Crispy Chili Cheese Fry Ball Bites

Ingredients

• 250 g (about 8.8 oz) Cooked french fries (chilled)
• 100 g (about 3.5 oz) Shredded cheddar cheese
• 50 g (about 1.8 oz) Cooked seasoned ground beef (from chili)
• 60 g (about 1/2 cup) All-purpose flour
• 2 Large eggs
• 100 g (about 1 cup) Panko breadcrumbs
• As needed Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/8 teaspoon Black pepper
• As needed Optional: Sour cream, for serving
• As needed Optional: Chopped chives, for garnish

Method

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, lightly mash the chilled french fries with a fork. You want them broken down but not completely pureed.

2. 2

   Add the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked ground beef, salt, and pepper to the mashed fries. Mix until well combined. The mixture will be sticky.

3. 3

   Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 8-10 balls.

4. 4

   Set up a dredging station: In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

5. 5

   Roll each cheese and fry ball first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the whisked egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

6. 6

   Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

7. 7

   Carefully fry the coated balls in batches, about 3-4 at a time, for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.

8. 8

   Remove the fried balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

9. 9

   Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped chives and with sour cream for dipping.