Loaded Mashed Potato Balls

By MrsGiggles78

These delicious bite-sized snacks filled with bacon, cheese, chives, and other tasty seasonings are the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes!

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

Preparation

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6 to 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 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan, if desired.