These crispy cheesy potato bites are a delightful and easy-to-make snack that will be a hit with your family and friends. Made with mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and coated with breadcrumbs, they are fried to perfection, resulting in a golden, crunchy exterior with a soft, cheesy center. Let’s get started with this simple recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Potato Mixture:
- Potatoes: 6 medium (800 g or 1.75 lbs)
- Starch: 1 cup (100 g) (cornstarch or potato starch)
- Grated Cheddar Cheese: 150 g (5.3 oz)
- Parsley: 1 pinch (optional, finely chopped)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (8 g)
For Coating:
- Egg: 1 large (beaten)
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (120 g)
- Vegetable Oil: For frying
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Crispy Cheesy Potato Bites
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
- Peel and cut the potatoes into small chunks for even cooking.
- Place the potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and boil until soft. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork goes through easily (about 15-20 minutes).
- Drain the water and mash the potatoes until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, starch, parsley, and salt.
- Add the mashed potatoes to the mixture and knead everything together by hand until it forms a smooth dough. The dough should be soft but hold its shape.
- Take small portions of the dough and shape them into oval or egg shapes, about the size of a small egg. Repeat until all the dough is used.
Step 3: Bread the Potato Bites
- Prepare two bowls: one with the beaten egg and another with the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each potato bite into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Then, roll it in the breadcrumbs until completely covered. For an extra crispy texture, you can dip the bite again in egg and breadcrumbs for a double coating.
Step 4: Fry the Potato Bites
- Heat a deep pan or pot with enough vegetable oil for deep frying. The oil should be hot but not smoking (about 180°C / 350°F).
- Carefully lower the breaded potato bites into the oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry until the bites are golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking (about 3-4 minutes per batch).
- Remove the potato bites and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your crispy cheesy potato bites hot and fresh! They’re perfect on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like ketchup, sour cream, or garlic aioli.
- These bites are great as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Tips and Variations
1. Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, replace the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese made from cashew nuts or your preferred vegan cheese.
2. Extra Crispiness
To make the potato bites even crispier, you can double coat them by dipping them twice in the egg and breadcrumbs before frying.
3. Dipping Sauce
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or spicy ketchup for an added flavor boost.
Conclusion: A Delicious and Crunchy Treat
These crispy cheesy potato bites are incredibly easy to make and deliciously addictive. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating makes them perfect for any meal or gathering. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer, your family and friends are sure to love them!
