Crispy Potato Bites

Featured in Irresistible Tasty Bites.

Transform instant mashed potatoes into impressive appetizers! These cheesy potato bombs are crispy outside, creamy inside, and topped with paprika butter.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:08:21 GMT
A plate of golden-brown, perfectly baked mashed potato roses garnished with herbs, resting on a cooling rack. Pin it
A plate of golden-brown, perfectly baked mashed potato roses garnished with herbs, resting on a cooling rack. | recipesbyclare.com

I discovered these amazing Mashed Potato Bombs while trying to jazz up leftover mashed potatoes during the holidays. Now my family begs for them year round! The outside gets perfectly crispy while the inside stays creamy and cheesy. They're like little bites of comfort food heaven and honestly better than the mashed potatoes they started from.

What You'll Need For These Little Bites of Heaven

  • Instant Mashed Potatoes: 1 box enough for 6 servings. I was skeptical at first but trust me they work beautifully here.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup freshly shredded. The sharper the better for that amazing flavor.
  • Sour Cream: ¾ cup makes everything extra creamy and rich.
  • Black Pepper: 1 tsp freshly ground if possible.
  • Paprika: 1 tsp gives such a beautiful color and smoky taste.
  • Melted Butter: 2 tbsp for that gorgeous golden top.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to make the flavors pop.
  • Eggs: 1 whole egg plus 1 yolk they're the secret to perfect texture.

Let's Make Some Magic

Start With The Potatoes
Make those instant mashed potatoes but only use water and butter. Let them cool down a bit we don't want scrambled eggs in there!
Mix It Up
Stir in that sharp cheddar sour cream and pepper. Give it a taste and add salt if needed then let everything cool to room temp.
Egg Time
Whisk up your egg and yolk then fold them into your cooled potato mix until everything's combined perfectly.
Get Ready to Pipe
Grab a zip bag fill it with your mixture and snip off the corner instant piping bag!
Fill Those Tins
Spray your mini muffin tin then pipe in the potato mixture with an up and down motion to create those lovely layers.
Butter Magic
Mix that melted butter with paprika and brush it all over the tops.
Bake Away
Pop them in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes then broil just until golden watch them close they can burn quick!
The Finish Line
Let them cool a bit then gently pop them out and watch them disappear!

My Kitchen Secrets

  • Flavor Boost: Sometimes I throw in some garlic powder or onion powder when I'm feeling fancy.
  • Save Some For Later: Pop leftovers in the fridge then reheat in the oven to get that crispy top back.
  • Make Them Pretty: Take your time piping they look so fancy when you do!
A plate of golden-brown, crispy potato puffs garnished with parsley, served on a wooden table. Pin it
A plate of golden-brown, crispy potato puffs garnished with parsley, served on a wooden table. | recipesbyclare.com

Why These Little Bombs Are So Special

Every time I bring these to a party people go crazy for them. The way they puff up all golden brown on top while staying creamy inside is pure magic. I love watching guests pop them in their mouths and seeing their eyes light up with that first bite. They've become such a staple at our holiday gatherings that it wouldn't feel like a celebration without them!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use instant potatoes instead of real ones?

Instant potatoes provide a consistent texture that's perfect for piping. They're also quick and easy to prepare.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Prepare and pipe into muffin tins up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then brush with butter and bake just before serving.

→ Why let the mixture cool before adding eggs?

Hot potatoes would cook the eggs, making the mixture lumpy. Cooling ensures a smooth, even texture.

→ How do I prevent sticking?

Spray the muffin tin well with oil, especially in the corners. Let cool before removing for clean release.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid microwave as they'll lose their crisp texture.

Potato Cheese Bombs

Crispy, cheesy potato bites made with instant mashed potatoes and sour cream, topped with paprika butter. Perfect party food or snack.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
32 Minutes
Total Time
52 Minutes

Category: Tasty Bites

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 box instant mashed potatoes (6 servings).
02 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
03 3/4 cup sour cream.
04 1 teaspoon black pepper.
05 1 teaspoon paprika.
06 2 tablespoons melted butter.
07 1 pinch salt.
08 1 whole egg plus 1 egg yolk.

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare instant potatoes per package using only water and butter. Cool slightly.

Step 02

Mix in cheese, sour cream, and pepper. Cool to room temp. Add salt to taste.

Step 03

Whisk egg and yolk, fold into cooled potatoes.

Step 04

Transfer to piping bag or Ziploc with corner snipped.

Step 05

Oil mini muffin tin. Pipe potato mixture in layers.

Step 06

Mix melted butter with paprika, brush on tops.

Step 07

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Broil 2 minutes until golden.

Step 08

Cool 15-20 minutes before removing.

Notes

  1. Let mixture cool before adding eggs.
  2. Can prep ahead and bake later.
  3. Spray tin well to prevent sticking.
  4. Add garlic powder for extra flavor.
  5. Reheat in oven not microwave.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mini muffin tin.
  • Piping bag or ziploc.
  • Pastry brush.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, sour cream).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 85
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 3 g