Baked Potato Balls

Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside—Baked Potato Balls are the perfect way to turn leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious snack or side dish! Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer, a creative way to use up leftovers, or just a tasty bite-sized treat, these potato balls are easy to make and full of flavor. Serve them with your favorite dip, and watch them disappear! 😋

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover works great!)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup additional breadcrumbs for coating
• Cooking spray or oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil.
2. In a bowl, mix together mashed potatoes, cheese, bacon, green onions, egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and coat them in the additional breadcrumbs.
4. Place the balls on the baking sheet and lightly spray with oil.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve warm with ranch, sour cream, or your favorite dip!

Note: For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the potato balls by dipping them in beaten egg and rolling them in breadcrumbs before baking. You can also add your favorite seasonings or mix-ins like diced jalapeños, cooked sausage, or herbs for extra flavor!