Cheesy Loaded Potato Bites Food

LOADED MASHED POTATO BITES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine potatoes, shredded cheese, bacon and green onions. Divide into eighteen 1/4-cup portions. Shape each portion around a cheese cube to cover completely, forming a ball. Refrigerate, covered, at least 30 minutes., In a shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Place egg in a separate shallow bowl. Dip potato balls in egg, then in crumb mixture, patting to help coating adhere., In an electric skillet or a deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry potato balls, a few at a time, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

CHEESE-FILLED POTATO BITES

Steps:

• In medium saucepan, bring 1 cup water, butter and salt to a boil. Add 1 1/3 cups mashed potato mix, 1 egg and chives; mix well. Let stand 30 seconds. Stir. Cool 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat oven to 400°F. Spoon mashed potatoes into 24 mounds, about 1 tablespoon each, onto ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten into disks. Place 1 cheese cube in center of each potato disk. With pancake turner, remove each disk from cookie sheet; pinch potatoes around cheese cube to form ball.
• In small bowl, beat 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water until well blended. Place 1 cup mashed potato mix in another shallow dish or bowl. Roll balls in potato mix, then in egg mixture and again in potato mix. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
• Just before baking, spray coated potato balls with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 400°F. for 10 to 12 minutes or until potato coating just begins to brown. Serve immediately.

CHEESY POTATO BITES WITH RANCH DIP

Steps:

• In large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheese, 2 tablespoons of the chives, the bacon and 1 of the eggs with spoon until blended. Shape mixture into 1-inch balls.
• In shallow bowl, place bread crumbs. In another shallow bowl, beat remaining 5 eggs. Coat potato balls with bread crumbs, then dip into eggs and coat again with bread crumbs.
• In deep fryer or 3-quart heavy saucepan, heat 2 inches oil to 375°F. Fry potato balls, in batches, in hot oil 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
• In small bowl, mix sour cream, remaining 2 tablespoons chives and the dressing mix. Serve warm potato bites with sauce.