1/2cup ofCooked Bacon bits(use more if you are a bacon-lover like me)
2Jalapeno Peppers(finely chopped)
1handfulScallions(chopped)
Cheese CubesCheddar or Mozzarella
1cup of Shredded Cheese(Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Mexican Blend)
1 largeEgg
1handful ofParsley(chopped)
Salt & Pepper
Breading Ingredients
2Eggs(well beaten)
1cup ofPanko Breadcrumbs
1cup ofPlain Breadcrumbs
Salt, Pepper & Paprika
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and peel your potatoes. Cut them up into cubes and boil in salted water till soft but not mushy. Drain and let cool for a few minutes.
In a large bowl, mash the potatoes with a potato masher. You can also use food processor, but I prefer using the masher because it yields a better texture (my opinion).
To the mashed potatoes, add 1 egg, flour, corn starch, cooked bacon, scallions, parsley, Jalapeno and shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly using the potato masher, a fork or wooden spoon. Season with Salt and Pepper.
Prepare your breading station
Beat two eggs in a shallow bowl.
Mix the panko and plain breadcrumbs together in a dish. Season with salt, pepper and paprika. The paprika will add some amazing flavor and color to the balls.
Form your balls
Using an ice cream scoop, place a scoop of the potato mix on your wet palms.
Flatten the potato mix with your fingers, and place 1-2 cheese cubes in the center. Fold the potato dough round about the cheese cube, making sure the cheese is properly covered.
Dip the ball in the egg and then into the breadcrumb mix. Make sure the entire ball surface is coated with the crumbs. Repeat till all the balls are formed.
Refrigerate the balls for at least an hour to allow the balls set. This would keep them from falling apart during frying.
Frying the balls.
In a deep pan, heat up your regular frying oil till about 350 - 375 degrees F. Be careful not to overheat the oil as this would cause the balls to cook to quickly on the outside and not on the inside.
Fry the balls till golden brown on all sides. This should take about 3-5 minutes depending on the size of your balls.
Once fried, drain the balls on paper towel and season with some sea salt.
Serve hot with with Ketchup, Ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.