If there’s one thing that can elevate a meal from good to downright unforgettable, it’s texture. And that’s exactly why mashed potato balls and chicken meatballs are the perfect duo! You’ve got creamy, buttery mashed potatoes rolled into crispy, golden-brown bites, paired with tender, juicy chicken meatballs that are packed with flavor. It’s a match made in food heaven.
This combo isn’t just a crowd-pleaser—it’s also super versatile. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping meals for the week, or just treating yourself to something special, mashed potato balls and chicken meatballs fit the bill. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the recipes, share tips for perfecting each dish, and even throw in some fun variations to keep things exciting.
What Makes This Pairing So Irresistible?
Mashed potato balls and chicken meatballs hit all the right notes when it comes to flavor and texture.
- The Potato Balls: Soft, fluffy mashed potatoes on the inside with a perfectly crispy coating on the outside. Every bite is like comfort food, but with a crunch.
- The Chicken Meatballs: Juicy, protein-packed, and seasoned just right. Whether you bake, fry, or simmer them in sauce, they’re always a hit.
- Together? You get a balance of creamy, crispy, and juicy all in one meal. Plus, they’re super versatile—serve them with dipping sauces, as a main dish, or even as appetizers.
Mashed Potato Balls: Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy on the Inside
Ingredients You’ll Need for Mashed Potato Balls
Here’s what you’ll need to make those perfectly crispy balls of joy:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers work great!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (or use the air fryer for a lighter option)
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Mashed Potato Balls
- Mix It Up: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheese, green onions, and season with salt and pepper.
- Shape the Balls: Roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized spheres. If it’s too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Dip each ball in the beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Fry or Bake:
- Fry: Heat oil in a pan and fry the balls until golden and crispy.
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, spray the balls with oil, and cook for 8-10 minutes.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy them as-is or with a dipping sauce like sour cream, ranch, or spicy mayo.
Chicken Meatballs: Juicy, Healthy, and Full of Flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Meatballs
For the juiciest chicken meatballs, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make the Juiciest Chicken Meatballs
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parmesan, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently—don’t overwork it!
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
- Cook:
- Bake: Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.
- Fry: Heat a little oil in a skillet and cook the meatballs until golden on all sides and cooked through.
- Optional Sauce: Toss the cooked meatballs in marinara, BBQ sauce, or a honey garlic glaze for extra flavor.
Pairing the Two: How to Serve Mashed Potato Balls with Chicken Meatballs
Now comes the fun part—putting it all together! Here are a few serving ideas:
- Classic Dinner Plate: Serve the mashed potato balls as a side dish with chicken meatballs coated in marinara or BBQ sauce.
- Appetizer Style: Arrange both on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard for a crowd-pleasing starter.
- Party Skewers: Thread one mashed potato ball and one chicken meatball onto small skewers for an easy, fun-to-eat option.
Variations and Twists to Try
- Cheesy Centers: Stuff your mashed potato balls with a cube of mozzarella or cheddar for a gooey surprise.
- Spicy Meatballs: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes to your chicken meatball mix for a kick of heat.
- Sauce Pairings: Try buffalo sauce for a spicy twist, or a creamy garlic sauce for something indulgent.
- Herbed Potato Balls: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the potato mixture for extra flavor.
Why This Combo Is Great for Entertaining or Meal Prep
- Entertaining: Both mashed potato balls and chicken meatballs are bite-sized and easy to eat, making them perfect for parties. Serve with a variety of sauces to keep things interesting.
- Meal Prep: These freeze beautifully! Make a big batch, freeze them on a baking sheet, and store them in a zip-top bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer, and they’re ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prep both the mashed potato balls and chicken meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Fry or bake just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the Best Dipping Sauce for This Combo?
Ranch, spicy mayo, marinara, honey mustard, and garlic aioli are all great options.
Can I Bake the Mashed Potato Balls Instead of Frying?
Of course! Bake them at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes or until golden and crispy.
How Do I Keep the Meatballs from Drying Out?
Don’t skip the breadcrumbs and egg—they help keep the meatballs moist. Using a little parmesan also adds moisture and flavor.
Conclusion
Mashed Potato Balls and Chicken Meatballs: Your New Favorite Comfort Food
There’s no denying it—mashed potato balls and chicken meatballs are the ultimate combo for anyone who loves crispy, creamy, and juicy all in one bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself (no judgment!), this dish is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and ridiculously delicious.