Loaded Mashed Potato Balls

INGREDIENTS

Filling

• 3 cups chilled mashed potatoes
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup bacon bits
• 1/4 cup chives, chopped
• Pepper, to taste

Breading

• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 medium eggs, beaten
• 1 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the filling ingredients in a large  and stir to mix well.
2. Prepare the breading stations with one bowl of flour, one bowl of beaten eggs and one bowl of panko bread crumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
3. Dust your hands with flour and use an  to measure the balls. Pat them gently to form them into balls and roll them in the palm of your hands to get them perfectly round.
4. Dust them immediately with flour and set aside. Repeat until you have 24 flour-dusted balls.
5. Drop a ball into the egg mixture and use a spoon to flip it over until fully coated. Lift the ball with the spoon and tilt the spoon at the edge of the bowl to drain off any excess egg.
6. Drop it in the panko mixture and use another spoon to dredge it fully. Pat in any excess bread crumbs. Set aside and repeat with the remaining balls.
7. Fry in batches in hot oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
8. [If baking] Bake at 400°F for 5-10 minutes or until browned.
9. Dish and serve hot.