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Beer-Cheese Potato Bites

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes chilled
  • 1 and 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup Pale Ale - I used Alexander Keith's
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 6-8 strips of crispy bacon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup crushed Ritz Cracker's
  • 1 egg
  • Vegetable shortening or oil for frying

Instructions

  • Place mashed potatoes in a bowl and bring to room temperature. The potatoes are easier to work with this way.
  • In a food processor, combine potatoes, cheese and beer and wiz until it is well combined and smooth.
  • Transfer the potatoes and cheese back to the original bowl and add green onions, bacon, salt and pepper. mix until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to combine, 30 mins to an hour, or overnight. **Allowing the mixture to sit for an hour or so will allow the flavors to heighten and the end result is a far more flavorful potato bite.
  • Add the Ritz crackers to the food processor and wiz until you have a fine crumb. (Or place crackers in a bag and smash with rolling pin). Transfer to a bowl.
  • Crack and whisk egg in a separate bowl.
  • Using a cookie scoop, form balls and set them aside until all the mixture has been scooped into balls. Roll each ball first in the egg, then roll in the crackers until completely coated.
  • In a skillet, melt the shortening or heat the oil to about 375 degrees. There should be enough shortening or oil to cover about half the height of the balls.
  • Fry a few balls at a time, for about 2 and 1/2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown. You will need to flip them to fry the other side.
  • Remove from skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towel to absorb excess oil.
  • Serve immediately with Ranch dressing (or your choice of sauce) or serve on their own

Notes

Culinary Cool Original Recipe