Amish Cheddar Potato Bites

Amish Cheddar Potato Bites: A Crispy, Cheesy Delight

Introduction

Amish Cheddar Potato Bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish that combines two of the most beloved ingredients—cheddar cheese and potatoes. These tasty little bites are a perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory, with the golden crunch on the outside and a gooey, cheesy inside.

Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they are sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Inspired by traditional Amish cooking, which often focuses on simple ingredients and hearty flavors, these potato bites are easy to prepare and require only basic pantry staples.

The versatility of this dish also allows for customization, making it possible to add a personal twist with different ingredients to suit your tastes. From adding bacon bits to experimenting with various cheeses, you can tailor this recipe to fit any occasion or craving.

Ingredients

To make Amish Cheddar Potato Bites, you won’t need anything too complicated. Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible bites:

2 cups grated cheddar cheese
The star ingredient, sharp cheddar cheese, melts beautifully and provides the creamy, tangy flavor that makes these bites so delicious.

3 large russet potatoes, peeled and shredded
Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their high starch content, which makes the bites fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

1 small onion, finely chopped
A small onion adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the potatoes and cheese.

1/4 cup flour
Flour helps bind the mixture together and adds to the crispy coating on the outside.

1/4 cup cornmeal
The cornmeal contributes to the crunchy texture and golden color of the potato bites, enhancing their appeal.

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic powder adds a savory flavor that complements the other ingredients and enhances the overall taste.

1/4 teaspoon onion powder
A touch of onion powder boosts the onion flavor in the bites, making it more pronounced.

1/2 teaspoon salt
Salt is essential to bring out all the flavors and make the bites savory and satisfying.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper
A pinch of black pepper adds a mild heat that balances the richness of the cheese and potatoes.

2 large eggs, beaten
The eggs help bind the mixture together, ensuring the potato bites hold their shape while frying.

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Fresh parsley is an optional garnish that adds color and a hint of freshness to the finished dish.

Vegetable oil, for frying
Vegetable oil is used for frying the potato bites to a crispy golden brown.

Instructions

Making Amish Cheddar Potato Bites is easy and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and shredding the russet potatoes using a box grater or a food processor.

Once the potatoes are shredded, it’s essential to remove any excess moisture. Lay the shredded potatoes on a clean kitchen towel or use paper towels to squeeze out as much water as possible. The drier the potatoes, the crispier the bites will be when fried.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, grated cheddar cheese, and finely chopped onion. Add the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Once the dry ingredients are mixed in, add the beaten eggs and stir again. The eggs will bind the ingredients together, creating a thick, dough-like mixture. Make sure the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3: Form the Bites
Using your hands, scoop out a small portion of the potato mixture and shape it into small balls or patties. The size of each bite should be about 1.5 inches in diameter—just large enough to pop in your mouth in one bite. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used up.

Step 4: Fry the Potato Bites
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the potato bites to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them.

Fry the bites in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown and crispy on all sides. Each bite will need about 3-4 minutes per side to cook properly.

Once golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bites from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once all the potato bites are fried, transfer them to a serving plate. If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and added flavor.

These bites are best served immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for an added kick.

Tips

Use Starchy Potatoes
Russet potatoes are the best choice for this recipe because of their high starch content. This makes the interior of the bites fluffy and soft, while the exterior becomes nice and crispy. Avoid using waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they don’t hold their shape as well and can result in a mushy texture.

Squeeze Out the Moisture
The key to crispy bites is to remove as much moisture as possible from the shredded potatoes. The more moisture you remove, the better the texture will be once fried.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When frying, make sure to fry the bites in batches. Overcrowding the skillet can lower the oil temperature, which results in soggy, greasy bites. Frying them in smaller batches ensures they cook evenly and maintain their crispy texture.

Try Baking for a Healthier Version
If you want a healthier version of these bites, consider baking them instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and arrange the potato bites on the sheet.

Lightly spray them with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.

Storage

If you have leftover Amish Cheddar Potato Bites (though that’s unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they are heated through and crisp again.

You can also freeze these bites. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Amish Cheddar Potato Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving ideas:

Appetizer for Parties
Serve these bites at your next party or potluck as an easy, shareable appetizer. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or even a creamy mustard sauce.

Side Dish for Dinner
These potato bites also make a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches. They’re an excellent alternative to traditional fries and add a cheesy, comforting touch to any meal.

Snack for Movie Nights
Make a batch of these potato bites for your next movie night. Serve them with a bowl of dipping sauces for a fun, tasty snack that everyone will love.

Conclusion

Amish Cheddar Potato Bites are the ultimate comfort food that combines the richness of cheddar cheese with the fluffiness of potatoes and a golden, crispy exterior.

These easy-to-make bites are a hit at parties, potlucks, and family dinners, offering both flavor and texture in every bite. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a dish that’s sure to become a favorite among friends and family.

Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these cheesy potato bites are perfect for any occasion. Customize them with your favorite additions, experiment with different cheeses, or bake them for a healthier twist—either way, these delicious bites will be a hit wherever you serve them!