Crispy Potato Puff Balls (Made with Mashed Potatoes)

WFPB, Vegan, Oil-free, Gluten-free, and baked!

A perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and make something crispy, savory, and totally munchable! 🥔😋

Looking for a fun, crunchy snack or side that checks all the boxes—whole food, plant-based, oil-free, gluten-free, and totally guilt-free? These Potato Puff Balls are a delicious way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into something golden, warm, and crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside.

No added sugar, no nuts, and endlessly customizable—perfect for kids, parties, or just snacking straight from the tray.

Step One: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Make a big batch—you won’t regret it!

Ingredients:

• Potatoes, peeled and halved or quartered (as many as your pot allows)

• Unsweetened original plant milk, as needed to adjust consistency

• Salt, to taste (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook potatoes until fork-tender. (Instant Pot: Manual, 5–10 minutes, depending on the size)

2. Pour out most of the cooking water (but feel free to save it for soup or to use instead of plant milk).

3. Add a splash of plant milk and let it warm for a minute or two.

4. Use a hand-held electric mixer to whip the potatoes until smooth and slightly thick. Do not use a blender or food processor—they’ll turn gummy!

5. Add salt to taste, if desired.

6. Transfer to a container and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.

Step Two: Turn Them into Puff Balls

This is where the magic happens!

Ingredients:

• Cold mashed potatoes

• Optional: Tamari or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos (in a spray bottle or brushed on) – adds savory depth and helps toppings stick

• Optional but recommended: Everything But the Bagel seasoning

• Cookie scoop or wet hands, for shaping

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF and line a baking tray with parchment paper. (Alternatively, preheat air fryer to 400ºF.)

2. Scoop out the cold mashed potatoes and shape into tight balls using a cookie scoop or damp hands.

3. Place on baking tray and, if using, lightly spray or brush with tamari or Bragg’s.

4. Sprinkle with Everything But the Bagel seasoning (highly recommended!).

5. Bake for 20 minutes or longer, depending on your oven and how crispy you like them. Let rest for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack. Cool for 5 minutes and enjoy warm.

   
   

   • Air fryer option: 400ºF for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket occasionally for even browning.

   
   

Tips & Variations

• Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mashed potatoes before shaping.

• Use a mix of sweet potatoes and regular potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.

No animals were harmed during the creation of this recipe!

Potatoes? No, thanks!