If you love comfort food that’s crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with rich flavor, you are going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Potato Pops Recipe. These irresistible little bites combine fluffy mashed potatoes with savory garlic and parmesan, then get coated in crispy breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. They’re the perfect finger food for parties, snacks, or whenever you want an easy dish that feels special without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is simple but crucial in making the Garlic Potato Pops Recipe truly shine. Each component plays its own role in creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor—from the creamy mashed potatoes and sharp parmesan to the aromatic garlic and fresh parsley that brighten every bite.
- Mashed potatoes: Use about 2 cups, either leftover or freshly made, for a creamy base.
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup of grated parmesan adds salty depth and a wonderful savory punch.
- Minced garlic: 2 tablespoons, because garlic is the star of the show and brings amazing aroma and flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley: 1/4 cup to add freshness and a hint of color.
- Black pepper: Just 1/4 teaspoon to provide a subtle warmth without overpowering.
- Paprika: A pinch (1/4 teaspoon) for a mild smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- Egg: 1 lightly beaten egg serves as the glue for the breadcrumb coating.
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup, to create that perfect crunchy exterior when fried.
- Oil for frying: Essential for getting the pops crisp and golden brown quickly.
How to Make Garlic Potato Pops Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Flavors
Start by combining your mashed potatoes with grated parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, black pepper, and paprika in a large bowl. This is where all your flavors start to meld together, creating a savory and aromatic mixture that promises deliciousness in every bite. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well incorporated for the best texture.
Step 2: Shape Your Pops
Once the mixture is ready, shape it into 1-inch balls—these will turn into your gorgeous potato pops. Try to keep them uniform in size to ensure they cook evenly and come out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Step 3: Prepare Your Coating Station
Set up two bowls side by side: one with your lightly beaten egg and another with the breadcrumbs. This simple setup will help you easily and quickly coat each potato ball, which is key for that irresistible crunch.
Step 4: Coat the Potato Balls
Dip each ball first into the beaten egg to help the breadcrumbs stick, then roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, making sure every inch is covered. This step creates the crispy shell that contrasts delightfully with the soft potato center.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat the oil in a deep skillet over medium heat and fry the coated potato pops in batches. It only takes about 2 to 3 minutes per batch for them to turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn, and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain that perfect crispiness.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once fried, transfer the pops onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot with your favorite dipping sauce to enjoy the full experience of this fantastic Garlic Potato Pops Recipe.
How to Serve Garlic Potato Pops Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra parmesan, a few fresh parsley leaves, or a dash of smoked paprika makes for a lovely garnish that adds color and an inviting aroma, setting these little bites apart on any platter.
Side Dishes
Pair your garlic potato pops with a fresh crisp salad or tangy coleslaw for a balanced meal. They also shine alongside grilled veggies, or even a bowl of warm tomato soup for dipping—comfort food elevated.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, skewer several garlic potato pops on cocktail sticks and serve them as party appetizers. You could also try stuffing them with cheese before frying, or serve them atop a bed of spinach with a drizzle of garlic aioli for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover garlic potato pops, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh, though they’re best enjoyed warm and crispy.
Freezing
You can freeze the shaped but uncooked potato pops by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Fry them straight from frozen, just allowing a couple more minutes cooking time.
Reheating
To bring back that crisp texture when reheating leftovers, pop them in a hot oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. About 10 minutes at 375°F will refresh the crunch without drying out the tender inside.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes! Instant mashed potatoes work fine if freshly prepared with some cream or butter to keep them smooth, but homemade or leftover mashed potatoes often yield the best flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of parmesan cheese?
If parmesan isn’t on hand, a sharp cheddar or Asiago cheese can be substituted to maintain the savory, cheesy appeal of the Garlic Potato Pops Recipe.
Are these potato pops gluten-free?
Not as written, since breadcrumbs usually contain gluten. However, swapping regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones lets you enjoy this recipe without worry.
Can I bake instead of frying the potato pops?
Absolutely! Baking at 400°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway, can give a lighter version. The crispy coating might be slightly less crunchy, but still delicious.
What dipping sauces go well with garlic potato pops?
These pops pair beautifully with creamy garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, tangy ranch, or a classic marinara sauce. Feel free to get creative and find your perfect match!
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Potato Pops Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites for good reasons. It’s simple to prepare, uses accessible ingredients, and delivers that unbeatable combo of crunch and creaminess packed with garlic goodness. I can’t wait for you to try making these and watch them disappear at your table. Go ahead, treat yourself and anyone you share them with to this irresistibly tasty snack!
Print
Garlic Potato Pops Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Garlic Potato Pops are crispy, golden-fried potato balls infused with garlic, parmesan, and fresh parsley. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for sharing, easy to prepare, and make a flavorful appetizer or side dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Coating
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
For Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape Potato Pops: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch diameter balls using your hands to ensure they are compact and hold their shape well.
- Prepare Coatings: Set up your coating station by placing the lightly beaten egg in one bowl and the breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl to make the dipping process easy and efficient.
- Coat Potato Pops: Dip each potato ball first into the beaten egg, making sure it’s coated thoroughly, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to cover it evenly. This will create a crispy outer layer once fried.
- Heat Oil and Fry: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat enough oil over medium heat to fully submerge the pops. Carefully add the coated potato balls in batches, frying them for about 2-3 minutes each or until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried potato pops from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious snack.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes or freshly made mashed potatoes cooled to room temperature for best results.
- For extra crispiness, double coat the potato balls by repeating the egg and breadcrumb dip.
- You can substitute parmesan with a vegetarian hard cheese if preferred.
- Serve with garlic aioli, ketchup, or a spicy mayo dip to complement the flavors.
- Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy potato pops.
- Leftover potato pops can be reheated in an oven to maintain crispiness instead of microwaving.
