Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Cheesy, Crispy, and the Perfect Use for Thanksgiving Leftovers

Fried mashed potato balls are the ultimate snack to serve during the holidays or whenever you have leftover mashed potatoes hanging out in the fridge. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and unbelievably satisfying.

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These little bites are especially perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, Friendsgiving parties, or even as a cozy treat on a chilly weekend. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or a fun finger food, they always disappear fast.

Jump to:

• Cheesy, Crispy, and the Perfect Use for Thanksgiving Leftovers
• Why These Mashed Potato Balls Are a Must-Try
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• Ingredient Notes and Swaps
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Tips for the Best Results
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage and Reheating
• Common Questions
• Recipe Variations to Try
• Save This Recipe and Share
• Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Why These Mashed Potato Balls Are a Must-Try

Delicious Way to Repurpose Leftovers

After a big Thanksgiving dinner, there's usually a mountain of mashed potatoes left. This recipe turns them into something fresh and exciting. No more boring leftovers—these are crowd-pleasers every time.

Crisp Outside, Creamy Inside

With a golden panko crust and a soft center loaded with sharp cheese and herbs, these are everything you want in a comfort food snack. The contrast in texture is what makes them so addictive.

Easy, Fast, and Customizable

All you need is a bowl of mashed potatoes, some simple pantry ingredients, and about 30 minutes of your time. They're also easy to adapt based on what you have available, and they reheat beautifully for snacking later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a meltable cheese alternative)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives or green onions
• ⅛ teaspoon salt and pepper
• ¼–⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying (use vegetable or avocado oil)
• Optional dipping sauce like sour cream or garlic yogurt sauce

Ingredient Notes and Swaps

Cold mashed potatoes are a must for the mixture to hold together. You can use plain mashed potatoes or those made with butter and herbs. Mashed potatoes with a bit of garlic or dairy work especially well.

Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds bold flavor, but feel free to use a meltable cheese of your choice.

Breadcrumbs: Panko makes the exterior extra crisp. Regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes also work in a pinch.

Egg: This helps the coating stick. If needed, you can substitute it with a store-bought egg replacer or yogurt for binding.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, stir together:

• Mashed potatoes
• Cheese
• Garlic powder
• Chives or green onions
• Salt and pepper

Make sure everything is evenly distributed. The mixture should be firm and cold.

2. Shape Into Balls

Scoop about 2 teaspoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Aim for 1-inch round balls. If the mixture feels too soft, chill the formed balls in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before coating.

3. Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls:

• One with flour
• One with a beaten egg
• One with panko breadcrumbs

Roll each potato ball in flour, dip into egg, then coat in panko until fully covered.

4. Fry Until Golden

Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a deep saucepan to 375°F. Carefully place 3–4 balls in the oil at a time. Fry for 2–3 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining balls.

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Tips for the Best Results

• Keep mashed potatoes cold before shaping and frying
• Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for perfect crispiness
• Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying
• Drain well on paper towels to prevent sogginess

Serving Suggestions

Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce. These are perfect with:

• Sour cream or herbed yogurt dip
• Garlic sauce or spiced tomato dip
• A drizzle of leftover gravy from your Thanksgiving meal
• Try pairing with this Easy Vegan Gravy over Mashed Potatoes

These are also amazing alongside roasted vegetables, soup, or leftover turkey sandwiches from Thanksgiving dinner.

Storage and Reheating

Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Air Fryer: 375°F for 8–10 minutes
• Oven: 375°F for 10–12 minutes
• Avoid using the microwave—it softens the crisp coating

Want to prep in advance? Shape and coat the balls, then freeze them in a single layer. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and fry or air-fry directly from frozen.

Common Questions

Recipe Variations to Try

Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or a small amount of finely diced chili to the filling for heat.

Cheese-Filled
Insert a small cube of meltable cheese in the center for an extra cheesy surprise.

Thanksgiving Twist
Mix a spoonful of cranberry sauce into the potatoes or serve on the side for dipping. You can also pair with this Loaded Mashed Potato Bake for a heartier side dish.

For more appetizer ideas, try these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs as another fun option to serve at your holiday table.

Save This Recipe and Share

Planning your Thanksgiving menu? Pin this recipe to your Thanksgiving Recipes board on Pinterest and follow Bake with Lina on Pinterest for more cozy, creative, and seasonal recipes.

These fried mashed potato balls are a guaranteed hit. Give them a try and share your results. They’re crispy, cheesy, and make the most of your leftovers in the tastiest way possible.

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