Description

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Bites are crispy golden appetizers with a creamy, cheesy center infused with savory garlic and fresh herbs. Perfectly crispy on the outside and rich on the inside, these bites make a versatile snack or party appetizer that’s easy to prepare and sure to please all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

3 cups well-seasoned mashed potatoes (preferably dry and smooth)

Cheese & Flavorings

2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Binding & Coating

2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
2 tbsp butter (for frying, optional)

Herbs & Seasonings

2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Start with 3 cups of well-cooked, fluffy mashed potatoes, either homemade or store-bought. Make sure they are smooth and free of lumps to ensure easy shaping later.
Mix in Cheese and Garlic: Gently fold in the freshly minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes. Stir to evenly distribute the flavors while keeping the mixture light.
Add Binding Ingredients: Incorporate the beaten eggs and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This helps the potato bites hold their form during cooking.
Shape the Bites: Scoop small portions of the mixture and shape into bite-sized balls or rounds. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy handling.
Coat with Bread Crumbs: Roll each potato bite in breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed) to ensure a crispy outer crust after cooking.
Bake or Fry: For a healthier option, bake the bites in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. For extra crispiness, lightly fry them in butter or oil over medium heat until beautifully golden on all sides.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the warm potato bites with freshly chopped parsley or chives and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or aioli.

Notes

Use dry mashed potatoes, as overly watery potatoes can cause the bites to fall apart.
Opt for freshly grated cheeses rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
Chill the potato mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent stickiness and make shaping easier.
Shape all potato bites to a uniform size to ensure even cooking.
For extra crispness, dip shaped bites again in beaten egg before coating with breadcrumbs a second time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Freeze unbaked shaped bites individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bag for storage up to one month.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 bites (approx. 90g)
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 290 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: cheesy garlic mashed potato bites, Parmesan potato snacks, crispy potato appetizers, party snacks, gluten-free potato bites