This recipe provides instructions for making delicious Cheesy Baked Potato Balls with Bacon, a comforting and flavorful appetizer or side dish. These bite-sized delights are made from mashed baked potatoes mixed with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and seasonings, then rolled into balls and baked until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The combination of the fluffy mashed potatoes, the salty crunch of bacon, and the gooey melted cheese creates a satisfying and irresistible treat. These potato balls are perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or as a fun and flavorful addition to any meal. They are easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite cheeses and seasonings.
The base of these potato balls is baked potatoes that have been mashed. Baking the potatoes gives them a fluffy and slightly drier texture compared to boiling, which works well for this recipe. Once baked and cooled slightly, the potatoes are mashed until smooth.
Crispy bacon is a key ingredient, adding a smoky and salty flavor that complements the mildness of the potato and the richness of the cheese. The bacon is typically cooked until crisp, then crumbled into small pieces before being mixed into the mashed potatoes.
Shredded cheese is incorporated into the potato mixture for flavor and a gooey, melted texture when baked. Cheddar cheese is a common choice for its sharp flavor and good melting properties, but other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses can also be used.
Seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the potato balls. Salt and black pepper are essential. Garlic powder and onion powder add a subtle savory depth. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also be mixed in for a touch of freshness and color.
The mashed potato mixture is then rolled into small, bite-sized balls. These balls are placed in a baking dish, often lined with foil for easier cleanup. They are then baked in the oven until they are golden brown and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. The baking time is usually around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the balls and the temperature of the oven.
These Cheesy Baked Potato Balls with Bacon are best served warm, right out of the oven, when they are at their crispiest and the cheese is perfectly melted. They can be enjoyed on their own as an appetizer or snack, or served as a flavorful side dish alongside main courses like grilled meats or chicken. They are also great with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs as a garnish. The image shows a close-up of several golden-brown potato balls in a silver foil baking dish. The tops of the balls are covered with melted and slightly browned yellow cheese. The texture appears slightly crispy on the outside.
The texture of Cheesy Baked Potato Balls with Bacon is a delightful combination of a soft and fluffy interior from the mashed potato, crispy bits of bacon distributed throughout, and a gooey, melted cheese topping that might have slightly browned edges.
The flavor profile is savory and comforting, with the mild, earthy taste of baked potato, the salty and smoky notes of bacon, and the rich, sharp flavor of melted cheddar cheese (or whichever cheese is used). The garlic and onion powder add a subtle savory depth.
Cheesy Baked Potato Balls with Bacon are bite-sized balls made from mashed baked potatoes mixed with crispy bacon and shredded cheese, then baked until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The preparation involves baking potatoes, mashing them, mixing with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and seasonings, rolling into balls, and baking until golden and cheesy.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium baking potatoes
- 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
- ¼ cup milk or sour cream (optional, for creamier potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Equipment:
- Baking sheet or aluminum foil
- Large mixing bowl
- Potato masher or fork
- Small bowl (for crumbled bacon)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish (e.g., 9×13 inch or similar)
Instructions:
- Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the potatoes and prick them several times with a fork. Bake them directly on a baking sheet or on aluminum foil for 45-60 minutes, or until they are soft when squeezed.
- Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet until it is crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain the grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half and scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until smooth.
- Add Ingredients: To the mashed potatoes, add the crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, chopped chives or parsley (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. If you want creamier potato balls, you can also add milk or sour cream. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Form the Potato Balls: Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the potato mixture and roll it between your palms to form a small ball, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Repeat with the remaining mixture. You should get about 12-16 potato balls.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with aluminum foil. Arrange the potato balls in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Brush with Oil (Optional): If desired, you can brush the tops of the potato balls with a little olive oil or melted butter for extra browning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the potato balls are golden brown and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Serve the cheesy baked potato balls with bacon warm, as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Colby, pepper jack for a bit of spice, or a blend of your favorites.
- Herb Variations: Use other fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture for some heat.
- Onion Flavor: You can sauté some finely chopped onion or shallots and add them to the potato mixture for a deeper onion flavor.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Serve the baked potato balls with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a cool and tangy contrast.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer dipping sauces like ranch dressing, cheese sauce, or a spicy aioli alongside the potato balls.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the potato mixture ahead of time, form the balls, and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. Bake them just before serving.
- Freezing: Leftover baked potato balls can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, 1 bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy.
- Enjoy these cheesy and bacon-filled baked potato balls! They are a delicious and satisfying treat that is sure to be a hit.