Description
Garlic Potato Pops are crispy, bite-sized potato balls made from cold mashed potatoes, garlic, cheese, and gluten-free breadcrumbs. They’re the perfect party appetizer, snack, or side creamy on the inside and golden on the outside. Simple to make, endlessly customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering or occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 beaten egg
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Add-ins:
- Diced jalapeños
- Bacon bits
- Chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme)
- Smoked paprika or cayenne
Dietary Substitutions:
- Use plant-based cheese and flax egg for a vegan version
- Use regular breadcrumbs if gluten-free isn’t required
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, garlic, cheddar, Parmesan, egg, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until smooth.
- Shape the mixture into small bite-sized balls.
- Roll each ball in cornstarch, dip in beaten egg, and coat with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Arrange on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the potato mixture for best texture.
- Add cayenne or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, use the oven or air fryer not the microwave to maintain crispiness.
- Freeze unbaked pops up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Baking (or Air Frying)
- Cuisine: American / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop
- Calories: ~80
- Sugar: ~0.5 g
- Sodium: ~120 mg
- Fat: ~4 g
- Saturated Fat: ~1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~8 g
- Fiber: ~0.5 g
- Protein: ~2 g
- Cholesterol: ~15 mg