Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Serves: 6-8
mashed potato bacon bombs
Get ready to experience the most addictive comfort food you’ve ever tasted! These incredible mashed potato bacon bombs are crispy golden spheres of pure indulgence, featuring creamy mashed potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and crispy bacon all wrapped up in a perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating. Once you try these mashed potato bacon bombs, you’ll understand why they disappear from the table faster than you can make them.
What makes these mashed potato bacon bombs so special is their perfect combination of textures and flavors. The exterior delivers a satisfying crunch that gives way to the creamiest, most flavorful mashed potato center you can imagine. Each bite of these mashed potato bacon bombs delivers smoky bacon, melted cheese, and that irresistible comfort food satisfaction that makes everyone come back for seconds, thirds, and beyond.
Why These Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs Are Pure Magic
These aren’t just your average leftover makeover – these mashed potato bacon bombs are a culinary triumph that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The secret lies in the perfect balance: creamy, well-seasoned mashed potatoes provide the foundation, crispy bacon adds that smoky saltiness we all crave, and the molten cheese center creates that incredible “wow” moment when you bite in.
The beauty of mashed potato bacon bombs is their versatility. Serve them as an appetizer at your next party and watch guests gather around the platter. Make them as a side dish for dinner and turn an ordinary meal into something special. Pack them for picnics, game day gatherings, or any time you want to bring serious comfort food energy to the table.
Ingredients for Perfect Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs
For the Mashed Potato Base:
- 3 cups cold mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made and cooled)
- 2 large eggs, beaten for binding and richness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for aromatic depth
- ½ teaspoon onion powder to enhance savory flavors
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust based on your potato seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper for subtle heat
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped for bright flavor
For the Bacon and Cheese Filling:
- 8 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened for extra creaminess (optional but recommended)
For the Coating Station:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for the first coating
- 3 large eggs, beaten for the egg wash
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs for ultimate crispiness
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese mixed with breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for color and flavor
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder in the breadcrumb mixture
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for deep frying (enough for 2-3 inches in your pot)
- Or cooking spray if baking as a healthier alternative
Step-by-Step Instructions for Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs
Preparing Your Potato Mixture:
Step 1: Create the Perfect Base In a large mixing bowl, combine your cold mashed potatoes with the beaten eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and fresh chives. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture holds together when squeezed. The key to successful mashed potato bacon bombs is having a mixture that’s cohesive but not overly wet. If your mixture seems too loose, refrigerate it for 15 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Prepare Your Bacon Like a Pro Cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crispy – not chewy, but not burnt either. You want that satisfying crunch that will shine through in your finished mashed potato bacon bombs. Drain on paper towels and chop into small, uniform pieces. Save a little bacon fat if you want to brush it on your bombs before baking for extra flavor!
Step 3: Set Up Your Assembly Station This is where the magic happens! Arrange three shallow bowls in a row: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and in the third, combine your panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This triple-coating system is what gives these mashed potato bacon bombs their incredible texture.
Forming the Perfect Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs:
Step 4: Shape with Confidence Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture into your palm. Flatten it slightly, place a cube of cheddar cheese and a generous pinch of chopped bacon in the center, then carefully wrap the potato mixture around the filling. Roll gently between your palms to create a smooth ball. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round – rustic mashed potato bacon bombs have their own charm!
Step 5: Master the Coating Process Roll each potato ball in flour first, making sure it’s completely coated – this helps the egg wash stick properly. Next, dip in the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll in your seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres. Place finished mashed potato bacon bombs on a lined baking sheet and repeat until all are coated.
Step 6: The Chilling Secret Here’s a pro tip that makes all the difference: refrigerate your coated mashed potato bacon bombs for at least 20 minutes before cooking. This chilling time helps them hold their shape during cooking and prevents the coating from falling off. Trust me, this step is worth the wait!
Cooking Your Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs to Perfection:
Step 7: Deep Frying Method (Traditional) Heat oil to 350°F in a heavy pot or deep fryer. Carefully lower 2-3 mashed potato bacon bombs into the oil at a time – don’t overcrowd! Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown all over. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 8: Baking Method (Healthier Option) Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place mashed potato bacon bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. This method produces slightly less crispy results but is much lighter.
Step 9: The Perfect Finish Regardless of cooking method, let your mashed potato bacon bombs rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents a molten lava situation (though honestly, that gooey cheese moment is pretty amazing too!).
Pro Tips for Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs Success
Temperature Control is Everything: Whether frying or baking, proper temperature ensures crispy exteriors without raw centers. Use a thermometer for best results.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating before cooking is crucial for maintaining shape and preventing coating disasters.
Potato Consistency Matters: Your mashed potatoes should be smooth but not soupy. If using leftovers, they’re actually perfect because they’ve had time to firm up.
Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but experiment with pepper jack for heat or Swiss for a milder taste.
Make-Ahead Magic: Form and coat your mashed potato bacon bombs up to a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
These mashed potato bacon bombs are incredibly versatile and work beautifully in so many situations. Serve them hot with a dollop of sour cream and watch them disappear at parties. They make an incredible side dish for grilled meats, especially BBQ where the smoky flavors complement each other perfectly.
Enhance Your Meal with These Perfect Additions:
Transform your mashed potato bacon bombs into a complete dining experience with these complementary dishes from our collection:
- Perfect Sides – Try our crispy onion rings or loaded nachos to create the ultimate comfort food spread alongside your mashed potato bacon bombs
- Flavored Dips & Marinades – Discover amazing dipping sauces like chipotle ranch or garlic aioli that pair beautifully with these crispy mashed potato bacon bombs
- Refreshing Beverages – Cool down the richness with fresh lemonades or craft sodas that balance the indulgent flavors
- Tasty Snacks – Build an epic appetizer platter featuring these mashed potato bacon bombs alongside other crowd-pleasers
- Hearty Main Dishes – Serve as a side with our grilled steaks or BBQ ribs for a complete comfort food feast
Storage and Reheating Your Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs
The beauty of these mashed potato bacon bombs extends beyond their incredible taste – they’re also fantastic for meal prep and entertaining. Store cooked bombs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.
To reheat, avoid the microwave which makes them soggy. Instead, pop them in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or use an air fryer for 5-6 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Frozen mashed potato bacon bombs can go straight from freezer to oven – just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Creative Variations for Your Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs
Once you master the basic recipe, the possibilities for customizing your mashed potato bacon bombs are endless! Try adding jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. Mix in some caramelized onions for sweetness, or fold in fresh herbs like dill or parsley for brightness.
For special occasions, consider making mini mashed potato bacon bombs using a smaller scoop – they’re perfect for elegant appetizer spreads. You can even make them vegetarian by omitting the bacon and adding extra cheese, or try them with different proteins like crumbled sausage or diced ham.
Why These Mashed Potato Bacon Bombs Will Become Your Signature Dish
There’s something magical about food that brings people together, and these mashed potato bacon bombs do exactly that. They represent everything we love about comfort food – familiar flavors elevated to something special, the satisfaction of crispy textures giving way to creamy centers, and that undeniable “just one more” factor that keeps everyone happy.
Whether you’re using up leftover mashed potatoes or making a fresh batch specifically for these bombs, you’re creating something that goes far beyond ordinary food. These mashed potato bacon bombs are conversation starters, party favorites, and the kind of recipe that gets passed down because it creates such memorable moments.
The next time you want to surprise your family or impress your friends, remember these incredible mashed potato bacon bombs. They’re proof that the best recipes often come from taking something simple and familiar, then transforming it into something extraordinary. One bite of these golden, crispy, cheesy, bacon-loaded spheres of happiness, and you’ll understand why they’ve earned their place as the ultimate comfort food indulgence.
Looking for more amazing comfort food recipes? Explore our collection of Dinner Delights and Irresistible Desserts to round out your perfect comfort food menu featuring these incredible mashed potato bacon bombs.
