Step 1: Preheat the oven

Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Step 2: Prepare the beef

If your ground beef is not already cooked, brown it in a skillet with the diced onion. Drain any excess grease and let the mixture cool slightly so it does not melt the cheese or cook the egg when mixed.

Step 3: Mix the potato base

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, beaten egg, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.

Step 4: Add the cheeseburger flavor

Fold in the cooked beef and onion, chopped dill pickles, mustard and ketchup. Mix until evenly combined. If the mixture feels too wet to shape, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Shape the bites

Form the mixture into about 16 small balls or thick patties. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them slightly for more crispy edges.

Step 6: Brush with oil

Lightly spray or brush the tops with oil. This helps them turn golden and crisp.

Step 7: Bake until golden

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, carefully turning halfway through, until the bites are crisp on the outside and heated through. If you are using freshly cooked ground beef, make sure it reaches 160°F (71°C) before mixing it into the potato mixture.

Step 8: Add extra cheese

If you like, sprinkle a little extra cheddar over the bites during the final 2 to 3 minutes of baking.

Step 9: Garnish and serve

Top each bite with a small dill pickle slice and serve warm with burger sauce or spicy mayo for dipping.

Recipe Card at a Glance

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 20 to 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 to 45 minutes
• Yield: About 16 bites
• Category: Appetizer, snack, comfort food
• Method: Oven-baked (air fryer option below)

Tips for the Best Potato Bites

1. Dry the pickles well

Pickles are full of brine, and excess moisture can make the mixture too wet to shape and keep the bites from crisping. Chop the pickles finely and pat them thoroughly with paper towels before folding them in.

2. Use cold mashed potatoes

Cooled potatoes are firmer and easier to shape, and they help the bites hold together. Warm, freshly mashed potatoes are softer and stickier. If your potatoes are warm, spread them on a plate and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes first.

3. Mind the moisture in your potatoes

Very creamy mashed potatoes made with lots of milk or butter can make the mixture loose. For the best results, use plain or lightly seasoned mashed potatoes. If yours are very soft, add extra breadcrumbs a tablespoon at a time until the mixture holds its shape.

4. Give them space

Crowding the baking sheet traps steam and makes the bites soft. Leave a little room between them so hot air can circulate and crisp the edges.

5. Flatten slightly

A gently flattened shape has more surface area for browning. Thick patties give you more crispy edges, while balls give you a softer, fluffier center.

6. Use enough oil

A light brushing or spray of oil is what turns the surface golden. Do not skip it. For even more crunch, you can roll the shaped bites in a thin layer of extra breadcrumbs before spraying.

7. Turn them carefully

Use a thin spatula and turn them gently halfway through baking so they brown evenly on both sides. Wait until the bottoms have set and released from the parchment to avoid breaking them.

8. Chill before baking if the mixture is soft

If the mixture feels sticky, refrigerate the shaped bites for 15 to 30 minutes before baking. Cold bites keep their shape better in the oven.

9. Season boldly

Potatoes need seasoning to taste good. Taste the mixture before shaping (as long as it contains only cooked ingredients) and adjust the salt, pepper and spices. Remember that pickles, cheddar, mustard and ketchup all add salt, so go easy at first.

Air Fryer Method

The air fryer is a fantastic way to get these extra crispy.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the bites in a single layer, leaving space between them. Work in batches if needed.
3. Spray the tops lightly with oil.
4. Cook for about 12 to 16 minutes, turning halfway through.
5. Check that they are crisp and heated through completely before serving.

If you are adding extra cheese, sprinkle it on during the last minute of cooking.

Best Dipping Sauces

Dipping sauce takes these bites from good to unforgettable. Try one of these:

• Classic burger sauce: Mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and a little chopped pickle.
• Spicy mayo: Mayonnaise mixed with sriracha or hot sauce.
• Special sauce: Mayo, ketchup, relish, a splash of pickle brine and a pinch of garlic powder.
• Ranch dressing: Cool and herby, a crowd favorite.
• Honey mustard: Sweet and tangy.
• Garlic aioli: Rich and savory.
• Barbecue sauce: Sweet and smoky.
• Extra ketchup and mustard: Simple and nostalgic.