Spicy Cheddar Mashed Potato Bites with Creamy Pink Sauce
Delightful and crispy on the outside, these Spicy Cheddar Mashed Potato Bites are a fun twist on traditional mashed potatoes. Perfect for parties or as a side dish, these balls combine the creamy goodness of Yukon Gold potatoes infused with roasted garlic and sharp white cheddar cheese, coated in a zesty hot and spicy breadcrumb crust. Accompanied by a tangy pink sauce made from mayonnaise and ketchup, this egg-free recipe can easily transform your leftover mashed potatoes into something extraordinary. A crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yukon Gold potatoes
2-3 medium (Peeled and cut into chunks)
Garlic cloves
4 (Minced)
Butter
3 tablespoons (Divided)
Milk
1/4 cup (Regular or any non-dairy based)
Sharp white cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded)
Plain breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (For mixing into the potato mixture)
Hot & spicy breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (For coating (or homemade blend))
Salt and pepper
to taste
Vegetable oil
1/4-1/2 cup (For frying)
Mayonnaise
1 tablespoon
Tomato ketchup
1 tablespoon
Dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon
Dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the pink sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, dried thyme, and dried parsley flakes. Mix well and let it rest until ready to serve.
2
For the mashed potato bites, peel the Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into uniform chunks for even cooking. Place the chunks in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes, then drain and return to the pot.
3
In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat.
4
Mash the drained potatoes in a separate bowl or on a clean surface. Incorporate the sautéed garlic, the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and the milk into the potatoes, mixing until smooth and creamy. Fold in the sharp white cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
5
Gradually add the plain breadcrumbs to the potato mixture until it binds together well but remains soft. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
6
In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, enough to cover the bottom of the pan. While the oil heats, roll the cooled mashed potato mixture into balls (about the size of a golf ball) and then carefully coat each ball in the spicy breadcrumbs.
7
Fry the potato balls in batches, cooking 3 at a time for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
8
Serve the crispy potato bites warm with the creamy pink sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Cheddar Mashed Potato Bites?
They are crispy, fried potato balls made from mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, roasted garlic, and sharp white cheddar, coated in spicy breadcrumbs.
What ingredients are in the creamy pink sauce?
The pink sauce is a tangy blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, dried thyme, and dried parsley flakes.
What type of potatoes works best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended because they provide a naturally creamy and buttery texture for the mash.
Is this potato bite recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
Can I make this recipe egg-free?
This recipe is already naturally egg-free, using breadcrumbs and potato starch to bind the bites together.
How do I ensure the garlic flavor is well-distributed?
The recipe suggests sautéing minced garlic in butter for 1-2 minutes until fragrant before incorporating it into the mashed potatoes.
What kind of cheese is used in these bites?
The recipe calls for sharp white cheddar cheese, which adds a bold, savory flavor.
How do I make the potato bites crispy?
Crispiness is achieved by coating the balls in hot and spicy breadcrumbs and frying them in vegetable oil until golden brown.
What is the purpose of adding plain breadcrumbs to the potato mixture?
Plain breadcrumbs are mixed into the mashed potatoes to act as a binder, helping the balls hold their shape during frying.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
The potatoes should be boiled for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
What size should the potato balls be?
The mixture should be rolled into balls roughly the size of a golf ball.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, this is an excellent way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a new appetizer.
What type of milk should I use?
You can use regular dairy milk or any non-dairy milk alternative.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You will need between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, enough to cover the bottom of your skillet.
How long do the bites take to fry?
Fry the potato balls in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until they reach a golden brown color.
Can I prepare the pink sauce in advance?
Yes, mixing the sauce ahead of time allows the flavors of the thyme and parsley to meld together.
What if I don't have spicy breadcrumbs?
You can create a homemade blend by mixing plain breadcrumbs with spices like cayenne pepper, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Should the potato mixture be hot or cold when rolling?
It is best to allow the potato mixture to cool slightly before rolling to make it easier to handle and help it retain its shape.
How should I drain the bites after frying?
Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess grease.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute sharp white cheddar with other melting cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or yellow cheddar.
Are these potato bites suitable for parties?
Absolutely, they are described as a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties and social gatherings.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
You will need a large pot for boiling, a skillet for frying, a mixing bowl, and a potato masher.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying provides the best crunch, you could attempt to bake them at a high temperature, though the texture will be less crispy.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves to provide a strong savory base.
What herbs are used in the seasoning?
Dried thyme and dried parsley flakes are used primarily in the pink dipping sauce.
Is there any salt and pepper in the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to taste to season the potato mixture.
How many potatoes should I buy?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes.
Why do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling ensures a smooth, creamy texture for the mashed potato filling without bits of skin.
Is the pink sauce spicy?
No, the pink sauce is described as tangy and creamy; the spice primarily comes from the breadcrumb coating on the potato bites.
Can I freeze these potato bites?
Yes, you can freeze them after rolling and coating, then fry them directly from frozen, though you may need to increase the cooking time.