My Favorite Cheesy Potato Puffs

• 4 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers or fresh made)
• 2 egg whites, whisked till soft peaks
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 12 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
• 12 cup olive oil to saute the cake
• 34 cup sour cream (garnish)

1. Bacon -- I like to cook mine in the microwave.
2. Just use a paper plate or microwave plate lined with a paper towel, then add the bacon slices, then another paper towel.
3. Cook 3-4 minutes until crisp, no mess and easy clean up, Remove and let cool.
4. Then fine chop.
5. Potatoes -- Now I use leftovers, but use your favorite recipe, even store bought, it doesn't matter.
6. You just need 4 cups pre-made and preferably slightly chilled.
7. Definitely not warm.
8. 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.
9. Eggs -- Whisk the eggs to soft peaks.
10. I just whisk by hand, it only takes a few minutes.
11. Add the eggs to the potato mixture and fold lightly.
12. Puffs -- I like to use a ice cream scoop, but a good heaping teaspoon will work just fine.
13. Roll in your hand to a small ball and then slightly flatten, not too flat.
14. 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.
15. Important Step -- Let them rest and put in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up.
16. This helps with the cooking process.
17. Cooking -- I use cast iron for this, but a non stick pan will work just fine.
18. Add the oil and heat to medium high.
19. Then add the chilled cakes and saute 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
20. Set to the side on a paper towel to get rid of any additional grease.
21. Serve -- 1-2 patties per person with a dollop of sour cream on each and a few chives if you want.

potatoes, egg whites, cheddar cheese, bacon, onions, italian seasoned breadcrumbs, fresh chives, parsley, salt, pepper, olive oil, sour cream

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/my-favorite-cheesy-potato-puffs-390824 (may not work)