These zesty potato bombs are made with mashed potatoes, bacon, pepper jack cheese, and chives. These tasty appetizers are rolled in panko parmesan breading and fried until crispy golden.
These potato bombs are great appetizers to serve on game day and ranch makes a great dipping sauce.
Ingredients in Zesty Potato Bombs
Ingredients for the Zesty Potato Bomb
- chilled mashed potatoes
- eggs
- bacon
- pepper jack cheese
- chives
- pepper
Breading for Zesty Potato Bombs
- all purpose flour
- eggs
- panko breadcrumbs
- grated Parmesan cheese
- oil, for frying
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How to Make Zesty Potato Bombs
Make the potato mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes with the eggs, pepper jack cheese, chives, and bacon. Mix to combine well, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Bread the zesty potato bombs:
Prepare the bowls for dredging - Add flour to one bowl, beat 2 eggs and add to the second bowl, and mix together the Parmesan cheese and panko crumbs to the third bowl.
Scoop the mashed potato mixture - Use a #30 cookie scoop (approximately 2 tablespoons of mashed potato mixture) to scoop and roll into a bowl.
Bread the potato balls - Roll the ball into the flour mixture and transfer it to the egg mixture.
Drop each ball into the egg mixture and coat well. Using a fork, scoop the balls out of the egg and shake off the excess egg.
Roll the ball into the panko mixture and coat completely.
Repeat the steps with the remaining mixture.
Fry the potato bombs:
Fry the balls in small batches in hot oil over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes or until golden brown.
Transfer the potato bombs to a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve with ranch dressing.
You can create your own deep fryer by pouring the oil into a small saucepan and heating it over medium-high heat. Alternatively, a deep fryer can be used as well.
TIP: A hot oil ladle makes it easier and safer to remove the potato bombs from the hot oil after frying.
RELATED: Easy Sausage Jalapeno Popper Dip
Can I use Instant Potatoes to Make Zesty Potato Bombs?
If you don't have any leftover mashed potatoes or you don't want to make any homemade, you can use a pouch of instant potatoes.
To do this, prepare the instant potatoes according to the package directions and allow the potatoes to chill before making the potato mixture.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Instant Pot Chili Cheese Dip
Can I Bake Potato Bombs?
You can also bake these Zesty Potato Bombs instead of frying them.
To do this, preheat the oven to 400ºF and place the prepared Zesty Potato Bombs on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the breading is golden brown.
How to Air Fry Zesty Potato Bombs
To air fry these potato bombs instead of deep frying, set the air fryer to 325ºF and spritz the balls with oil before adding them to the air fryer.
For even browning, flip the potato bombs halfway through air frying.
📖 Recipe
Zesty Potato Bombs
These zesty potato bombs are made with mashed potatoes, bacon, pepper jack cheese, and chives. These tasty appetizers are rolled in panko parmesan breading and fried until crispy golden.
Ingredients
Potato Filling
- 3 cups chilled mashed potatoes
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, chopped finely
- 1 bunch chives, chopped
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Potato Bomb Breading
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- oil, for frying
- Ranch dip, for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes with the eggs, pepper jack cheese, chives, and bacon.
- Mix to combine well, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add flour to one bowl, beat 2 eggs and add to the second bowl, and mix together the Parmesan cheese and panko crumbs to the third bowl.
- Use a #30 cookie scoop (approximately 2 tablespoons of mashed potato mixture) to scoop and roll into a bowl.
- Roll the ball into the flour mixture and transfer it to the egg mixture.
- Drop each ball into the egg mixture and coat well. Using a fork, scoop the balls out of the egg and shake off the excess egg.
- Roll the ball into the panko mixture and coat completely.
- Repeat the steps with the remaining mixture.
- Fry the balls in small batches in hot oil over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Transfer the potato bombs to a paper towel lined plate.
- Serve with ranch dressing
Notes
You can also bake these Zesty Potato Bombs instead of frying them. To do this, preheat the oven to 400ºF and place the prepared Zesty Potato Bombs on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the breading is golden brown.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 180Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 360mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 8g
Nutrition calculation is a rough estimate and can vary depending on the cooking technique and the exact ingredients used. For informational purposes only.
Dana is an experienced recipe creator who crafts easy and delicious recipes for all levels of home cooks.
Her recipes range from classic comfort foods to healthy and nutritious meals, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to bring flavor and variety to the table.
Lori says
Do these freeze well prior to frying? If so, do I defrost prior to frying or fry from frozen state?