Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Time :25

Yield :5 servings

Recipe Background

You know what they say: when life gives you cold potatoes, make Fried Mashed Potato Balls. Well, that's what we say at least! Your Thanksgiving and holiday leftovers can now be transformed into crispy, cheesy, meaty spheres of satisfaction! With a touch of onion and garlic flavors for extra savoriness, Fried Mashed Potato Balls taste like the holiday festivities never stopped; they just got a second wind!

Ingredients

3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
3 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
2/3 cup cheddar cheese shredded
2 tablespoons chives thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
kosher salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
2 eggs beaten
1 1/3 cups panko bread crumbs
2 cups vegetable oil or more if needed for frying

Directions

In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with bacon, cheese, chives, and garlic powder.
Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.
In two separate shallow bowls, divide the eggs and the panko breadcrumbs.
Scoop 1-2 inch balls of the mashed potato mixture and roll them into smooth, even spheres.
Dip each ball into the beaten eggs.
Then dip the egg-coated mashed potato balls into the panko breadcrumbs until thoroughly covered.
In a large cast-iron skillet over the stovetop, heat about 3 inches of oil to 375 degrees F.
In small batches, fry the mashed potato balls until golden brown, for about 2-3 minutes. Frying in small batches keeps the oil from becoming too cold and thus ruining the cooking process.
Once done, remove the mashed balls with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.