Fried Mashed Potato Balls

By cooksalot

Ingredients

• 3 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
• 1/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 2 slightly beaten eggs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups dry bread crumbs
• 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Preparation

Step 1

Remove mashed potatoes from refrigerator and allow them to reach room temperature.
In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, shredded cheese, chives and bacon.
Form the mashed potato mixture into 1 1/4- to 1 1/2-inch balls. If you have a small cookie dough scoop, use this to help you form the balls.
Roll mashed potato balls in bread crumbs and press lightly around the outside to evenly coat them.
In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Once oil is hot, add a small batch of potato balls and cook for 2 1/2-3 minutes or until the balls are crisp and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve mashed potato balls immediately with sour cream, ranch sauce or shredded cheese, and garnish with fresh dill.