There’s something absolutely magical about biting into a perfectly crisp shell and discovering a pocket of melty, cheesy goodness inside, and that’s exactly what you get with Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs. Perfect as a quick snack, a party appetizer, or an irresistible crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, these golden bites deliver everything comfort food should: flavor, crunch, gooey cheese, and pure joy. Their secret? Simple ingredients, easy steps, and a serious hit of cheddar and Parmesan tucked inside every bite. If you haven’t tried Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs yet, let this be the recipe that wins your heart (and belly) over.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What truly sets Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs apart is how each ingredient plays an essential part in the texture and deliciousness of the final bite. With just a handful of basics, you’re building a dreamy mix of creaminess, sharp flavor, and crave-worthy crunch. Here’s what you’ll need—and exactly why they matter.
- Mashed Potatoes: These are the backbone of the recipe, creating a soft yet sturdy shell for all that cheesy filling.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Classic meltiness and sharp flavor, cheddar is what makes those gooey centers so unforgettable.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty dimension and helps round out the overall flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Garlic Powder: Just a touch brings aromatic depth without overpowering the potatoes or cheese.
- Salt: Vital for making every potato-y bite pop with flavor—seasoning is everything.
- Black Pepper: For a little kick to balance out the richness. Freshly cracked is even better.
- Breadcrumbs: Double-dipping ensures that iconic crunch when you bite down—trust the process!
- Egg, Beaten: Acts as the glue, helping the breadcrumbs stick for that golden exterior.
- Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for crisp, even browning—canola or vegetable oil work great.
How to Make Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs
Step 1: Make the Cheesy Potato Mixture
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and combining your mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until completely blended. This mix should look a bit sticky and hold its shape—a perfect base for the cheese bomb magic!
Step 2: Shape Into Bombs
Using your hands or a small scoop, portion the mixture and gently shape it into balls about the size of a golf ball. If you love extra cheese, you can press a little more cheddar into the middle before sealing it up. Firmly roll each ball so it keeps its shape during frying.
Step 3: Bread the Potato Bombs
Roll each ball gently in breadcrumbs, then dip quickly into the beaten egg, and finally roll once more in the breadcrumbs. This double coating is how Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs get their incredible signature crunch. If things get sticky, lightly oil your hands for easier rolling.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high until shimmering (about 350°F). Carefully add the potato bombs a few at a time, frying for 2–3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and super crispy all over. Drain on paper towels so excess oil doesn’t ruin that glorious crunch.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once they’re cool enough to handle, serve your fresh-made Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs right away. The contrast between the hot, crispy exterior and that gooey cheese center is just unbeatable. Now’s the time to sprinkle on a little more Parmesan if you want!
How to Serve Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs

Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley on top of Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs adds an irresistible pop of color and a subtle freshness that balances out the richness. If you like a hit of tartness, a few pickled jalapeño slices or a side of creamy sour cream make perfect companions.
Side Dishes
Pair these golden potato bombs with a crisp green salad for a lighter touch, or serve them alongside other finger foods, like buffalo wings or sliders, at parties. A tangy dipping sauce—think ranch, spicy ketchup, or garlic aioli—takes them over the top and turns every bite into a mini flavor party.
Creative Ways to Present
Piling Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs high on a platter is impressive enough, but you can take things up a notch by serving them in mini cupcake wrappers, nestling them atop a bed of arugula, or even stringing them onto skewers for easy party handling. Don’t be afraid to get playful—these cheesy bites are meant to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, holding onto their crispness surprisingly well if stored properly.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Lay out unfried, breaded potato bombs on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then store in freezer bags for up to a month. You can fry them straight from frozen—just give them a little extra time in the oil for maximum crunch.
Reheating
To bring leftover potato bombs back to crispy perfection, pop them in a hot oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes at 375°F. Microwaving works in a pinch but will soften the exterior, so the oven or air fryer is definitely the way to go for that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs?
Absolutely! This recipe is tailor-made for using up leftovers, and in fact, slightly chilled mashed potatoes hold their shape even better.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Definitely. Place breaded potato bombs on a lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake at 425°F for about 18–20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
What other cheeses work well inside?
You can get creative—mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda all turn gooey and delicious once cooked. Pick your favorite and experiment!
Can I make Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the regular breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free alternative. Make sure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for extra safety.
Can I add meat or veggies to the filling?
Certainly! Bacon bits, finely chopped cooked ham, or even sweated onions and spinach are amazing mix-ins. Just keep moisture to a minimum for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs have everyone coming back for seconds: they’re simple, satisfying, and unbelievably moreish. Whether you’re serving them up for friends or just treating yourself to a cozy kitchen snack night, this recipe’s bound to win your heart. Give them a try—and prepare for compliments (and requests for the recipe) to come rolling in!
PrintCrispy Potato & Cheese Bombs Recipe
Golden crispy potato balls stuffed with gooey cheese, a perfect snack or appetizer!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 potato bombs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Coating and Frying:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Combine until well incorporated.
- Shape into small balls and roll in breadcrumbs. Ensure even coating.
- Dip in beaten egg and roll in breadcrumbs again. Double coat for extra crispiness.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry until golden brown. Fry in batches for even cooking.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot. Enjoy the crispy potato bombs!
Notes
- Add cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Bake instead of frying for a healthier version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato bomb
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg