Cheddar & Green Onion Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love comfort food that hits all the right notes—crispy on the outside, fluffy and full of flavor on the inside. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Cheddar & Green Onion Mashed Potato Balls Recipe with you today. They’re the perfect way to turn leftover mashed potatoes into golden, cheesy bites of pure joy that everyone will fight over at your next gathering. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your snack arsenal!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients in this Cheddar & Green Onion Mashed Potato Balls Recipe come together to create a perfect blend of creamy, sharp, and fresh flavors. Picking the right potatoes or cheese can take your balls from good to unforgettable, so let me walk you through it.

• Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes that are well-seasoned and not too watery; this is the base, so creamy but firm texture is key.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a punch of flavor and melts beautifully, making every bite comforting and cheesy.
• Green Onions: These bring a mild onion freshness, brightening up the flavor without overpowering the cheese.
• Garlic Powder: A little garlic goes a long way to add warmth and depth.
• Paprika: Smoky paprika adds subtle spice and color.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These create that unbeatable crispy coating; regular breadcrumbs can work but panko is best for crunch.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil like vegetable or canola works great for frying without imparting extra flavors.

Make It Your Way

I personally love to tweak this Cheddar & Green Onion Mashed Potato Balls Recipe depending on the season and who I’m serving. You can easily make it your own with a few simple swaps or add-ins.

• Variation: I sometimes toss in cooked crispy bacon bits for an extra savory touch – irresistible and adds a smoky crunch.
• Healthier Version: For a lighter take, try air frying instead of deep frying (instructions included below) – you’ll get that perfect crisp without the extra oil.
• Herbs & Spice: Feel free to mix in fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or swap paprika for cayenne if you love a kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar & Green Onion Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Mash With Love

In a big bowl, I start by combining leftover mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t rush this! Mix gently but thoroughly so everything blends evenly—this ensures every bite has that perfect flavor harmony. If your mash feels a little dry, a splash of milk or cream helps smooth it right out.

Step 2: Shape and Crumb

I take about two tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a nice round ball with my hands—kind of like making meatballs. Using a cookie scoop here can keep sizes super consistent, which is a neat trick if you’re making a big batch. Then, I toss my potato balls in a bowl of panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they’re fully coated. This is your crispy armor waiting to happen!

Step 3: Freeze to Set

Here’s a game changer: pop the coated balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for 15-20 minutes. This quick freeze makes them firm, so when you fry, they hold their shape instead of falling apart. It saves you so much stress, especially with potatoes that can be a little loose.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat a couple of inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot until it’s shimmering hot (about 3-4 minutes on medium-high). Carefully lower about 4-5 potato balls at a time into the oil and fry them until they’re golden brown and deliciously crispy, roughly 1-2 minutes, turning occasionally. After frying, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate so the excess oil drains off. Letting them cool a few minutes helps the center set up just right.

How to Serve Cheddar & Green Onion Mashed Potato Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some extra finely chopped green onions right on top once they’re hot for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a side of spicy ranch dip makes these golden bites even more irresistible. Sometimes I throw on little flakes of smoked paprika or a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving for a fancy touch.

Side Dishes

These mashed potato balls play nicely alongside a fresh green salad or roasted veggies if you want something light. My favorite pairing? Crispy chicken wings or a juicy burger for a truly indulgent meal.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve made these at dinner parties, stacking them like little towers on a platter lined with fresh herbs for a stunning appetizer display. For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged them on a festive board with bowls of different dips so guests can mix and match flavors—it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let them cool fully at room temperature first (this is key—skip this and you’ll get soggy bits). Then I put them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. They keep really well and you can enjoy that same crispy-cheesy goodness even the next day.

Freezing

This recipe is a freezer dream. I usually freeze the balls *before* frying—just arrange them on a tray, freeze until firm, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When I want a quick snack, I just pull a few out and fry or air fry straight from frozen, which saves me tons of prep time.

Reheating

To bring leftover or frozen fried mashed potato balls back to life, I pop them in a preheated 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes or air fryer for about 10 minutes. This reheats them evenly without losing the crispy crust we love.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar & Green Onion Mashed Potato Balls Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite ways to use leftover mashed potatoes. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy snack for yourself. I love that it’s totally customizable, and the crispy outside paired with melty cheese inside never fails to impress. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious these little bites are, and I promise they’ll disappear fast!

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