Irresistible Loaded Mashed Potato Egg Rolls: The Ultimate Crispy Comfort Appetizer
Discover a truly ingenious way to transform humble leftovers into an extraordinary culinary delight: Loaded Mashed Potato Egg Rolls! This recipe was born from a stroke of creative genius, staring at a bowl of leftover creamy mashed potatoes and a stack of versatile egg roll wrappers in the fridge. The result? A remarkably delicious, satisfying, and incredibly popular snack or appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to make and friendly for those tracking their macros, like Weight Watchers members.
Egg roll wrappers are a true kitchen hero, readily available in the produce section of most local grocery stores. Their adaptability allows for endless fillings, and in this case, they provide the perfect crispy golden shell for a warm, savory, and cheesy mashed potato filling. These rolls are not just “simply delicious”; they are a revelation, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite. Best of all, they come in at just 5 Weight Watchers points per roll, making them an ideal guilt-free indulgence.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, a fun snack for game day, or a clever way to repurpose last night’s mashed potatoes, these loaded mashed potato rolls hit all the right notes. They’re quick to prepare, bake to golden perfection, and are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Loaded Mashed Potato Egg Rolls
Ingredients
- 10 egg roll wrappers
- 1 medium potato, boiled and mashed until smooth (a splash of skim milk helps achieve the perfect consistency)
- 1/4 cup light shredded cheese
- 1 Tbsp light cream cheese
- 2 Tbsp bacon bits
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray for easy release and even browning.
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If not already prepared, boil your potato until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash it thoroughly using a hand masher. For extra creaminess, add a small splash of skim milk while mashing until you reach your desired smooth consistency.
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In a bowl, combine the warm mashed potato with the light cream cheese, shredded light cheese, and bacon bits. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture.
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Carefully lay out each egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface in a diamond shape (with a corner pointing towards you). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the loaded mashed potato mixture onto the center of the wrapper, closer to the corner facing you. Fold the bottom corner over the filling. Then, fold in both side corners towards the center, creating an envelope shape. Roll the wrapper upwards, away from you, tightly but gently. Dampen the final corner with a tiny bit of water to seal it securely, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking.
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Place the sealed egg rolls on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 16-18 minutes, or until the wrappers are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning and to ensure they don’t unroll. This recipe yields 10 delicious rolls. Each roll is approximately 5 Weight Watchers Personal Points. Serve warm with a side of sour cream, light ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
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Nutritional information for each roll (adapted from MyFitnessPal): Calories 106, Fat 0.8g, Saturated Fat 0.4g, Carbohydrates 19.2g, Fiber 1.2g, Sugars 2.2g, Protein 4.5g. Please note that points and nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
Additional Info
Why You’ll Love These Loaded Mashed Potato Egg Rolls
There are countless reasons to fall in love with these crispy, savory delights. First, they offer an incredible way to avoid food waste by utilizing leftover mashed potatoes, transforming them into something entirely new and exciting. No more bland potato sides! Second, their ease of preparation makes them accessible to even novice cooks, perfect for a quick weeknight snack or a stress-free party appetizer. The combination of creamy potato, sharp cheese, and savory bacon bits, all encased in a perfectly golden, crunchy shell, is simply irresistible.
Furthermore, these rolls are highly customizable, allowing you to adapt them to your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. For those mindful of their diet, the Weight Watchers friendly aspect is a huge bonus, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to derail your health goals. They’re a fantastic alternative to heavier fried appetizers, offering a satisfying crunch without excessive oil.
Tips for Perfect Mashed Potato Egg Rolls
- The Right Potato: While any mashed potato works, starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds will give you the creamiest filling. If starting from scratch, boil them until very tender.
- Flavorful Mashed Potatoes: Ensure your mashed potatoes are well-seasoned before mixing. A little salt, pepper, garlic powder, or even a touch of onion powder can elevate the flavor significantly.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load them up, overfilling can lead to wrappers tearing or bursting during baking. Stick to about 2 tablespoons of filling per wrapper.
- Secure Sealing: Use a small bowl of water to lightly moisten the edges of the egg roll wrapper before sealing. This creates a strong adhesive bond, preventing the rolls from opening up while baking.
- Even Browning: Make sure your oven is fully preheated. For extra crispiness and a beautiful golden-brown color, you can lightly brush the outside of the rolls with a tiny bit of olive oil or cooking spray before baking.
- Serving Temperature: These rolls are best served warm, straight out of the oven, when the wrapper is at its crispiest and the filling is wonderfully gooey.
Creative Variations and Customizations
The beauty of these potato rolls lies in their versatility. Feel free to get creative and make them your own!
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different types of shredded cheese! Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a blend of Italian cheeses can add new dimensions of flavor.
- Add Some Greens: Fold in finely chopped chives, green onions, or a touch of fresh parsley into your mashed potato mixture for added color and fresh flavor.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce in the filling, or some finely diced jalapeños can give these rolls a wonderful heat.
- Protein Boost: For a more substantial bite, consider adding a tablespoon of cooked, finely shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even ground beef to the mashed potato mixture.
- Vegetarian Options: If you’re vegetarian, simply omit the bacon bits. You can replace them with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or sautéed mushrooms for an umami boost.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: While baking is a healthier option, these rolls can also be air-fried (usually at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway) for an even crispier texture, or shallow-fried in a small amount of oil for a truly indulgent treat.
Perfect Serving Suggestions
These loaded mashed potato egg rolls are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with the right dipping sauce takes them to the next level!
- Classic Dipping Sauces: Sour cream or light ranch dressing are classic choices that perfectly complement the savory potato filling.
- Spicy Kicks: A drizzle of sriracha mayo, a side of buffalo sauce, or even a sweet chili sauce can add an exciting contrast.
- Creamy & Herby: Consider a homemade dill dip or a chive and onion cream cheese dip.
- Hearty Sides: Serve them alongside a simple green salad for a light meal, or as part of a larger appetizer platter with other finger foods. They also make a great side dish for grilled chicken or steak.
Storing and Reheating Your Potato Rolls
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), storing and reheating them properly will ensure they remain delicious.
- Refrigeration: Cooked egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze these rolls! For best results, freeze them *before* baking. Arrange the assembled (but unbaked) rolls in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: To reheat cooked rolls, the best method is to use an oven or air fryer. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until crispy and heated through. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.
The culinary journey of these Loaded Mashed Potato Egg Rolls begins with a simple idea and ends with a truly memorable dish. They embody comfort food with a fun, crispy twist, proving that creativity in the kitchen can lead to delightful surprises. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for an easy yet impressive recipe, these rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. So grab those egg roll wrappers, mash up some potatoes, and get ready to enjoy a fantastic appetizer that everyone will rave about!
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