Loaded Leftover Mashed Potato Balls

Ingredients

• 3 cups chilled leftover mashed potatoes
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 strips crisp-cooked bacon, crumbled into 1/2-inch pieces (you can also use cubes of leftover ham!)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten and divided
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
• Salt, for sprinkling
• Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, stir together the mashed potatoes, green onion, cheese, bacon, 1 egg, flour, pepper, and garlic powder until combined.

3. 3

   Roll into balls roughly 1 1/2-inches in size. Place the beaten egg in a shallow pan. Place the panko in a shallow pan. Dip each potato ball in the egg then cover completely in bread crumbs. Place on a greased baking sheet and spray briefly with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.

4. 4

   Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until crisp on the outside. It may not brown very much but will still get crispy.

5. 5

   Serve alongside sour cream garnished with additional chopped green onions.