My Favorite Cheesy Potato Puffs

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 4 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers or fresh made)
• 2 egg whites, whisked till soft peaks
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup bacon, sauteed (about 4 slices)
• 2 tablespoons grated onions (or diced very fine)
• 1 cup dried italian seasoned breadcrumbs (1/4 cup for the filling, 3/4 cup for the coating)
• 1 teaspoon fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
• salt
• pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil to saute the cake
• 3/4 cup sour cream (garnish)

Recipe

• 1 bacon -- i like to cook mine in the microwave. just use a paper plate or microwave plate lined with a paper towel, then add the bacon slices, then another paper towel. cook 3-4 minutes until crisp, no mess and easy clean up, remove and let cool. then fine chop.
• 2 potatoes -- now i use leftovers, but use your favorite recipe, even store bought, it doesn't matter. you just need 4 cups pre-made and preferably slightly chilled. definitely not warm.
• 3 mix -- to a medium size bowl (which the potatoes may already be in) add the cheese, bacon, chives, parsley, onion, salt and pepper, 1/4 cup bread crumbs and mix well.
• 4 eggs -- whisk the eggs to soft peaks. i just whisk by hand, it only takes a few minutes. add the eggs to the potato mixture and fold lightly.
• 5 puffs -- i like to use a ice cream scoop, but a good heaping teaspoon will work just fine. roll in your hand to a small ball and then slightly flatten, not too flat. then lightly dredge in the bread crumbs on each side to give a light coating and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and cover.
• 6 important step -- let them rest and put in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up. this helps with the cooking process.
• 7 cooking -- i use cast iron for this, but a non stick pan will work just fine. add the oil and heat to medium high. then add the chilled cakes and saute 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. set to the side on a paper towel to get rid of any additional grease.
• 8 serve -- 1-2 patties per person with a dollop of sour cream on each and a few chives if you want.