Mashed Potato Balls

You can use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe but seriously these are so good you will be making mashed potatoes just so you can make these delicious potato balls! They are good dipped in sweet chili sauce or in plum sauce. Some might prefer ketchup, it's your preference. This is a delicious side dish.

• 2 1/2 cups mashed potatoes
• 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 slices bacon, fried crisp and chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives (I omitted this but if you like onions go ahead and add them:)
• 1 teaspoon sriracha hot chili sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste..I used leftover mashed potatoes and they already had salt and pepper added.
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup panko crumbs
• Oil for deep frying

1. In a small bowl beat 1 egg. Pour panko crumbs in another small bowl and set aside.
2. In a medium sized bowl combine mashed potatoes, cheddar and parmesan cheeses, chopped bacon, chopped chives if using, sriracha, and salt and pepper to taste if you haven't added salt and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix until well combined.
3. Using your hands roll mixture into approx 1" balls, making sure you roll them as firm as possible.
4. Dip each ball into beaten egg, allow excess to drip off then roll in panko crumbs and place on a baking sheet.
5. Once all balls are coated cook in batches of six in skillet of hot oil on medium high heat until golden and crispy, approx 2 to 3 minutes. Use just enough oil so that the balls float as they fry, keep moving them around so they turn an even golden color.
6. Yield: 30 potato balls