Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Ingredient ULF # Portion
Basic American Excel Potato Pearls 200238 3 cups
Hormel 13-17 Cooked Bacon One Bacon 562536 3 slices, cooked and crumbled
Brighton Farms Feather Shredded Mild Yellow Cheddar Cheese 211720 2/3 cups
Fresh Chives 133280 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced
Baron Spices Garlic Powder 290848 1/2 tsp.
Diamond Crystal Iodized Granulated Salt 308707 as needed
Baron Spices Ground Black Pepper 280902 as needed
Sparboe Large Eggs 215608 2 ea. beaten
Upper Crust Panko Bread Crumbs 430124 1 1/3 cups
Ventura Mel-Fry Clear Liquid Shortening 262212 for frying

In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes with cooked bacon, cheddar, chives, and garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are incorporated.

Place eggs and panko in separate shallow bowls. Use a small cookie scoop to scoop 1” to 2” balls of mashed potato mixture. Roll into a ball in your hands, then dredge first in egg and then in panko. Repeat until all mashed potatoes are used.

Heat 3” of oil in a large cast iron skillet until candy thermometer reads 375°. Fry potato balls in batches until golden on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on a paper towel lined plate and season immediately with more salt.