Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs with Garlic Butter

Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with flavor, these Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs with Garlic Butter are the ultimate snack, appetizer, or side dish for any occasion. Made with real potatoes, a generous helping of cheese, fresh parsley, and finished with aromatic garlic butter, these golden bites are pure comfort food — compacted into delicious, handheld spheres.

Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping party snack or a satisfying midweek treat, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s simple, made from pantry staples, and open to endless customizations.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making these crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible potato bombs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cheesy potato bombs check every box when it comes to flavor, texture, and versatility. Here’s why they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen:

1. Crisp and Golden Exterior
Baked at high heat and brushed with garlic butter, these bombs develop a gorgeous crust that gives way to a rich, cheesy interior.

2. Melty Cheese Inside
Thanks to cheddar and Parmesan, each bite has layers of gooey, sharp, and nutty flavors.

3. Simple, Everyday Ingredients
With just a few pantry staples and some cheese, you’ll have everything you need to create these flavor-packed bites.

4. Versatile Serving Options
Perfect as appetizers for parties, side dishes for dinner, or snacks for movie night.

5. Customizable
You can stuff them with extra fillings, switch up the herbs, or add spice — the base is flexible and forgiving.

Ingredients

For the Potato Bombs:

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter:

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Optional Garnish:

• Extra chopped parsley

• Additional Parmesan for sprinkling

• A touch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a pop of color and heat

Preparation

1. Boil the Potatoes

Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small, evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking. Add them to a pot of well-salted cold water and bring to a boil. Allow them to simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork.

Drain the potatoes thoroughly and set them aside to cool slightly — this will help prevent them from becoming too watery when mashed.

2. Mash and Mix

Transfer the slightly cooled potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher to mash them until smooth, leaving very few lumps. Add the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley.

Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure the cheese and herbs are evenly distributed. You’re looking for a cohesive, scoopable texture that holds its shape when rolled.

3. Form the Bombs

Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the potato mixture and roll it between your palms to form small, round balls. Each ball should be approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Aim for uniform size to ensure even baking. This recipe makes approximately 15–20 potato bombs, depending on the size of your scoops.

For a firmer shape, refrigerate the formed balls for 15–30 minutes before baking. This step is optional but helps the bombs hold together better during baking.

4. Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Be cautious not to brown the garlic — it should stay golden and aromatic, not burnt.

Remove the pan from heat and set aside. You’ll use this butter both before and after baking.

5. Brush and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush each potato bomb with the garlic butter using a pastry brush. This coating will infuse flavor while helping the outside crisp up beautifully.

Place the baking sheet on the center rack and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bombs are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler during the last 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

6. Serve

Once the bombs are out of the oven, brush them again with the remaining garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a dusting of Parmesan if desired.

Serve them hot, straight from the oven. They’re perfect on their own or served with a dipping sauce.

Variation Ideas

1. Stuffed Potato Bombs

Want to take them up a notch? Try stuffing each ball with a small cube of mozzarella, cream cheese, or even cooked bacon bits before rolling. The gooey, melty surprise inside adds even more indulgence.

2. Spicy Jalapeño Bombs

Finely dice one fresh jalapeño and mix it into the mashed potatoes for a spicy kick. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.

3. Crumb-Coated Potato Bombs

Roll each ball in seasoned breadcrumbs (plain, panko, or even crushed cornflakes) before baking for a crunchier texture. You can season the crumbs with dried herbs, paprika, or Parmesan.

4. Vegan Option

Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese. The result will still be delicious and packed with flavor.

Cooking Note

For best results, use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Yukon Gold offers a creamy texture and buttery flavor, while Russet provides fluffiness. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they don’t mash as smoothly.

If the mixture is too soft to shape, add 1–2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs or all-purpose flour to help bind it. If too dry, stir in a splash of milk or melted butter.

Serving Suggestions

These potato bombs are endlessly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve them:

• Party Appetizer: Place them on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or sour cream and chive.

• Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared salmon for a hearty meal.

• Brunch Favorite: Pair with scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or breakfast sausage for a crowd-pleasing brunch.

• Game Day Snack: They’re perfect for watching sports — crispy, cheesy, and easy to pop in your mouth.

• Holiday Entertaining: Dress them up with a fancy dipping sauce and serve on festive platters.

Tips for Success

• Cool the potatoes slightly before mashing to avoid a wet, mushy texture.

• Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor contrast.

• Don’t skip the garlic butter – it’s what makes these bombs shine.

• Chill before baking if your mixture feels soft or sticky.

• Double the recipe – they’ll disappear faster than you expect.

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 15–20 potato bombs

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 110

• Fat: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Protein: 3g

• Sodium: 140mg

Note: Nutritional values vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these in advance?
Yes. You can form the balls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze them raw and bake from frozen (add 5–7 extra minutes).

Can I air fry them?
Absolutely. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Peeling gives a smoother texture, but if you like a more rustic feel and are using thin-skinned potatoes, you can leave the skin on.

What other cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a smoky Gouda all work well. Just avoid cheeses that don’t melt well.

Can I deep-fry them?
Yes, but make sure they’re chilled and firm before frying. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry in small batches until golden and crispy.

What sauces pair best with these?
Garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or even a creamy herb dip make excellent companions.

Conclusion

Crispy Potato & Cheese Bombs with Garlic Butter are the kind of recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again. They’re incredibly flavorful, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to your taste or occasion. Whether served as finger food at a party or a cozy snack on a rainy day, these crispy bites promise maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

What makes them truly shine is their ability to bring comfort — in every warm, cheesy, garlicky bite. So roll up your sleeves, mash those potatoes, and make a batch of these golden nuggets. You won’t regret it.

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