These Loaded Mashed Potato Bites with Chives & Bacon are crispy on the outside, creamy inside, and packed with all the cozy flavors you love in a classic comfort dish. Perfect for your Christmas appetizers table or any cozy get-together, these little bites disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Each bite is crispy, creamy, and full of flavor.
- Perfect for holiday party snacks or make-ahead Christmas appetizers.
- Uses simple ingredients you already have at home.
Ingredients
Each ingredient brings something special to the recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mashed potatoes : the creamy base that holds everything together.
- Cooked beef bacon : adds smoky, salty flavor in every bite.
- Cheddar cheese : melts beautifully and gives that classic loaded potato taste.
- Chives : fresh and mild, they add color and brightness.
- Eggs : help bind the mixture so your bites hold shape.
- Flour : gives a light crisp to the outside.
- Salt and pepper : balance all the flavors.
- Oil for frying : for that golden, crispy coating we love in potato appetizers.
Step by Step Instructions
Making these Loaded Mashed Potato Bites with Chives & Bacon is simple and fun!
- In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cooked bacon, cheese, chives, eggs, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Shape the mixture into small balls using your hands or a scoop. Roll each one lightly in flour to coat.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the potato bites and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Remove and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving warm.
- Serve with sour cream, ranch dip, or your favorite sauce.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes like these Loaded Mashed Potato Bites can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here’s how to avoid the most common mistakes:
- Don’t use cold mashed potatoes straight from the fridge. Let them soften a bit so they’re easier to shape.
- Skip over-mixing, or the texture can become gluey instead of creamy.
- Don’t fry in low heat oil, or your bites will absorb too much and turn soggy instead of crispy.
- Keep bites small so they cook evenly and stay crunchy on the outside.
Pro Tips
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time and reduce waste.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for an extra kick.
- Prep ahead and freeze the uncooked bites for stress-free holiday party snacks.
- Serve them on a platter with chive garnish for a restaurant-style look.
Serving Suggestions
These bites pair beautifully with sour cream or spicy aioli. You can also serve them alongside mini crostinis or puff pastries for a full Christmas appetizer spread. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven for 5 minutes to keep them crispy.
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites with Chives & Bacon
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Scoop or Spoon
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 2 cups mashed potatoes preferably room temperature
- 4 slices cooked bacon chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp chives finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Coating and Frying
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for coating
- oil for frying vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, chives, eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls using your hands or a scoop. Roll each in flour to coat lightly.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the potato bites in batches, turning until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with sour cream, ranch dip, or your favorite sauce.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time.
- Freeze uncooked bites for up to 2 weeks. Bake at 400°F for a lighter version.
- Avoid overmixing and use hot oil for crisp results.
FAQs
How can I make these Loaded Mashed Potato Bites ahead of time?
Prepare the mixture, form the bites, and place them on a tray in the freezer until firm. Then transfer them to a bag and store for up to 2 weeks. When ready, fry or bake directly from frozen without thawing for the perfect make-ahead Christmas appetizer.
Can I bake instead of fry them?
Yes! Place the potato bites on a parchment-lined tray, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes until golden. You’ll get a lighter version that’s just as satisfying and perfect for comfort food appetizers.
What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are best. They’re starchy and make creamy, smooth mashed potatoes that hold their shape when formed into bites. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they can turn gummy.
Conclusion
There’s nothing like these warm, crispy Loaded Mashed Potato Bites with Chives & Bacon to make your holiday table feel extra special. Whether you serve them as Christmas appetizers, quick potato snacks, or comforting bites during winter nights, they always bring smiles. Pin this recipe now and make your next gathering extra cozy!
