FRIED MASHED POTATO BALLS

FRIED MASHED POTATO BALLS

INGREDIENTS:

Potato Balls Mixture

2 cups cold mashed potatoes

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese , grated

2 cloves garlic , minced

2 Tablespooons chives or green onions , chopped

1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoons black pepper

Coating

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 eggs , beaten

1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoons smoked paprika , optional

1/4 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoons pepper

Frying

vegetable or canola oil

DIRECTIONS:

Mix the filling. In a large bowl, stir together the mashed potatoes, Parmesan, garlic, egg, chives, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Shape into bites. Scoop about 1 Tablespoon of the potato mixture (I use a cookie scoop) and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
Set up the coating stations. Use three shallow bowls and place the flour into one, add beaten eggs to another and then combine Panko, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper into the third.
Coat the bites. Working one at a time, roll each ball in the flour, dip into the egg, then coat in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the coating stick.
Fry until golden. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bites in small batches for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Serve and enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara or aioli.