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This crispy baked potato ball recipe transforms leftover mashed potatoes into an irresistible appetizer or side dish that everyone will love. The golden exterior gives way to a creamy, cheesy center studded with savory bacon and fresh chives for the perfect bite.
I first made these potato balls for a football watch party, and they disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Now they're requested at every gathering, and I always make extra mashed potatoes just so we can enjoy these the next day.
Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes: Forms the base giving these balls their creamy interior
- Cheddar cheese: Adds rich flavor and helps bind everything together
- Fresh chives: Provide a mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast
- Bacon: Contributes smoky depth and irresistible savory notes
- Egg: Acts as the critical binder that prevents the balls from falling apart
- Breadcrumbs: Create that essential crispy golden exterior
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning to your taste preference
- Olive oil spray: Helps achieve that golden brown finish without deep frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The high temperature ensures a crispy exterior while the parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mix the filling:
- Combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, chives, bacon, beaten egg, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture. The egg is crucial here as it binds everything together.
- Form the balls:
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll between your palms to form balls approximately the size of a golf ball. Work quickly while the mixture is cold for easier handling. If the mixture becomes too soft, refrigerate it for 15 minutes.
- Coat with breadcrumbs:
- Roll each potato ball in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure even and complete coverage. This breadcrumb layer creates that irresistible crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy center.
- Prepare for baking:
- Arrange the coated balls on your parchment lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each ball to allow for even browning. Lightly spray the balls with olive oil to promote golden browning.
- Bake to perfection:
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the exterior is beautifully golden brown and crispy. For extra crispy results, you can flip them halfway through baking time.
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The bacon is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power accidentally when I had some leftover cooked bacon from breakfast. The smoky flavor infuses the entire potato ball, creating an irresistible savory note that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Make Ahead Instructions
These potato balls are perfect for preparing in advance. You can form the balls and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before coating and baking. For longer storage, freeze the formed but uncoated balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, coat with breadcrumbs and bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Dipping Sauce Suggestions
The perfect potato ball deserves the perfect dipping sauce. Try serving these with sour cream mixed with fresh chives, a spicy sriracha mayo, or classic ranch dressing. For something more adventurous, whip up a quick garlic aioli or a tangy barbecue sauce. The creamy potato interior pairs wonderfully with bold, flavorful sauces.
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Ingredient Swaps
These potato balls welcome creative substitutions based on what you have on hand. Replace cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy kick or gruyere for a nutty flavor. Swap the bacon for ham, cooked sausage, or for a vegetarian version, sautéed mushrooms. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme can replace or complement the chives. For a gluten free version, use gluten free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Cultural Background
Potato croquettes like these have roots in European cuisine, particularly popular in Spain, France, and the Netherlands. The concept of binding mashed potatoes with egg and cheese before coating and frying or baking appears across many cultures. This recipe takes inspiration from those traditional methods while adding American favorites like cheddar and bacon for a crowd pleasing twist that works beautifully for game days, holiday parties, or family dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the potato balls crispier?
For extra crispy potato balls, double-coat them in breadcrumbs before baking and ensure they are evenly sprayed with olive oil.
- → What can I use as a substitute for bacon?
For a vegetarian option, replace bacon with finely chopped sautéed mushrooms or leave it out entirely.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make these potato balls suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- → What herbs work well in this recipe?
Dill, parsley, or even thyme can be great alternatives to chives for a different flavor profile.
- → What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar cheese is ideal, but you can also use mozzarella, gouda, or a mix of your favorite cheeses.