Crispy Bacon-Cheddar Potato Bites

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 3 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
• 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 1/3 cups panko bread crumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

1. In a spacious bowl, blend mashed potatoes with crispy bacon, cheddar, chives, and garlic powder, then season with salt and pepper. Ensure thorough mixing.
2. Set up separate shallow bowls for beaten eggs and panko. Using a small cookie scoop, form 1” to 2” balls from the mashed potato mixture. Roll each into a ball, coating first in egg and then in panko. Repeat until all mashed potatoes are used.
3. Heat 3” of oil in a large cast iron skillet until the thermometer reads 375°. Fry the potato balls in batches until they achieve a golden hue on all sides, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate and promptly season with additional salt.