Loaded Mashed Potato Balls

• Meat

  • 4 slices Bacon

• Produce

  • 2 tbsp Chives, Fresh
  • 3 cups Mashed potatoes

• Refrigerated

  • 2 Eggs, large

• Baking & Spices

  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 2 cups Vegetable oil

• Bread & Baked Goods

  • 1 1/2 cups Panko

• Dairy

  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan

Found on damndelicious.net

Description

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 2 cups vegetable oil, or more, as needed
• 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups Panko*
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan

Directions

• Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside. Heat vegetable oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheese, chives, cayenne pepper and bacon. Using a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1 1/4-to-1 1/2-inch balls, forming about 25. Working one at a time, dip balls into eggs, then dredge in Panko, pressing to coat. Working in batches, add balls to the Dutch oven and cook until evenly golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan, if desired.