, beaten eggs, seasonings and chives in my big mixing bowl. Then I work everything together until it's completely blended.
Shaping your balls
With slightly damp hands, I roll the mixture into small, even rounds. Then I coat them in breadcrumbs - that's the secret to getting them crispy.
Cooking them just right
I heat my oil slowly in my favorite pan. I keep an eye on the color - they need to turn beautifully golden. Baking works great too and cuts down on the oil.
Time to eat
I set them on paper towels briefly and serve them while they're still hot with my homemade dipping sauces.

Serving Ideas

I always make different dips to go with my potato balls. My top choice is a lemony herb cream, but my kids love dunking them in homemade ketchup. For parties, I arrange them on a nice tray with wooden toothpicks so guests can grab them easily.

Storing Tips

These balls stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I freeze them, I space them apart on a baking sheet first, then move them to a freezer bag once solid. A quick trip to the oven brings back all their crispiness.

Golden potato balls stuffed with cheese and topped with chives, displayed on a serving dish. Pin it
Golden potato balls stuffed with cheese and topped with chives, displayed on a serving dish. | tasteofsavor.com

Tasty Twists

I often switch up the cheeses based on what I'm craving. Sometimes I'll add feta for a Mediterranean touch or gruyere for extra flavor. The herbs change with the seasons too - thyme, rosemary, basil. My husband, who watches his weight, loves the baked version with Japanese panko breadcrumbs the most.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can these bites be frozen?
Yes, freeze them either before or after cooking. Reheat in the oven to get them crispy again.
→ What cheeses work best?
Cheddar and parmesan give the best result, but any melt-friendly hard cheese works.
→ How do you make them really crunchy?
Preheat the oven properly, use parchment paper, and brush them lightly with oil first.
→ Should the mash be cold?
Yes, cold mashed potatoes are easier to shape. Warm mash can get too sticky.
→ Can I prep them ahead of time?
Sure! Shape them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Handy for saving prep time.

Cheesy potato bites

Turn your leftover mash into crispy, cheesy bites. Perfect for snacking or as a side dish.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Global

Yield: 6 Servings (About 24 bites)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes.
02 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
03 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
04 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
05 2 eggs.
06 1/2 cup breadcrumbs.
07 Salt and pepper, as you like.
08 A little oil, for frying.
09 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
10 Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped chives.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 200°C to warm up while prepping and to make things golden and crisp.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese, mashed potatoes, seasonings, salt, pepper, and chives if using.

Step 03

Stir in the eggs and breadcrumbs until everything is well mixed and comes together like dough.

Step 04

Roll the mixture into small balls, roughly the size of walnuts, and lay them on a greased baking tray.

Step 05

Pop the tray in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the bites are crispy and browned.

Step 06

Before serving, let them cool for a few minutes so they firm up a bit.

Notes

  1. Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor boost.
  2. You can also pan-fry these for an even crunchier texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven.
  • Baking tray.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy products.
  • Gluten (from breadcrumbs).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
  • Protein: 6 g