Loaded Mashed Potato Bites

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Golden, crispy on the outside, and creamy on the inside, these Loaded Mashed Potato Bites are the ultimate comfort food in miniature form. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering, game day snack, or just looking for a way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into crave-worthy bites bursting with flavor.

Each bite delivers a delightful mix of cheesy mashed potatoes, smoky bacon, and bright green chives—all crisped up in the oven or air fryer for that irresistible crunch. They’re easy to prep ahead, freezer-friendly, and incredibly customizable. Think of them as potato skins, mashed, shaped, and made poppable.

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What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use for Mashed Potato Bites?

For the fluffiest, most flavorful bites, go for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold. These varieties mash smoothly and hold their shape well when baked. If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, just make sure they’re not too wet—drier mash yields crispier edges.

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Ingredients for the Loaded Mashed Potato Bites

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy base of the bites. Use freshly made or leftover mashed potatoes, as long as they’re thick and not overly soft.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds depth and a melty richness to every bite.
• Cooked Bacon: Crumbled bacon brings a smoky, salty punch that pairs perfectly with potatoes.
• Egg: Helps bind the mixture together so the bites hold their shape.
• All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure and absorbs excess moisture.
• Chives: A fresh pop of onion flavor to balance the richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: For that crispy, golden finish when baking or air frying.

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How To Make the Loaded Mashed Potato Bites

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Make sure your mashed potatoes are cold and firm. Cook your bacon until crispy and crumble it into small bits. Grate the cheddar cheese and finely chop the chives.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, most of the crumbled bacon (reserve a bit for topping), chopped chives, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Shape the Bites

Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them onto a parchment-lined tray or plate.

Step 4: Chill the Bites

Chill the shaped bites in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and keeps them from falling apart during baking or frying.

Step 5: Bake or Air Fry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (or air fryer to 375°F). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or baking sheet. Place the bites into the tin or on the sheet, then spray the tops with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil.

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or air fry for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with the remaining bacon bits and extra chopped chives. Serve hot with sour cream, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.

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How to Serve and Store Loaded Mashed Potato Bites

These bites are best served hot out of the oven, when their edges are perfectly crisp and the cheese is melty inside. Pair them with a dipping sauce like sour cream, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli for an extra boost of flavor.

To store, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes to bring back that irresistible crunch.

If you’d like to freeze them, arrange the bites on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be baked straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the bites from falling apart?

Make sure the mashed potatoes are thick and chilled. Adding an egg and flour helps bind everything together.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, as long as they’re thick and seasoned well. Avoid overly creamy or runny mashed potatoes.

Can these be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can shape and chill them a day in advance, or freeze them for later.

What are some good dipping sauces?

Sour cream, ranch, spicy ketchup, chipotle mayo, or cheese sauce all pair beautifully.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes, just leave out the bacon or substitute with crispy onions or plant-based bacon crumbles.

How do I make them gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or potato starch.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you’re into fun and flavorful small bites like these Loaded Mashed Potato Bites, you’ll definitely want to try these other tasty recipes from the blog:

• Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Mustard Dip for the ultimate crunchy-meets-creamy pairing.
• Spicy Sailor’s Dip if you’re in the mood for a bold, addictive dip.
• Cheesy Cauliflower Patties for a low-carb twist that’s still all about cheesy comfort.
• Cranberry Sauce Meatballs when you want sweet and savory flavors in one bite.
• Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip for a Mediterranean-inspired addition to your snack spread.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add green onions or maybe some jalapeños for heat? Try a different cheese?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Got a question or tip? Drop it below—we’re all here to help each other get the crunchiest bites possible.

💜 For more easy and creative recipes like this, follow along on my Pinterest: Life with Jam

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