Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Potato Bites
Delight in these savory bites made from fluffy mashed potatoes, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese. Perfect for repurposing leftovers, these golden bites are ideal as a hearty lunchtime snack, paired with a light salad, or as a decorative appetizer for parties. With their crispy exterior and soft, mouthwatering center, they are bound to become a family favorite.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
6 (peeled and boiled)
Cooked chicken
1 cup (chopped)
Cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Bacon
1/4 cup (fried and chopped)
Egg
1 (whisked)
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Breadcrumbs
as needed (for coating)
Cream
2 tablespoons (for mashing potatoes)
Oil
as needed (for frying)
Milk
1 tablespoon (mixed with egg)
Instructions
1
Peel the potatoes, chop them into large chunks, and boil in salted water until soft, about 15-20 minutes.
2
While the potatoes cook, fry bacon pieces until they are crisp and golden. Remove excess grease by draining on paper towels.
3
Once potatoes are tender, drain well and return them to the saucepan. Add butter and a splash of cream; mash until smooth yet slightly firm.
4
Incorporate the cooked bacon, chopped chicken, and shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes, mixing thoroughly. Allow the mixture to cool slightly for easier handling.
5
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk together until they become frothy.
6
Form about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into a ball. Dip each ball into the egg wash and then coat with breadcrumbs.
7
Place the breaded balls on a tray or plate; refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
8
Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potato balls in batches until they are crisp and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
9
Use paper towels to drain the fried potato bites. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Potato Bites?
These are savory appetizers made from fluffy mashed potatoes, cooked chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, breaded and fried until golden.
What is the best type of chicken to use?
You should use cooked chicken that has been finely chopped. Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
Can I use leftovers for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be ideal for repurposing leftover mashed potatoes and cooked chicken.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Potatoes should be boiled in salted water for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until they are soft and easy to mash.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for shredded cheese; cheddar, mozzarella, or a marble blend are excellent choices for a gooey center.
Do I need to fry the bacon first?
Yes, fry the bacon pieces until they are crisp and golden, then drain the excess grease before adding them to the potato mixture.
How do I make the mashed potato base?
Drain the boiled potatoes, return them to the pan, and mash with butter and a splash of cream until smooth yet firm.
Why do I need to refrigerate the bites before frying?
Refrigerating the breaded balls for at least 20 minutes helps them firm up so they do not fall apart during the frying process.
What is the correct oil temperature for frying?
Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the bites cook quickly and become crispy without absorbing too much oil.
How long does it take to fry the potato bites?
Each batch takes about 3 to 4 minutes to become crisp and golden brown.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying provides the best crunch, you can bake them at 400°F until golden, though the texture will be slightly different.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
What size should each potato bite be?
Form about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into a ball for the ideal bite-sized appetizer.
What ingredients are in the egg wash?
The egg wash consists of one whisked egg mixed with one tablespoon of milk.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry these at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, spraying them lightly with oil for a crispier finish.
How should I serve these bites?
Serve them immediately while hot, either as a snack, with a light salad, or as a party appetizer.
What prevents the bites from being too greasy?
Draining the bacon on paper towels and draining the finished bites on paper towels after frying helps remove excess grease.
Can I add other seasonings?
Absolutely. Garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh chives can be added to the mash for extra flavor.
What should the consistency of the mashed potatoes be?
The potatoes should be mashed until smooth but kept slightly firm to help the balls maintain their shape.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
You can use plain breadcrumbs, Panko for extra crunch, or even seasoned breadcrumbs.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bread the balls ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to fry.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover fried bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat them?
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to regain the crispy exterior.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be substituted for regular bacon if preferred.
Are these gluten-free?
As written, they contain breadcrumbs. To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free breadcrumb substitute.
What if I don't have cream?
You can substitute the cream with whole milk or a bit more butter for the mashing process.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, you can freeze the breaded, uncooked balls. Fry them directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Is it okay if the mixture is still warm when I form the balls?
It is best to let the mixture cool slightly so it is easier to handle and doesn't melt the cheese prematurely.
What if I don't have a deep fryer?
A heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan with enough oil to submerge the balls partially will work just as well.
Can I add vegetables?
Finely chopped steamed broccoli or corn can be a great addition to the potato mixture.