Name: Potato Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cold mashed potatoes; 1 egg (helps bind); 1 cup cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp flour all-purpose; 2 tbsp chopped parsley; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt & pepper, to taste; Oil for frying

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 26 reviews

Say hello to your new favorite snack: Potato Bites! Crispy on the outside, irresistibly fluffy and cheesy within, these little morsels are absolute crowd-pleasers. Whether you’re trying to clear out leftover mashed potatoes or just craving something deliciously savory to munch, this recipe makes it nearly impossible to stop at just one. With each bite, you’ll savor hints of cheddar, fresh herbs, and a perfect balance of seasonings—with minimal fuss and tons of flavor. Get ready to watch these Potato Bites disappear right off the plate!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it wonderfully simple, focusing on a handful of kitchen staples that each play a starring role. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to maximize taste, add a little texture, and deliver those signature golden Potato Bites.

Mashed potatoes: Using cold mashed potatoes keeps the bites super creamy and helps them hold their shape.
Egg: Acts as the binding agent that holds the mixture together, so you get perfect bites every time.
Cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, flavorful pockets with every bite—feel free to use mild or sharp, depending on your preference.
All-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken the mixture and give the bites a light crispness once fried.
Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness so the flavor never feels flat.
Garlic powder: Brings a touch of savory warmth without overpowering the potatoes.
Onion powder: Enhances the depth of flavor and gives a subtle, comforting zing.
Salt & pepper: Season to taste—a little goes a long way toward bringing all the flavors to life.
Oil for frying: The right oil ensures golden, crispy exteriors. Go with any neutral oil you like for shallow frying.

How to Make Potato Bites

Step 1: Mix It Up

Start by gathering all your ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar cheese, flour, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to stir everything together until it’s smooth and cohesive—don’t be afraid to get in there! The mixture should feel thick enough to shape, but if for some reason it feels too loose, just sprinkle in an extra teaspoon of flour.

Step 2: Shape Your Potato Bites

With the mixture ready, grab a tablespoon and scoop out a generous mound. Roll it gently between your palms to create little balls, or flatten them out slightly if you’re partial to patties. Consistency is key—the bites should be about the same size for even frying. You’ll end up with about 16 to 20 Potato Bites, which means there’s plenty to go around!

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Pour enough oil into a skillet to cover the bottom and heat it over medium. Once it’s nice and shimmering (test it with a drop of mixture—it should sizzle right away), add your shaped Potato Bites. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn crisp and beautifully golden. Use a slotted spoon to move them to a paper towel-lined plate while you fry the next batch.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Now’s the moment to dig in! You can serve your Potato Bites piping hot with ketchup, cool sour cream, or even a tangy yogurt dip for that extra zing. Prepare yourself—they tend to vanish in minutes!

How to Serve Potato Bites

Garnishes

Dress up your Potato Bites with a fine dusting of extra chopped parsley for color, or scatter some finely grated parmesan on top as soon as they come out of the pan. For a little heat, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes does wonders. Sometimes, all it takes is a final crack of fresh black pepper to make them truly pop!

Side Dishes

Potato Bites play well with so many dishes. They make a fantastic side for grilled meats, pile up beautifully beside a fresh green salad, or can be nestled next to a bowl of homemade tomato soup for that nostalgic, comforting combo. Honestly, pile them on a serving board with olives, cheeses, and crunchy veggies for a stellar snack plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party platter, tuck your Potato Bites onto skewers with cherry tomatoes or pieces of roasted pepper between each. Arrange them in paper cones for grab-and-go snacking at gatherings. Or build a savory tower on a small plate, drizzle your favorite sauce over the top, and let everyone dig in fork-first—it’s all about making them the star!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Potato Bites can be transferred to an airtight container once cooled. Pop them in the fridge and they’ll keep their taste and texture for up to 3 days—if you manage not to eat them all on day one! They’re just as snack-worthy the next day.

Freezing

To extend their magic, let the bites cool completely, then arrange them on a sheet pan to freeze individually. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab just a few at a time! They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months and are ready for a quick snack anytime.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Potato Bites is in a hot oven or air fryer for about 7–10 minutes, which brings the crispy exterior right back to life. Avoid the microwave for reheating, as it can make the bites soggy. If you only have a skillet, a quick toss over medium heat does the trick!

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of homemade?

Definitely! As long as your mashed potatoes are thick and cold, instant works perfectly. Just be sure they aren’t too runny; otherwise, add a touch more flour to get the right consistency for shaping.

How do I make Potato Bites gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or even fine rice flour. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s just that simple tweak.

What cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?

Cheddar is classic, but you can absolutely use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a little bit of smoked gouda. Just keep the ratio the same and the bites will melt beautifully.

Can I bake Potato Bites instead of frying?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), arrange the shaped bites on a parchment-lined tray, brush or spray with a bit of oil, and bake about 18–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. They’ll be golden and crisp, though not quite as rich as frying.

Are Potato Bites good for meal prepping?

Yes, they are a fantastic make-ahead snack! Shape them in advance, chill them in the fridge, then fry or bake when you’re ready. If you’re short on time, you can even cook the entire batch ahead and simply reheat for maximum convenience.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something undeniably joyful about sharing a batch of homemade Potato Bites—whether they’re warm from the pan or set out for a party snack. I truly hope you give these a try soon, and don’t be surprised if they become your own go-to for happy moments, cozy nights in, or whenever you need a sure-fire hit. Happy cooking!