Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs
Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs are crispy, golden bites of creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar, and smoky bacon, fried to perfection. An irresistible snack or appetizer that's perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you're craving something indulgent!
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups chilled leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 egg
- ½ cup dry bread crumbs
- Cheddar cheese cut into 1-inch chunks (1 chunk per bomb)
- Bacon 1 slice per bomb
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying canola oil recommended
- Sour cream and desired toppings for dipping
Instructions
Prepare the Potato Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture should hold together when shaped; if too loose, add a small amount of bread crumbs to firm it up.
Form the Bombs
- Scoop a small amount of the potato mixture into your hands and gently flatten it. Place a cheddar cheese chunk in the center and carefully wrap the potato mixture around the cheese, forming a smooth, even ball.
Coat with Bread Crumbs
- Pour the bread crumbs into a shallow bowl. Roll each potato bomb in the bread crumbs, ensuring an even coating. This step adds the perfect crunch once fried.
Wrap with Bacon
- Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around the coated potato ball. Secure the bacon in place using a toothpick or skewer. Repeat this process for all the potato bombs.
Fry the Bombs
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat approximately 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower one or two bombs into the hot oil at a time, frying them until the bacon is crispy and the breadcrumb coating is golden brown. This process typically takes about 3-4 minutes. Turn the bombs occasionally to ensure even frying.
Drain and Serve
- Remove the cooked bombs from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauces, garnished with toppings such as chives or hot sauce.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure the mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese do not contain any gluten-containing additives. This modification maintains the crispy texture while accommodating gluten-free dietary needs.