Delicious Garlic Potato Pops Recipe
If you’re always searching for the perfect party snack, get ready for your new favorite with these Delicious Garlic Potato Pops. Crispy on the outside, creamy within, and bursting with garlicky flavor, these bite-sized delights are absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game day, prepping a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or just craving something fun to munch on, Delicious Garlic Potato Pops check every box — and with their easy vegan option, they’re as versatile as they are tasty!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking up a batch of Delicious Garlic Potato Pops is so simple, and the magic really is in the humble ingredients. Each one plays its own special role in making these bites extra flavorful, perfectly textured, and beautiful to serve.
- Mashed potatoes (2 cups, cooled): Make sure they’re well chilled so your pops hold together beautifully without falling apart.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup) or nutritional yeast: This brings that rich, savory punch — nutritional yeast makes them vegan and adds lovely depth.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Fresh garlic is essential for that unmistakable aromatic kick.
- Finely chopped green onions (1/4 cup): These add color, texture, and a subtle bite that wakes up every pop.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch to balance and bring everything together.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For gentle heat and depth.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a mellow garlic layer—yes, more is more!
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps set the structure for dipping and coating.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, regular or panko): The secret to getting that sublime golden crust.
- Egg (1, or flax egg for vegan): Binds everything together so your pops stay poppin’!
- Oil for frying or baking: Choose a neutral oil for frying or use a baking spray — both deliver crunch, so pick your style.
- Toothpicks or skewers for serving: They turn these into the perfect hand-held treat, and add instant party vibes.
How to Make Delicious Garlic Potato Pops
Step 1: Make the Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine your cooled mashed potatoes, Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, minced fresh garlic, chopped green onions, salt, black pepper, and a generous sprinkle of garlic powder. Stir until everything is well blended and irresistibly fragrant. The mixture should be creamy but firm enough to hold its shape — don’t be afraid to adjust with a little extra cheese or flour if needed!
Step 2: Shape Your Pops
Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture (an actual tablespoon helps, but your hands work just fine) and gently roll it into a ball. Place each rolled pop onto a lined or lightly floured surface. Repeat until the mixture is used up—you’ll get about 20 joyful little pops ready for their crispy coating.
Step 3: Coat the Pops
Set up a coating station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with a beaten egg (or flax egg for vegan), and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each pop in the flour first (tap off the excess), dip it in the egg, then roll it gently in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. This triple coating is what gives Delicious Garlic Potato Pops their signature crunch!
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Now, for the big finish! To fry, heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat—just enough to crisp each pop, about 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re deeply golden and crunchy. For a lighter version, pop them onto a sheet pan and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway so every side gets that gorgeous crisp. Drain fried pops on a paper towel and let them cool for a minute or two.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
As soon as they’re cool enough to touch but still warm, skewer each pop with a toothpick or mini skewer. Arrange them on a platter, and get ready for the oohs and ahhs — Delicious Garlic Potato Pops are officially party-ready!
How to Serve Delicious Garlic Potato Pops

Garnishes
To really make your Delicious Garlic Potato Pops shine, add a sprinkle of additional chopped green onions or fresh parsley for vibrant color. A dusting of extra Parmesan (or nutritional yeast) just before serving gives them a delicious, cheesy finish. For a pop of heat, dash on chili flakes or drizzle with a little garlicky olive oil.
Side Dishes
These pops steal the show at any party, but they also play well with others! Serve alongside crisp veggie sticks, a tangy slaw, or a leafy green salad for a lighter spread. For a heartier touch, pair with mini sliders, veggie burgers, or other grab-and-go appetizers.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation transforms Delicious Garlic Potato Pops from party snack to gourmet treat! Arrange them upright in a mason jar or glass for a fun bouquet effect, or stick them into a halved cabbage or potato for a whimsical edible “centerpiece.” Set out assorted dips—think ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli—in colorful bowls and watch everyone build their own perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, though they may lose a bit of their original crunch (a quick re-crisp in the oven sorts that out!).
Freezing
Want to make Delicious Garlic Potato Pops well ahead of time? Shape and coat the pops, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. You can bake or fry them straight from frozen — just add a few extra minutes of cook time.
Reheating
To bring back that signature crisp, reheat your pops in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until heated through. The air fryer also works wonders if you’re aiming for a quick and even crunch. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to soften the coating.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes make a fun, slightly sweeter twist on Delicious Garlic Potato Pops. The texture might be a bit softer, so consider using a touch more flour if the mixture feels sticky.
How do I make these pops vegan?
Simply substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan, use a flax egg in place of the egg, and make sure your breadcrumbs are vegan. Delicious Garlic Potato Pops are a breeze to veganize and still packed with flavor!
What’s the best way to prevent pops from falling apart?
Chilled, firm mashed potatoes are key. If your mixture feels loose, mix in a bit more Parmesan or flour. Chill shaped pops for 10–15 minutes before coating to help them keep their shape during frying or baking.
Can I air fry these instead of baking or frying?
Yes! An air fryer produces wonderfully crispy results. Arrange the pops in a single layer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through for even browning.
What dipping sauces go well with Delicious Garlic Potato Pops?
The possibilities are deliciously endless! Ketchup, ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, and homemade garlic aioli are all fantastic choices. You can even try a yogurt-based dip or herby chimichurri for something more unique.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Delicious Garlic Potato Pops! They’re just the right mix of playful and elegant — easy for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for any get-together. If you make a batch, let them work their magic at your next gathering or treat yourself to a well-deserved snack. You’ll be hooked!
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Delicious Garlic Potato Pops Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 potato pops 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Delicious Garlic Potato Pops are a perfect appetizer or party snack. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, with a burst of garlic flavor in every bite, they are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cooled)
Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Breading:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
Additional:
- Oil for frying or baking
- Toothpicks or skewers for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, green onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth.
- Shape the Potato Pops: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Bread the Potato Pops: Place the flour, beaten egg (or flax egg), and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls. Roll each potato ball in the flour, dip in the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Potato Pops: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat or preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) for a baked version. Fry the potato pops for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crispy, or bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels if fried. Insert a toothpick or mini skewer into each pop and serve warm.
Notes
- You can make these ahead and refrigerate before frying or baking.
- Serve with ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne to the potato mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg (0 mg if vegan)