Vegan Loaded Potato Bites
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when we gather around a table, sharing food that’s been lovingly prepared. Each bite carries with it the essence of the hands that made it, the stories behind the ingredients, and the laughter that echoes through the kitchen.
In those moments, food becomes more than sustenance. It’s a bridge that connects us, transcending differences and bringing us closer together. Whether it’s the warmth of freshly baked bread, the crunch of a perfectly fried potato bite, or the sweetness of a fudge that melts in your mouth, these flavors speak a universal language of love and care.
As we dip our potato bites into tangy ranch or honey mustard, or savor the rich creaminess of sugar cookie fudge, we’re not just enjoying a meal; we’re creating memories. We’re partaking in a tradition as old as humanity itself—coming together to share, to celebrate, to comfort.
So, let’s cherish these moments. Let’s appreciate the time and effort put into each recipe, the creativity in adapting them to suit our lifestyles, and the joy in every bite. Because in sharing food, we’re sharing a piece of ourselves, and that’s a gift worth savoring.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (ensure they are made with vegan butter and plant-based milk)
- 2 tablespoons of flour (all-purpose or a gluten-free blend)
- 2/3 cup of shredded vegan cheddar cheese
- 3 strips of vegan bacon, cooked and finely diced
- 1/3 cup scallions, chopped
- 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 ¼ – 1 ½ cups Italian bread crumbs (ensure they are vegan)
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- Salt and Pepper
- Vegan Ranch or Honey Mustard for dipping
Directions:
- Prepare the Potato Mixture:
- Remove the mashed potatoes from the fridge and let them sit for a few minutes to take the chill off.
- Shred the vegan cheddar cheese, chop the scallions, and cook the vegan bacon, then dice it finely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and flour, mixing well.
- Add the shredded vegan cheddar cheese, diced vegan bacon, and chopped scallions to the mixture.
- Take about a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball with your hands. If it doesn’t hold its shape, add a bit more flour to make the mixture sturdier. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Prepare for Frying:
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan or use your fryer, heating to about 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flax egg, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Place the vegan bread crumbs in another bowl.
- Dip each potato ball into the flax egg mixture, then roll it in the bread crumbs until fully coated. Set aside on a sheet pan.
- Test and Fry:
- Test the oil temperature with one potato ball. The oil should bubble when the potato ball is placed in it, and it should take about 1-2 minutes to brown and cook through. Adjust the oil temperature if needed.
- Once the oil is ready, fry the potato balls in small batches for 1-2 minutes, depending on their size, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat until all the potato balls are fried.
- Serve:
- Allow the potato bites to cool for a minute or two, then serve with vegan ranch or honey mustard for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious vegan loaded potato bites!
Nutritional Information per Serving (1 potato bite):
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 1g