LOADED MASHED POTATO BITES

Loaded Mashed Potato Bites image

Put those leftovers to good use! Turn them into mashed potato bites loaded with bacon, cheese and onions. -Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 25m

Yield 1-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

3 cups mashed potatoes
1-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 ounces Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, cut into eighteen 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 large egg, beaten
Oil for deep-fat frying

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine potatoes, shredded cheese, bacon and green onions. Divide into eighteen 1/4-cup portions. Shape each portion around a cheese cube to cover completely, forming a ball. Refrigerate, covered, at least 30 minutes., In a shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Place egg in a separate shallow bowl. Dip potato balls in egg, then in crumb mixture, patting to help coating adhere., In an electric skillet or a deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry potato balls, a few at a time, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 227 calories, Fat 19g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 30mg cholesterol, Sodium 420mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.