🔥🥔 Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs 💥🥓
Introduction
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs! Imagine biting into a crispy, golden bacon-wrapped ball that explodes with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheddar cheese. These little flavor bombs are perfect for game days, parties, or just a cozy night in. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs Recipe
This recipe is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Irresistible Flavor Combo: The savory mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar, and smoky bacon create a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect Party Food: Bite-sized and easy to eat, these bombs are ideal for sharing at gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance, making assembly a breeze.
- Customizable: Adjust the spices or add your favorite mix-ins to make them your own.
- Kid-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love these cheesy, bacon-wrapped treats.
With a prep time of about 20 minutes and cooking time of 10-15 minutes, you can have these delicious bombs on the table in under 30 minutes. Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish with a side salad.
Ingredients for Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs
Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering treats. The ingredients are simple and likely already in your kitchen or easy to find.
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, chilled: Using leftover mashed potatoes saves time and ensures they’re firm enough to form into balls. If you don’t have leftovers, make a fresh batch and let them cool in the fridge.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the mashed potatoes together.
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs: Coats the potato balls for added texture and helps the bacon stick.
- Cheddar cheese, cut into 1″ chunks (one per bomb): The gooey, melty center that makes these bombs extra special.
- Bacon, one slice per bomb: Wraps around the potato balls, adding a crispy, smoky exterior.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season the mashed potatoes to your liking.
- Oil for frying (Canola, heated to 350 degrees, about 2″ depth): For frying the bombs until golden and crispy.
- Sour cream for dipping: A cool, creamy accompaniment that complements the rich flavors of the bombs.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Chopped green onions or chives for a fresh flavor
- Cooked and crumbled sausage for extra heartiness
- A dash of garlic powder or onion powder for added depth
Step-by-Step Instructions for Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs
Follow these detailed steps to create perfect Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs every time.
1. Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of chilled mashed potatoes with 1 egg. The egg helps bind the potatoes and gives them a better texture for forming balls.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder if desired.
- Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be sticky but firm enough to hold its shape.
Tip: If your mashed potatoes are too soft, refrigerate them for 30 minutes to firm up.
2. Form the Potato Balls
- Take a small scoop of the mashed potato mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a 1″ chunk of cheddar cheese in the center.
- Gently wrap the potato mixture around the cheese, forming a ball and ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed. This prevents the cheese from leaking out during frying.
Tip: Wet your hands slightly with water to prevent the potato mixture from sticking.
3. Coat with Bread Crumbs
- Pour 1/2 cup of dry bread crumbs into a shallow bowl.
- Roll each potato ball in the bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. This step adds texture and helps the bacon adhere to the balls.
4. Wrap with Bacon
- Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around the breaded potato ball.
- Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick or skewer. This keeps the bacon from unraveling during frying.
Tip: If your bacon slices are too short, you can use half slices or overlap two slices for larger balls.
5. Fry the Bombs
- Heat Canola oil (or your preferred frying oil) to 350 degrees F in a deep pot or fryer. The oil should be about 2 inches deep.
- Carefully place 1-2 bombs into the hot oil at a time, depending on the size of your pot. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Fry the bombs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown on all sides.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the bombs from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Safety Note: Be cautious when frying, as hot oil can splatter. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the bombs cool slightly for a minute or two, as the inside will be very hot.
- Remove the toothpicks or skewers before serving.
- Serve warm with sour cream for dipping. You can also offer other dips like ranch dressing or ketchup.
Presentation Tip: Arrange the bombs on a platter with a bowl of sour cream in the center for an attractive serving display.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs
- Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: Chilled mashed potatoes are easier to handle and less likely to fall apart when forming the balls.
- Secure the Bacon Well: Make sure the bacon is tightly wrapped and secured with a toothpick to prevent it from slipping off during frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Frying too many bombs at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy results. Fry in small batches.
- Check the Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 350 degrees F for even cooking and crispiness.
- Let Them Rest: Allowing the bombs to rest on paper towels helps absorb excess oil and sets the bacon for a crunchier texture.
Variations for Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs
- Cheese Options: Try different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a bold flavor.
- Herb-Infused: Mix chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill into the mashed potato mixture for added freshness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mashed potatoes for some heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use a vegetarian substitute or simply enjoy the cheesy potato balls as is.
- Baked Instead of Fried: For a healthier option, bake the bombs at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.
- Biscuit-Wrapped Version: For a different texture, wrap the potato mixture in biscuit dough and bake, as seen in the “Loaded Mashed Potato Balls” recipe from Spend With Pennies.
Nutritional Breakdown
Per serving (assuming 1 bomb per serving, though this can vary):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200-250 kcal |
| Protein | 8-10g |
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Carbohydrates | 10-15g |
Note: These are rough estimates. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator or app with the exact ingredients and quantities.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the bombs (up to wrapping in bacon) and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Freezing: Fully assembled (but unfried) bombs can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag. Fry from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: Fried bombs are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in a 350-degree F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Pairing Suggestions
- Sides: Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness, or alongside some roasted vegetables.
- Drinks: A cold beer or a glass of white wine pairs well with these savory treats.
- Dessert: Finish the meal with something light like fruit sorbet or a simple fruit salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes, but make sure they are well-chilled and firm enough to hold their shape.
Q: What if I don’t want to fry them?
A: You can bake them in the oven at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure your bacon is gluten-free if necessary.
Q: How do I know when they’re done frying?
A: The bombs are ready when the bacon is golden brown and crispy, and the potato balls are heated through.
Final Thoughts
These Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs are the ultimate indulgence—creamy, cheesy, and wrapped in crispy bacon. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice cooks can create these delicious treats. So, roll up your sleeves, fire up the fryer, and get ready to wow your guests with this crowd-pleasing recipe!
Don’t forget to share your creations with us—tag your photos on social media or leave a comment below with your tips or variations. Happy cooking! 🥔🥓💥
