Mini Loaded Smashed Potato Bites Food

LOADED POTATO BITES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees with racks in upper and lower thirds. Place potatoes in a saucepan; cover with 2 inches of cold water. Season generously with salt and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until a knife pierces potatoes easily, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain; let cool 10 minutes.
• Drizzle each of 2 rimmed baking sheets with 2 tablespoons oil. Arrange potatoes on sheets, tossing to coat; lightly crush each with the heel of your hand or back of a spatula to about 1/2 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper; roast, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp, 30 to 35 minutes. Use immediately.
• Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine sour cream, cheese, scallions, and bacon; season with salt and pepper. Top each potato with 1 to 2 teaspoons sour-cream mixture. Garnish with more scallions.

MOLTEN MASHED POTATO BITES

Steps:

• Divide the gravy among 8 compartments of an ice cube tray (a silicone one is easiest for removal). Freeze until solid, at least 3 hours or overnight. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
• For the mashed potatoes: Put the potatoes into a medium saucepan, cover with cold water and season with salt. Bring the water to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them or put them through a ricer while still hot. Add the butter and cream; stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Shape the potatoes into 8 balls and put on the prepared baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Pop the frozen gravy cubes out of the tay. Flatten a mashed potato ball in the palm of your hand and press a gravy cube in the center. Press the potatoes around the gravy to encase it completely and reshape into a ball. Repeat with the remaining gravy and potatoes.
• Spread the flour in a shallow bowl. Add the eggs to a second shallow bowl and beat with a pinch of salt. Spread the stuffing crumbs in a third bowl. Roll each ball in the flour, then the egg, then the stuffing crumbs. Return to the baking sheet and refrigerate to firm up while you heat the oil, about 15 minutes.
• Heat 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 325 degrees F. Fry the croquettes in 2 batches, until deep golden brown, about 7 minutes per batch, letting the oil return to temperature in between batches. Drain on paper towels. Season with salt and serve hot.

CHEESY LOADED POTATO BITES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, oil and salt and pepper to taste and toss to coat. Transfer to a baking sheet and roast until tender and easily pierced with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the milk, garlic and onion powders and cayenne in a small slow cooker or pot. Add the cheese and heat on high if using a slow cooker (or over low heat if using a pot) until the cheese is melted, 15 to 20 minutes. Whisk to completely blend the mixture. Stir in three-quarters of the bacon and chives (reserve the remaining bacon and chives for garnish). Stir in the roasted potatoes and gently mix until completely coated with the cheese sauce. Top with the remaining bacon and chives. Serve hot with cocktail picks.

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.