Golden Crisp Delight: Dive into the World of Fried Mashed Potatoes

Get ready to indulge in the irresistible allure of crispy fried mashed potatoes. This addictive side dish combines the best of both worlds—the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes and the mouthwatering crispiness of French fries. With every bite, you’ll experience a delightful crunch followed by a heavenly creamy texture that will leave you craving more.

This recipe takes the creamy smoothness of mashed potatoes and enhances it with a satisfying crunch, perfect for those who love a bit of texture in their meals. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your dinner routine or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish is sure to deliver.

Follow along as we guide you through each step of creating these irresistible fried mashed potatoes. Keep reading to learn how to make this simple yet transformative recipe that’s bound to become a new favorite.

How to Make Fried Mashed Potatoes

Fried mashed potatoes are a crispy, golden twist on a classic comfort dish, and adding garlic butter takes them to a new level of flavor. The magic in making them lies in two crucial steps: seasoning and smashing. Here’s how to make them:

Fried Mashed Potatoes in plate on table

Ingredients:

  • Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for the best fluffy texture when mashed.
  • Butter: For richness in the mash and to create garlic butter.
  • Milk: To smooth and creamify the mash.
  • Salt and Pepper: Add these to taste, enhancing the natural flavors of the potatoes.
  • Vegetable Oil: For frying, ensuring each patty gets a crispy, golden exterior.
  • Garlic Butter for Flavor Boost: Infuse your mash with garlic butter made by simmering minced garlic in melted butter, adding a deep, aromatic flavor without overpowering.

Preparation Steps:

  1. Boil Potatoes: To make these potatoes shine, simply add 2 tablespoons of salt to the boiling water. Boil the diced potatoes in the pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Mash Potatoes: Drain and air dry the boiled potatoes for 5 minutes to remove moisture and ensure maximum crispiness. Return the potatoes to the pot and mash them until smooth.
  3. Mix Ingredients: Stir in butter and milk until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Prepare Garlic Butter: Prepare garlic butter by melting butter in a saucepan, adding minced garlic, and letting it simmer until fragrant. Strain to keep it smooth.
  5. Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
  6. Form Patties: Form the mashed potatoes into small patties or balls and brush them with garlic butter.
  7. Fry: Fry the patties until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  8. Drain: Drain the fried mashed potatoes on a paper towel-lined plate.
  9. Serve: Serve hot as a delightful side dish or a savory snack.

These fried mashed potatoes, with their creamy interior and crispy crust, are enriched with luxurious garlic butter, making them an irresistible side dish or snack that’s sure to please.

Related Article: If you love the idea of Fried Mashed Potatoes and are curious about similar dishes using sweet potatoes, you might enjoy our recipe for Goulabjamoun Zambian Sweet Potato Fritters. These sweet potato fritters offer a delightful twist on the traditional fried potato concept, bringing a unique flavor and texture that’s perfect for exploring new culinary delights.

Tips and Variations for Perfect Fried Mashed Potatoes

Ready to take your fried mashed potatoes to the next level? Follow these tips and explore some delightful variations to create the perfect crispy and delicious dish!

  1. Other potatoes work too: If you don’t have Russet potatoes, don’t worry! Other potato varieties, like yellow or gold potatoes, can also be used with great results.
  2. Get creative with additional ingredients to add a twist to your fried mashed potatoes. Try diced onions, herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even some shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture.
  3. Don’t overcook: Boiling the potatoes until they are fork-tender is key, but be careful not to overcook them. Overcooking can make the potatoes too soft and cause them to fall apart when smashed.
  4. Gently handle the potatoes: When it’s time to smash the potatoes, handle them gently. Avoid pressing down too hard, as this can lead to mashed potatoes rather than the slightly flattened shape needed for optimal crispiness.
Fried mashed potatoes topped with greens in a wooden plate on a table

Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect crispy smashed potatoes every time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this addictive side dish!

Related Article: Looking for more delicious ways to enjoy mashed potatoes? Explore our recipes for Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes for a cheesy, flavorful twist, or warm up with our comforting Mashed Potato Soup. Each recipe offers a unique take on classic mashed potatoes, perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions and Leftover Tips

These fried mashed potatoes are not only a delightful side dish on their own but also pair perfectly with a variety of main courses. Here are some mashed potato serving suggestions to enhance your meal:

  • Serve alongside succulent Tuscan Garlic Chicken for a flavorful combination of crispy and juicy.
  • Pair with creamy Mushroom Parmesan Chicken for a delightful contrast of textures.
  • Complement a tender steak with these crispy potatoes for a satisfying meal.
  • For a lighter option, these crispy potatoes make a perfect side for chicken salad, enhancing both the texture and flavor of your meal.

Now, let’s talk about leftovers. Even though you might not be able to resist eating these potatoes all at once, here are a few things to keep in mind for reheating any leftovers:

Stacked fried potatoes on a white plate.
  • For optimal crispiness, reheat in an air fryer until the potatoes regain their irresistible crunch.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, reheating in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes will also help revive that crispy texture.

These tips ensure your fried mashed potatoes maintain their delectable texture, whether served fresh or as leftovers. For detailed guidelines on how long you can keep these tasty treats, see our article on how long do mashed potatoes last.

Conclusion

Crispy fried mashed potatoes are the ultimate addictive side dish, delivering the perfect combination of crunchy and creamy textures. With a unique cooking technique that involves seasoning, smashing, and baking, these potatoes take simple ingredients to a whole new level of flavor and satisfaction.

Whether served alongside a mouthwatering main course or devoured on their own, these crispy mashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit with every bite. Remember, the key to perfect fried mashed potatoes lies in the balance of a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.

So, next time you have some leftover mashed potatoes, think twice before you pass up the opportunity to turn them into something spectacular. Give this recipe a try and savor the crispy goodness of fried mashed potatoes.

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Golden Crisp Delight: Dive into the World of Fried Mashed Potatoes


Description

Fried mashed potatoes are crispy patties made from mashed potatoes mixed with ingredients like butter, milk, and garlic. They’re fried until golden brown and served as a tasty side or main dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • For Garlic Butter:
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  • Step 1 – Boil the diced potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Step 2 – Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them with a potato masher (on Amazon) or fork until smooth.
  • Step 3 – Add the butter and milk to the mashed potatoes and stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Step 4 – In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and gently simmer for a few minutes until fragrant. Strain to remove garlic pieces, keeping the infused butter.
  • Step 5 – Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Step 6 – Scoop the mashed potatoes and form them into small patties or balls. Brush each with garlic butter.
  • Step 7 – Carefully place the patties in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Step 8 – Remove the fried mashed potatoes from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Step 9- Serve hot and enjoy as a delicious side dish or snack!

FAQ

What dipping sauces go well with Fried Mashed Potatoes?

Classic choices include sour cream, ketchup, or garlic aioli. For something different, try chipotle sauce or a mix of gochujang sauce and mayo.

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes to make Fried Mashed Potatoes?

Absolutely! Using leftover mashed potatoes is a great way to reduce waste and still enjoy a delicious, crispy treat.

What oil is best for frying mashed potatoes?

Vegetable oil is perfect due to its high smoke point, which allows for frying at higher temperatures without burning.

Are Fried Mashed Potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the ingredients used, like butter and milk, are gluten-free and no flour is used, this dish can be gluten-free.

Can I add other ingredients to Fried Mashed Potatoes?

Yes, feel free to customize it with cheese, herbs, garlic, or even bacon bits for added flavor.

How do I prevent Fried Mashed Potatoes from falling apart while frying?

Chill the mashed potato patties in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.