Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Potato Bombas

The Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Potato Bombas are crispy, golden bites of joy filled with mashed potatoes and gooey Manchego cheese. Coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and served over zesty arrabbiata sauce, these little potato patties are a fun, easy twist on classic Spanish tapas. I made these on a Friday night and they were devoured in minutes—they’re that good. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 1kg large potatoes (about 4)
• 2 large eggs
• 150g Manchego cheese
• 100g fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 x 400g jar arrabbiata sauce

How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Potato Bombas

1. Cook the Potatoes: Start by pricking your potatoes with a fork and microwaving them on high for 30 minutes, turning halfway through. Once tender, let them cool enough to handle, then halve and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
2. Mix the Mash: Separate the eggs, placing the yolks into the mashed potatoes. Chop most of the Manchego into 1cm cubes and mix them into the mash. Stir everything until evenly combined. If the mixture feels soft, pop it into the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm up.
3. Form the Bombas: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each one into a round ball, flattening slightly. Beat the egg whites in a shallow bowl, and put the breadcrumbs in another. Dip each bomba into the egg white, letting the excess drip off, then coat in breadcrumbs until evenly covered.
4. Fry Until Golden: Heat 1cm of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the bombas for about 6 minutes total, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden on both sides. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Heat the Sauce and Serve: While the bombas are frying, warm the arrabbiata sauce in a small saucepan. To serve, spoon a little sauce onto each plate, arrange the bombas on top, and grate over the remaining Manchego. Add a final crack of black pepper and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if you fancy.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s just something so satisfying about crispy potato on the outside with melting cheese in the middle. These bombas are playful, a little indulgent, and so simple to make. I love how the arrabbiata sauce adds that extra spicy punch—it’s like a cozy plate of comfort food with flair.

Recipe Tips

• Choose the right potatoes: Starchy varieties like Maris Piper or Russets are perfect for a smooth mash.
• Don’t over-mash: Overworking the potatoes can make them gluey—mash just until smooth.
• Chill if needed: If the mash is too soft to shape, chill it briefly to firm it up.
• Fry in batches: Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and makes them soggy.
• Serve straight away: These are best hot and crispy, right after frying.

How To Store & Reheat Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Potato Bombas

• In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10–12 minutes until crisp again. Reheat the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
• Freezing: Not ideal—fried potatoes tend to lose their crispness and texture after freezing and thawing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I use a different cheese?
  Sure! Try a mild cheddar or mozzarella if you don’t have Manchego. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts nicely.
• What can I serve with these?
  A crisp salad or steamed greens go beautifully alongside. They also make a great appetizer on their own.
• Can I bake instead of fry?
  You can, but they won’t be quite as crispy. Brush with oil and bake at 200°C for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Can I make them ahead?
  Yes—shape and bread the bombas, then chill them until ready to fry. Great for prepping a few hours in advance.
• Is the arrabbiata sauce spicy?
  It’s got a gentle heat, but you can dial it up or down by choosing a mild or spicy brand—or making your own!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 336 kcal
• Fat: 13.6g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Protein: 13.7g
• Carbohydrates: 41.1g
• Sugars: 4.6g
• Salt: 1g
• Fibre: 2.5g

Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:

• 5 Ingredients Stuffed Squash
• 5 Ingredients Smoky Tender Aubergine
• 5 Ingredients Roasted Squash Lasagne
• 5 Ingredients Hot Med Sarnie