These homemade potato smiley faces are a fun and nostalgic treat, perfect for kids or a playful snack. With a crisp golden exterior and soft, fluffy potato inside, they’re easy to make and bring a smile to everyone’s face!
Ingredients
500g potatoes (floury variety like Maris Piper or Russet)
1 tbsp cornflour
1 tbsp plain flour
Salt to taste
Vegetable oil (for frying)
1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
Step-by-step Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel and chop the 500g potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Boil them in salted water for about 10-12 minutes, or until tender.
- Drain and let the potatoes cool slightly. Mash them until smooth (avoid lumps).
2. Make the Dough
- Once the potatoes have cooled to room temperature, stir in 1 tbsp cornflour, 1 tbsp plain flour, and salt to taste.
- For extra flavour, you can add 1/4 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp onion powder if desired.
- Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
3. Shape the Smiley Faces
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1cm thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut out circles.
- To create the smiley faces, use a straw or small piping tip to make the eyes, and a small spoon or knife to carve out the smile.
4. Chill the Faces
- Place the smiley faces on a baking tray and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up before frying.
5. Fry the Smiley Faces
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to about 180°C (350°F).
- Fry the smiley faces in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oil and place on a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve
- Serve the potato smiley faces warm with your favourite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, or mayo
Tips!
Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the smiley faces instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), brush the smiley faces with a little oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.