CHEESY POTATO BITES WITH RANCH DIP

Cheesy Potato Bites with Ranch Dip image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 container (24 oz) refrigerated mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
4 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
3 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled
6 eggs
1 3/4 cups Progresso™ plain bread crumbs
Vegetable oil for deep frying
1 container (16 oz) sour cream
2 teaspoons dry ranch dressing mix (from 1-oz package)

Steps:

In large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheese, 2 tablespoons of the chives, the bacon and 1 of the eggs with spoon until blended. Shape mixture into 1-inch balls.
In shallow bowl, place bread crumbs. In another shallow bowl, beat remaining 5 eggs. Coat potato balls with bread crumbs, then dip into eggs and coat again with bread crumbs.
In deep fryer or 3-quart heavy saucepan, heat 2 inches oil to 375°F. Fry potato balls, in batches, in hot oil 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
In small bowl, mix sour cream, remaining 2 tablespoons chives and the dressing mix. Serve warm potato bites with sauce.