Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Just another great way to use leftover mashed potatoes.  These make large, delicious, savory, sorta kinda tater tot balls.  Anyway, it was a big hit.

I seem to recall adding an egg or two to the mashed potato mixture to help keep hold it together better (not listed in the recipe below).

 Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Ingredients

3 c. leftover mashed potatoes

3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

2/3 c. shredded cheddar cheese

2 tbsp. thinly sliced chives

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 egg, beaten

1 1/3 c. panko bread crumbs

Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes with cooked bacon, cheddar, chives, and garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.  Stir until all ingredients are incorporated.

Place eggs and panko in separate shallow bowls.  Use a small cookie scoop to scoop 1" to 2" balls of mashed potato mixture.  Roll into a ball in your hands, then dredged first in egg then in panko.  Repeat until all mashed potatoes are used.

Heat 3" of oil in large cast iron skillet until candy thermometer reads 375.  Fry potato balls in batches until golden on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on paper towel lined plate and season immediately with more salt.

Original link:  https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a22566735/fried-mashed-potato-balls-recipe/