When it comes to memorable party appetizers, Garlic Potato Pops are my absolute go-to. Picture this: golden, crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside bites studded with cheddar, garlic, and green onions, all wrapped up for your guests to pluck with a skewer. These little flavor bombs disappear fast, and for good reason—each pop delivers a savory, garlicky punch with a hint of cheesy richness. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or want to add some sparkle to your dinner table, Garlic Potato Pops always steal the show.

Garlic Potato Pops Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Garlic Potato Pops is how they transform a humble set of ingredients into a real crowd-pleaser. Each component brings its own magic, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor, great texture, and pops of color on your plate.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and sturdy, preferably chilled for easier shaping and the perfect base for these pops.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey pockets that add a savory tang and beautiful melt-in-mouth texture.
Garlic (minced): The star of the show, fresh garlic boosts aroma and delivers a bold, unforgettable flavor.
Green Onions: Offer a pop of color and a mild bite that brightens up the mix.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the great flavors.
Black Pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and complexity.
Large Egg: Binds everything together, making sure the potato pops hold firm while cooking.
Breadcrumbs: Provide structure inside the mix and a crisp, golden crust on the outside.
Vegetable Oil (for frying): Ensures each Garlic Potato Pop fries up perfectly crunchy and golden.
Toothpicks or Skewers: Makes serving extra fun and convenient for dipping.

How to Make Garlic Potato Pops

Step 1: Mix Everything Together

Start by grabbing a large bowl and adding your chilled mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions, salt, pepper, egg, and a half cup of breadcrumbs. Mix everything until it’s thoroughly combined and the mixture feels sturdy enough to shape. It should look like a thick, flavorful dough that’s easy to work with—if it’s too soft, a quick chill in the fridge does wonders.

Step 2: Shape and Coat

Now for the hands-on fun! Scoop out a tablespoon of mixture at a time and roll into smooth balls in your palms. Once you’ve shaped all the potato pops, roll each one in extra breadcrumbs to cover them completely. This lone step is what guarantees that crave-worthy crunch once they hit hot oil.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and preheat over medium-high heat. Fry the Garlic Potato Pops in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan—turning gently for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re irresistibly golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels so any excess oil can drain away.

Step 4: Serve Hot and Fresh

Once your Garlic Potato Pops are just cool enough to handle, insert a toothpick or mini skewer into each for easy serving. Arrange them on a platter, add your favorite dipping sauces, and serve while they’re hot and at their crispiest. They’ll be gone in a flash!

How to Serve Garlic Potato Pops

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley instantly brightens up your serving platter. For a little extra zing, add a dusting of freshly grated parmesan or a pinch of smoked paprika. These finishing touches make your Garlic Potato Pops feel restaurant-worthy, and guests love the extra pop of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

While Garlic Potato Pops absolutely steal the spotlight on their own, they’re even more fun beside other party favorites. I adore serving them alongside a crisp green salad, creamy coleslaw, or even a platter of roasted veggies. For dipping, offer garlic aioli, ranch, or a bold spicy ketchup to keep everyone coming back for more.

Creative Ways to Present

Jazz up your next gathering by arranging the pops in shot glasses filled with dipping sauces, or thread three pops onto each skewer for a tapas-style treat. You can also serve them atop a bed of microgreens for a chic appetizer spread or tuck them into lunchboxes for a delicious surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Garlic Potato Pops (a rare occasion!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making them a perfect snack or lunchbox addition the next day.

Freezing

To make future snacking even easier, freeze your uncooked, shaped pops on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, you can fry them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the frying time.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-fryer crispiness, pop your refrigerated Garlic Potato Pops into a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5 to 8 minutes until piping hot and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to soften the coating. Serve immediately with your favorite dips.

FAQs

Can I bake Garlic Potato Pops instead of frying?

Absolutely! Place the coated potato pops on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once halfway through. They won’t be quite as crunchy as the fried version, but they’re lighter and just as flavorful.

What’s the best potato to use for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work beautifully for Garlic Potato Pops. Their fluffy texture makes for a creamy interior that holds up well when shaping and frying.

Can I make these pops gluten-free?

Definitely. Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs for both the mixture and coating. They’ll taste just as delicious and keep everyone happy at the party.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Yes! Mix in crumbled cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even a bit of smoked paprika for extra flavor. Just keep the total amount of add-ins moderate so the mixture stays easy to shape.

How far in advance can I make the mixture?

You can mix up the potato filling a day ahead and store it, tightly covered, in the fridge. Shape, coat, and fry right before serving for the best texture and crunch.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Potato Pops have a special way of bringing people together—there’s just something joyful about sharing a platter of golden, homemade snacks with friends and family. I hope this recipe inspires you to whip up a batch for your next gathering. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!

Garlic Potato Pops Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 20 potato pops 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Garlic Potato Pops are a delightful appetizer or snack featuring creamy mashed potatoes combined with flavorful garlic, cheddar cheese, and green onions, shaped into crispy, golden-brown bites. Perfect for parties or as a tasty treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potatoes:

2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably chilled)

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
Vegetable oil for frying
Toothpicks or skewers for serving

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, minced garlic, green onions, salt, pepper, egg, and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs until well blended.
Shape the Potato Pops: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Coat each ball evenly with additional breadcrumbs.
Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Fry the potato pops in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
Drain and Serve: Remove the pops, drain on paper towels, insert toothpicks or skewers, and serve hot.