Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs

Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs 🥔🥓

These Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs are a creative and indulgent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Packed with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives, these bite-sized treats are baked to perfection and make for a fun appetizer, snack, or side dish. With their crispy exterior and cheesy, bacon-filled interior, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering—or just a delicious way to enjoy leftovers!

Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Use for Leftovers : Transform leftover mashed potatoes into something exciting and new.
2. Crispy & Cheesy : A golden, crispy exterior gives way to a gooey, cheesy, bacon-packed center.
3. Customizable : Add jalapeños, herbs, or different cheeses for variety.
4. Great for Any Occasion : Perfect for game day, parties, or as a fun family snack.
5. Kid-Friendly : A hit with kids and adults alike—everyone loves bacon and cheese!

Ingredients

(Makes 12–15 bombs)

• 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (leftovers work great! ) 🥔
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend ) 🧀
• 4–6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 🥓
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions 🌿
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
• Salt and black pepper , to taste 🧂⚫
• 1 large egg , lightly beaten 🥚
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko for extra crispiness ) 🍞
• Cooking spray or oil , for greasing the baking sheet 🫒

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) .
2. Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes , shredded cheese , crumbled bacon , chopped chives , garlic powder , salt , and pepper . Mix until well combined.
   • Tip : If the mixture feels too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Shape the Bombs

1. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mashed potato mixture and shape it into a ball using your hands.
2. Place the shaped balls on a plate or tray. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

Step 4: Coat with Breadcrumbs

1. Beat the egg in a small bowl. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish.
2. Dip each mashed potato ball into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Roll the egg-coated ball in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

1. Lightly spray the tops of the coated balls with cooking spray or brush with oil to help them crisp up.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes , or until golden brown and crispy.
   • Optional : For extra crispiness, broil the bombs for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.

Step 6: Serve

1. Let the bombs cool slightly before serving.
2. Garnish with additional chopped chives or green onions if desired.
3. Serve warm with sour cream, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips for Success

1. Use Cold Mashed Potatoes : Cold potatoes hold their shape better and are easier to work with.
2. Add Heat : Stir in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
3. Make Ahead : Assemble the bombs ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day . Bake just before serving.
4. Freeze for Later : Freeze unbaked bombs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
5. Experiment with Cheese : Try smoked gouda, pepper jack, or Parmesan for a unique flavor twist.

Perfect Pairings

These Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs pair beautifully with:

• Dipping Sauces : Serve with sour cream, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold soda for refreshment.
• Side Salad : Balance the richness with a crisp green salad or coleslaw.
• Main Dish : Serve alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Bomb, Approx.)

(Based on 15 bombs)

• Calories : ~100 kcal
• Protein : ~4g
• Carbohydrates : ~10g
• Fat : ~5g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs are a crispy, cheesy, and bacon-filled delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these bombs deliver on flavor and texture. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon creates a dish that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying.

The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the flavors, or pair them with different dipping sauces to make them your own. So grab your leftover mashed potatoes, crumble that bacon, and get ready to enjoy a treat that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.