Crispy Cheesy Potato Bites

Got leftover mashed potatoes? Turn them into these crispy, cheesy Potato Balls! This easy recipe transforms last night’s side dish into the ultimate party appetizer. A great appetizer for game days, parties or a weekend snack.

Crispy Cheesy Potato Balls.

Okay, confession time, I always make too much mashed potatoes. I swear, every time I cook them, I always end up with a whole mountain left after dinner. You too?

Because I’ve got the perfect way to turn those leftovers into something that’s even better the second time around, crispy potato bites in a parmesan and herb crumb!

These little bites are golden and crunchy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside and completely addictive. They're one of my favorite zero-waste comfort foods and trust me, once you try them, you’ll never go back.

Parmesan And Herb Potato Bites.

Got a fridge full of odds and ends? These fried potato bites are the perfect blank canvas for using up whatever tasty bits you’ve got lying around.

Toss in some crispy bacon bits for that smoky crunch (my personal go-to), or stuff the centers with shredded sharp cheddar cheese or mozzarella for an ooey-gooey surprise.

I’ve whipped these small bites up after Sunday roasts, BBQs, and even a random Tuesday night when I found a sad little container of mash in the fridge.

I even packed them for a picnic last weekend with my kid and tucked them into a little container with some ranch and spicy ketchup on the side and not a single one made it back home. 

Ingredients

Potato Mixture:

• 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (500 g)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (60 g)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp chopped chives (optional) (8 g)

• ½ tsp sea salt (3 g)

• ¼ tsp black pepper (1 g)

For Coating:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour (60 g)

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs (150 g)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (1 g)

• ½ tsp garlic powder (1 g)

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional) (0.5 g)

• ¼ tsp salt (1.5 g)

• ¼ tsp black pepper (1 g)

For Frying:

• Vegetable or canola oil, for deep frying

Instructions

1. Make the potato mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended and smooth.

2. Form the bites:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into balls. Set them aside on a lined tray or plate.

3. Prepare the coating stations:

• Bowl 1: Flour

• Bowl 2: Beaten eggs

• Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper

4. Coat the bites:
Roll each ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko.

5. Fry:
Heat about 2 inches (5 cm) of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bites in small batches for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, garlic aioli or ranch. Great for sharing!

Tips:

• Want to turn up the heat? A splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne will do the trick.

• Swap chives for dill, parsley or whatever fresh herbs are hanging out in your crisper. Roasted garlic? Yes, please!

• You can even fold in leftover cooked veggies (like sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions) or tiny cubes of ham or turkey. Nothing goes to waste.

So next time you’re staring at that bowl of leftover mash, don’t let it go to waste. Turn it into these fun and delicious potato balls instead. 

If you love these crispy Parmesan potato bites, don’t stop there, try my loaded tater tots next! And if you’re into crunchy, golden bites, try these crispy cauliflower bites.

📌 Save this recipe card or pin it for later - and let me know in the comments if you try them! I’d love to see how yours turn out!