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Easy Loaded Mashed Potato Bites for Friendsgiving

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These loaded mashed potato bites are the ultimate Friendsgiving appetizer, featuring a crispy golden exterior and a creamy, cheesy interior. Made with leftover mashed potatoes, they come together in under 45 minutes and are perfect for grazing while catching up with friends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk or cream)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (only if potatoes aren’t already seasoned)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (for breading)
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 strips)
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions (green parts only)
  • ½ cup sour cream (for dipping)
  • Extra shredded cheddar for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, beaten egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped. If too wet, add another tablespoon of flour.
  3. Set up your breading station: Place flour in the first shallow bowl. In the second bowl, whisk together the 2 beaten eggs and milk. Put the panko breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
  4. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the potato mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. You should get about 24-30 bites. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Working one at a time, roll a potato ball in the flour until lightly coated, then dip in the egg wash (let excess drip off), and finally roll in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to help crumbs adhere. Return to the baking sheet.
  6. Chill the baking sheet in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up the bites.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The bites should be firm to the touch and the cheese bubbly.
  8. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with crumbled bacon and extra shredded cheddar. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with sour cream, and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm.

Notes

The key to success is using cold leftover mashed potatoes—warm potatoes will make soggy, falling-apart bites. If making fresh potatoes, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. For extra crunch, try the double breading method: flour, egg wash, breadcrumbs, then back into egg wash and breadcrumbs again. You can assemble and bread the bites up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. To freeze, freeze unbaked breaded bites on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag; bake from frozen at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded mashed potato bites, friendsgiving appetizer, leftover mashed potatoes, crispy potato bites, cheesy potato bites, easy appetizer, party food

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/easy-loaded-mashed-potato-bites-for-friendsgiving/