Description
Garlic Potato Pops are crispy, golden bite-sized snacks combining fluffy mashed starchy potatoes with flavorful garlic and cheese. Quick and easy to prepare, these versatile pops make a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion, sure to delight kids and adults alike with their savory, aromatic flavor and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Base
- 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Seasonings & Oil
- Optional herbs: 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or paprika (optional)
- Neutral oil (vegetable or canola) for frying, about 2 cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly and mash until smooth but still slightly textured.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with minced garlic, shredded cheese, flour, egg, salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a consistent mixture.
- Shape the Pops: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up. Then take small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls or oval shapes, roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook Until Golden: Heat neutral oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat or preheat an air fryer. Fry or air fry the pops for 3-4 minutes per batch, turning occasionally until they develop a golden brown, crispy exterior.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked pops with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, sour cream, or spicy mayo.
Notes
- Do not over-mash the potatoes; leaving slight texture helps the pops hold together better.
- Refrigerate the potato mixture before shaping to make handling easier and improve firmness.
- Maintain medium-high oil temperature to avoid greasy pops and ensure even cooking.
- Make all pops uniform in size for consistent cooking results.
- Use fresh minced garlic for sharper, more vibrant flavor than powdered garlic.
- Drain fried pops well to keep them crispy and avoid greasiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying or Air Frying (baking optional)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 pops
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Garlic Potato Pops, crispy potato snacks, garlic appetizers, easy potato recipe, bite-sized snacks, party food, kid-friendly snacks, mashed potato balls
