Loaded Potato Bites

To make the bites, I started with my loaded smashed potato recipe, but you can use any mashed potato recipe of your choosing.  This recipe works best with leftover, cold mashed potatoes.  If you choose to make your own potato starter make sure you add in cheddar cheese (about a cup), scallions (3) or chives, and some pre-cooked chopped up bacon (4 slices) to the potato base before making them into your bites.  

Ingredients for the crust:

1 cup of traditional bread crumbs

2 eggs

1 T of salt

1 t of pepper

Vegetable oil 

Create a dredging station.  Use a whisk to break up the two eggs and leave in a small ramekin.  Place the bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in a separate ramekin, and stir until the ingredients are all incorporated.  

Place a pan on the stove top on medium heat.  Pour enough vegetable oil in the pan to coat the entire bottom.  While it's heating, get your potatoes ready.

Get a large sheet pan and cover with a paper towel (to absorb the extra oil).  Using a melon baller, small scoop, or a spoon, start scooping up your potatoes.  Roll in between your hands to make sure you have a well-formed, even bite. Once you have formed your bites, dredge in the egg, then the bread crumbs, before dropping into your oil.  

Fabulicious Tip:  Only cook about 5-8 bites at a time.  This way you can maintain a consistent heat throughout the cooking process.

Cook for a minute or so on each side, until brown.  Once done, return them to your lined cookie sheet till they cool.  

For a dipping, you can use either ranch dressing or sour cream.  If you want something fun, combine 1/2 cup of sour cream with 2 teaspoons of ranch :)