Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 strips bacon
- 1/3 cup scallions, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 ¼ – 1 ½ cups Italian bread crumbs
- Oil for frying
- Salt and Pepper
- Ranch or Honey Mustard for dipping
Directions:
- Prepare Potato Mixture:
- Take potatoes out of the fridge and let them sit for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes and flour. Stir well.
- Add cheese, bacon, and scallions. Roll heaping tablespoons of the mixture into small balls. If the mixture is not holding its shape, add more flour to make the potatoes sturdy.
- Heat Oil:
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium/medium-high heat to about 350-375 degrees.
- Whisk the egg in a small bowl, season with salt and pepper.
- Place bread crumbs in another bowl.
- Dip each ball in the egg and then roll in bread crumbs until fully coated. Set aside on a sheet pan.
- Fry the Potato Bites:
- Test the oil with one ball. It should bubble, and the ball should take about 1-2 minutes to brown and cook through. Adjust the temperature if needed.
- Once ready, add potato balls in small batches and fry for 1-2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper-lined plate.
- Serve:
- Allow the Loaded Potato Bites to cool for a minute or two and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, whether it’s ranch or honey mustard.
Elevate Your Snacking Experience with Loaded Potato Bites!
Tips:
Play with Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheese options like pepper jack or smoked gouda for a unique twist in flavor.
Enhance the Dipping Sauce: Upgrade your dipping sauce by adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chopped herbs for an extra kick.
Make Ahead for Parties: Prepare the potato mixture in advance and fry the bites just before serving for a hassle-free party snack.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes? A: Absolutely! While using leftover mashed potatoes adds extra flavor, store-bought ones work well too.
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying? A: Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Q: How long can I store the leftover Loaded Potato Bites? A: Keep any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven for optimal crispiness.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Loaded Potato Bites are a snack lover’s dream – a crispy and cheesy delight that’s easy to whip up. Whether enjoyed as a quick bite or served at gatherings, these little wonders bring joy to every palate. Don’t let those leftover mashed potatoes go to waste; turn them into a flavor-packed extravaganza with this simple and delicious recipe!