Name: Chocolate Mashed Potato Truffles
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 4-oz bars semisweet chocolate (or 2 cups of chocolate chips); 1 cup unflavored mashed potatoes (cold); 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 mL); pinch salt; ¼ cup coating (chopped pistachios, cocoa powder, or shredded coconut)

These simple chocolate truffles have a healthy little secret…they’re made with mashed potatoes! Chocolate Mashed Potato Truffles!

Pistachio, cocoa, and coconut potato truffles on a white plate

Ok so hear me out…Chocolate Mashed Potato Truffles. While most of the recipes that we cook with potatoes are your usual savory things, I always like to try taking our ingredients in the opposite direction of what your mind first jumps to (see avocado chocolate, savory strawberry soup, grape pizza).

So naturally potatoes, creamy and chameleon-like in their way of taking on flavors, had to be added to this list of odd ball recipes. And so I give to you these chocolatey on the inside, yummy whatever-you-want on the outside mashed potato truffles!

These chocolate truffles are creamy, super easy, and can be customized to your taste buds! We have dreamy coconut, steamy chocolate, and fun pistachio! Normally I am not a nuts and chocolate sort of person, but pistachio is by far my favorite of these flavors. So let’s get to making them so you can tell me your favorite kind!

Differently colored truffles on a white plate

Ingredients For Potato Truffles

These truffles are super simple and have all the characteristics of traditional truffles (creamy and decadent). This is thanks to these versatile ingredients!

Chocolate: For these semi-sweet chocolate is a must! This makes for super creamy, melt-in-your-mouth truffles!
Mashed Potatoes: The secret ingredient! Ok, maybe not so secret considering it’s in the name. Regardless, mashed potatoes make a surprisingly great base as they are creamy and take on any flavor. Just make sure you are using UNFLAVORED mashed potatoes.
Vanilla: Vanilla helps to imitate that indulgence that butter would typically provide and adds great flavor.
Salt: Salt helps bring out the flavor of chocolate and enhances sweet ingredients.
Coatings: Feel free to roll these in anything you like, but my favorites are crushed pistachios, cocoa powder, and shredded coconut.

Potato Tip

Which type of potato is best for mashing? Starchy or all-purpose potatoes (like Russet) are going to be best! They’re fluffy and absorbent (meaning they’ll hold all that chocolate flavor!)

Differently colored truffles on a pink background

How To Make Chocolate Truffles

These simple chocolate truffles require minimal work and are a great way to use up any mashed potatoes. Just set some aside before adding any flavors if you know you will have extra!

Step 1: Chocolate
Add chocolate to a glass mixing bowl. Bring a small pot of water to a simmer, then set the bowl of chocolate over the boiling pot (the bottom of the bowl should be hovering over the water, but not touching it). Stir constantly until the chocolate chips have melted, then remove the bowl from above the water.

Homemade double boiler method for melting chocolate

Step 2: Mix
In a large bowl, stir together melted chocolate, mashed potatoes, vanilla, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, until firm.

Stirring a chocolate truffle mashed potato mixture

Step 3: Roll
Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls, then roll in your desired coating. Pistachio, coconut, mint candies, or mini chocolate chips if you want to get wild!

Recipe Tips

How to make mashed potatoes? You can either peel, cut, and boil the potatoes and then mash – or bake / microwave in the skin with holes poked into the potatoes and then mash.

Storage: These can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. I find it helpful to store these in single levels so they don’t become squished.

Serving: I like to serve these straight from the fridge as they are easier to handle. The longer they are at room temperature, the more pliable and messier they become.

Variations

These potato truffles are awesome because they can be made in so many ways!

Dark Chocolate: Try using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
Black Forest: You can roll these in dried cherries for a black forest-like flavor.
Sweet and Spicy: Want a little heat? Add some cayenne or cinnamon to the cocoa powder they are rolled in.

More Ways to Enjoy Potatoes

As I mentioned, I really like to showcase an ingredient’s versatility, sweet and savory. Here are just a few other recipes that utilize potatoes in a delicious way!

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes is a much more classic take on potatoes. These are simple to make and super crispy making them delicious for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Potato Leek Soup is super creamy thanks to potatoes! Whip this up for the week ahead or on a cold snowy day.
Spinach and Mashed Potato Croquettes are the ultimate appetizers. Think spinach artichoke dip in a crispy fried bite – yum!