Description
Deliciously crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these Mashed Potato Arancini are bite-sized fried appetizers made from leftover mashed potatoes combined with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly seasoned and coated in breadcrumbs, they offer a comforting Italian-inspired snack or side dish that pairs beautifully with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Breading Station
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten, for coating)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2–3 inches deep)
- Optional: marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Potato Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, 1 lightly beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until fully integrated. If the mixture feels too soft to shape, cover and chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes.
- Form Arancini Balls: Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per serving, scoop and roll into tight balls. Continue until all the mixture is used.
- Set Up Dredging Station: Arrange three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the 2 beaten eggs, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Arancini: Roll each potato ball first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumbs ensuring an even covering.
- Heat Oil for Frying: In a deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) ensuring about 2–3 inches of oil depth.
- Fry the Arancini: Carefully add the arancini in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain and Serve: Remove fried arancini with a slotted spoon and place onto paper towel-lined plates to drain excess oil. Serve warm, optionally with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For added flavor, incorporate chopped cooked bacon, fresh herbs, or green onions into the mashed potato mixture before shaping.
- These arancini are also suitable for air frying: cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
