Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Ham & Potato Bites?
They are a golden, crunchy appetizer made from mashed potatoes, ham, Swiss cheese, and ranch dressing, coated in crushed corn flakes and baked.
How long do I bake Crispy Ham & Potato Bites?
Bake them for approximately 30 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What kind of cheese is best for these potato bites?
The recipe specifically calls for shredded Swiss cheese for a rich and gooey flavor.
What makes these potato bites crispy?
The crispiness comes from rolling the potato mixture in 3 1/2 cups of crushed corn flakes before baking.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients including potatoes, ham, cheese, dressing, eggs, onion, mustard, and seasonings.
What size should the potato balls be?
The mixture should be formed into 1-inch balls to ensure even cooking and perfect bite-sized portions.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, this is an excellent way to use up 2 cups of leftover cooked and mashed potatoes.
How much ham is required?
You will need 2 cups of finely chopped cooked ham.
What type of dressing is used in the mixture?
1/2 cup of ranch dressing is used to add zest and help bind the ingredients together.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has about 8 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these bites?
There are 16 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein do these provide?
These bites provide 6 grams of protein per serving.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, you should lightly grease the baking sheet to prevent the balls from sticking.
Is there onion in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion is included for added flavor.
What role do eggs play in the recipe?
Two beaten eggs act as a binder to help the potato and ham mixture hold its shape.
Is there mustard in these bites?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of prepared mustard is added for a hint of tanginess.
Are these potato bites fried or baked?
They are baked in the oven, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried appetizers.
Can I serve these for a party?
Absolutely, they are described as a perfect crowd-pleaser for gatherings, game days, or family get-togethers.
How should I prepare the ham?
The ham should be cooked and then finely chopped before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What seasonings are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, or you can adjust to taste.
Can I use different types of cereal for coating?
While this recipe specifies corn flakes for the best crunch, you could potentially experiment with other unsweetened crushed cereals.
How should I serve these?
They are best served warm immediately after baking to enjoy the contrast between the creamy interior and crunchy exterior.
What if my mixture is too wet to form balls?
If the mixture is too soft, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm up before rolling the 1-inch balls.
Is this a good snack for kids?
Yes, the combination of ham, potatoes, and cheese in a crunchy coating is generally very kid-friendly.
Can I substitute ranch with another dressing?
While ranch is recommended for flavor, a creamy garlic or blue cheese dressing could work as a substitute.
How do I ensure the corn flakes stick?
The moisture from the ranch and eggs in the potato mixture naturally helps the crushed corn flakes adhere to the surface.
Should the potatoes be chunky or smooth?
The recipe suggests cooking and mashing them until smooth for the best consistency.
What is the primary texture of this dish?
The dish features a satisfying crunch on the outside with a creamy and gooey interior.