As someone who truly appreciates a good snack, let me set the scene for you. Picture a cozy gathering with friends, laughter filling the room, and the alluring aroma of comfort food wafting through the air. What could complement a bustling get-together better than some crispy, cheesy bites of pure joy? That’s where Arby’s Loaded Potato Bites come into play.
These little gems are perfect party snacks. I remember hosting a casual Friday night gathering and inevitable debates arose over the best accompaniment to beer. I made a batch of these potato bites, and I can confidently say they stole the show. The crispy exterior and creamy interior made them the highlight of the evening!
What Are Arby’s Loaded Potato Bites?
Arby’s Loaded Potato Bites aren’t just any potato snacks; they’re a delightful blend of creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheese, and crunchy breadcrumbs. When fried, they create a golden shell that encases a satisfying filling. They can be the star of any appetizer spread or a satisfying side dish.
I decided to recreate this beloved snack at home, and trust me, it’s simpler than it sounds. The beauty of crafting these potato bites lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Each bite delivers a punch of cheesy goodness that pairs wonderfully with a zesty dipping sauce.
The Ingredients
Before we dive into cooking, let’s gather what we’ll need. Here’s the lineup for Arby’s Loaded Potato Bites:
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of leftover creamy mashed potatoes
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style bread crumbs
- 2/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 strips of crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1/3 cup finely chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- Oil for frying
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping
How to Make Arby’s Loaded Potato Bites
These bites are easy to whip up with just a few steps. Trust me; you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
When starting any recipe, having everything at hand is essential. So, line up your ingredients on the counter, and make sure the mashed potatoes are creamy and lump-free.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, scallions, parsley, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful blend of colors.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Now, crack that large egg into the potato mixture. Add the flour, and mix it all together until it’s well combined. The flour and egg help bind everything, ensuring your bites hold together nicely when fried.
Step 4: Shape the Potato Bites
Using your hands, scoop out a generous amount of the mixture and roll it into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate as you work.
Step 5: Coat with Breadcrumbs
Now for that crunch! Place your Italian-style bread crumbs on a shallow plate. Roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs until they’re completely covered. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden exterior.
Step 6: Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of breadcrumb in. If it sizzles, you’re good to go!
Step 7: Fry the Potato Bites
Carefully drop a few potato bites into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. When they’re done, use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once they’ve cooled slightly, they are ready to serve. Pair these crispy delights with ranch dressing or honey mustard for the ultimate flavor experience.
Notes: Tips for Perfect Potato Bites
- Use cold mashed potatoes: This helps them hold together better when frying.
- Season the breadcrumbs: Mix some garlic powder or Italian herbs into your breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Don’t skip cooling: Let the bites cool on paper towels; it helps remove excess oil.
- Temperature matters: Ensure your oil is hot enough or else the bites will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Batch frying: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have any potato bites left, you can keep them fresh. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to regain their lovely crunch.
Nutrition Information
arby’s loaded potato bites recipe nutrition facts
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side of Wings: Pair these bites with buffalo wings; the combination will satisfy your cravings for both crunch and spice.
- Tailgate Snack: Bring these to any gathering! They’ll be a hit right next to your burgers or hotdogs.
- Game Day Delight: Have these at your next watch party. They’re great finger food while you cheer on your team.
- As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside a fresh salad for a wholesome meal while enjoying a variety of textures.
- Lunch Box Treat: Pack some potato bites in a lunch box with a side of dip for a delightful midday snack!
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Arby’s Loaded Potato Bites Recipe?
Sometimes you need to make do with what’s in the pantry or adapt to taste preferences. Here are some great substitutes:
- Sweet Potatoes: Swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to create a sweeter flavor profile.
- Different Cheeses: Mozzarella or pepper jack can be used instead of cheddar for a fun twist.
- Turkey Bacon: Use turkey bacon as a lighter, healthier alternative to regular bacon.
- Dairy-Free Cheese: For a plant-based option, try dairy-free cheese in your mixture.
- Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: For gluten-free bites, substitute Italian breadcrumbs with their gluten-free counterparts.
Arby’s Loaded Potato Bites Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Shallow plate
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of leftover creamy mashed potatoes
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style bread crumbs
- 2/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 strips of crispy bacon
- 1/3 cup finely chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping
Instructions
- When starting any recipe, having everything at hand is essential. So, line up your ingredients on the counter, and make sure the mashed potatoes are creamy and lump-free.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, scallions, parsley, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful blend of colors.
- Now, crack that large egg into the potato mixture. Add the flour, and mix it all together until it’s well combined. The flour and egg help bind everything, ensuring your bites hold together nicely when fried.
- Using your hands, scoop out a generous amount of the mixture and roll it into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate as you work.
- Now for that crunch! Place your Italian-style bread crumbs on a shallow plate. Roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs until they’re completely covered. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden exterior.
- In a deep frying pan, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of breadcrumb in. If it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Carefully drop a few potato bites into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. When they’re done, use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Once they’ve cooled slightly, they are ready to serve. Pair these crispy delights with ranch dressing or honey mustard for the ultimate flavor experience.
Video
Notes
- Use cold mashed potatoes: This helps them hold together better when frying.
- Season the breadcrumbs: Mix some garlic powder or Italian herbs into your breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Don’t skip cooling: Let the bites cool on paper towels; it helps remove excess oil.
- Temperature matters: Ensure your oil is hot enough or else the bites will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Batch frying: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Recreating Arby’s Loaded Potato Bites at home is not just doable, it’s downright fun. The crispy exterior, combined with creamy interior and melting cheese, makes this snack irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, treating yourself during a movie night, or simply looking for a tasty side dish, these bites are a hit.
As someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, I can positively say you’ll enjoy making these as much as you will savor eating them. Give this recipe a shot! You might find your new go-to snack for any occasion.
