Indulge in the savory delight of Loaded Mashed Potato Bites, featuring large russet potatoes, rich butter, sour cream, and a burst of flavors from jalapeño, bacon, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, and select spices, all encased in a crispy Panko breadcrumb coating.
Remember those cozy winter evenings when comfort food was not just a dish, but a warm, delicious hug? That’s where my love for Loaded Mashed Potato Bites began. On a snowy night, craving something hearty and fulfilling, I experimented with my family’s favorite loaded mashed potato recipe. Transforming it into bite-sized wonders was a game-changer. Each bite became a blend of nostalgia and innovation, reminding me of family gatherings and laughter, yet bringing a new twist to the table. Now, these bites are a staple at every family event, a delicious legacy of that snowy experiment!
Why You’ll Love Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites stand out with their irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Each bite offers a harmony of creamy potatoes, rich cheeses, and the subtle kick of jalapeño, perfectly balanced with the smokiness of bacon. The crispy Panko crust provides a delightful contrast, making these bites an unforgettable snack. Plus, their bite-size form makes them perfect for parties and gatherings, easy to serve and enjoy. It’s a classic comfort food with a modern, fun twist!
Ingredients Notes
Crafting Loaded Mashed Potato Bites is a journey of taste and texture, and the key lies in the quality of ingredients. Let’s dive into some important notes:
- Potatoes: Large Russet potatoes are your canvas, providing the perfect starchy base.
- Cheeses: Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack blend for a creamy, tangy flavor.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, meaty depth.
- Jalapeño: A hint of spice to elevate the flavors.
- Seasonings: Garlic salt, black pepper, and ‘Slap Ya Mama’ spice blend harmonize the taste.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko ensures a crisp, golden exterior.
- Buttermilk and Egg: For a smooth, adhesive coating.
How To Make Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Let’s break down the Loaded Mashed Potato Bites recipe into simple, easy-to-follow steps, ensuring your culinary success!
- Potato and Jalapeño Boil: Start by boiling diced potatoes and jalapeños until fork-tender. This is the foundation of your bites, so make sure they are perfectly cooked.
- Mash and Season: Drain the potatoes, then mash them with butter, sour cream, and seasonings. This step infuses your base with creamy and flavorful goodness.
- Add-ins: Stir in cheese, bacon, and green onions. Here, your mash turns into a loaded delight, rich with textures and flavors.
- Forming Bites: Once cooled, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. It’s where your creation takes shape, literally!
- Coating: For the coating, dip each ball in flour, then a buttermilk and egg mixture, and finally, roll in Panko breadcrumbs. This triple-layer ensures a crispy, golden finish.
- Frying: Fry the bites in hot oil until golden brown. It’s the final step where the magic happens, transforming your bites into crunchy, golden orbs of deliciousness.
Storage Options
After savoring the Loaded Mashed Potato Bites, storing them correctly is key. These bites are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, cool them completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results, reviving that delightful crispiness.
Variations and Substitutions
Flexibility is the spice of life, and Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are no exception! Here are some variations and substitutions to tweak the recipe to your liking:
- Potato Varieties: Try different types of potatoes for a change in texture and flavor.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with various cheeses like Gouda or Pepper Jack for a different cheesy experience.
- Meat Alternatives: Swap bacon with ham, sausage, or go meatless with sautéed mushrooms.
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the level of heat with different types of peppers or spice blends.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, bake the bites instead of frying.
Embrace these variations and make the recipe uniquely yours!
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Ingredients
Main Components
- Russet Potatoes: Three large peeled and diced.
- Butter: Half a cup.
- Sour Cream: One-quarter cup.
- Jalapeño: One finely diced.
- Bacon: Six to eight pieces crumbled.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: One cup shredded.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: One cup shredded.
- Green Onions: One-quarter cup thinly sliced.
- Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon.
- Garlic Salt: One teaspoon.
- ‘Slap Ya Mama’ Seasoning: Half a teaspoon.
Coating Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: One cup.
- Buttermilk: One cup.
- Egg: One large.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Two cups.
- Vegetable Oil: As needed for frying.
Instructions
Preparation of Potato Mixture
- Boiling Potatoes and Jalapeño: In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and jalapeño. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- Cooking and Mashing: Continue cooking until the potatoes are fork-tender. Once achieved, drain the water and return the potatoes and jalapeño to the pot.
- Adding Ingredients: Incorporate the butter, sour cream, black pepper, garlic salt, and ‘Slap Ya Mama’ seasoning into the potato mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Incorporating Cheese and Bacon: Add both types of shredded cheese, the crumbled bacon, and the diced green onions to the mixture. Mix until all components are well combined.
Forming the Bites
- Shaping: Once the mixture has cooled to a manageable temperature, use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to form the mixture into balls approximately one inch in diameter.
Coating and Frying
- Preparing for Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a medium, heavy-bottomed pan or deep fryer to a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Coating Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until well combined.
- Coating Procedure: First, roll each potato ball in flour, ensuring a light, even coat. Subsequently, dip the floured balls into the buttermilk and egg mixture, and finally, roll them in the Panko breadcrumbs to achieve a consistent outer layer.
- Frying: Carefully place the coated potato balls into the hot oil. Fry them until they achieve a golden-brown coloration, indicative of a crisp exterior.
