Pretzel Mashed Potato Bites Recipes

POTATO BITES

Steps:

• Put 12 halved baby red potatoes in a saucepan and cover with salted water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook until fork-tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain, then rinse under cold water. Trim the bottoms of the potatoes and stand cut-side up on a platter; season with sea salt. Top with creme fraeche and chopped chives, dill and/or parsley.

MOLTEN MASHED POTATO BITES

Steps:

• Divide the gravy among 8 compartments of an ice cube tray (a silicone one is easiest for removal). Freeze until solid, at least 3 hours or overnight. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
• For the mashed potatoes: Put the potatoes into a medium saucepan, cover with cold water and season with salt. Bring the water to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them or put them through a ricer while still hot. Add the butter and cream; stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Shape the potatoes into 8 balls and put on the prepared baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Pop the frozen gravy cubes out of the tay. Flatten a mashed potato ball in the palm of your hand and press a gravy cube in the center. Press the potatoes around the gravy to encase it completely and reshape into a ball. Repeat with the remaining gravy and potatoes.
• Spread the flour in a shallow bowl. Add the eggs to a second shallow bowl and beat with a pinch of salt. Spread the stuffing crumbs in a third bowl. Roll each ball in the flour, then the egg, then the stuffing crumbs. Return to the baking sheet and refrigerate to firm up while you heat the oil, about 15 minutes.
• Heat 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 325 degrees F. Fry the croquettes in 2 batches, until deep golden brown, about 7 minutes per batch, letting the oil return to temperature in between batches. Drain on paper towels. Season with salt and serve hot.

CHEESY LOADED POTATO BITES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, oil and salt and pepper to taste and toss to coat. Transfer to a baking sheet and roast until tender and easily pierced with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the milk, garlic and onion powders and cayenne in a small slow cooker or pot. Add the cheese and heat on high if using a slow cooker (or over low heat if using a pot) until the cheese is melted, 15 to 20 minutes. Whisk to completely blend the mixture. Stir in three-quarters of the bacon and chives (reserve the remaining bacon and chives for garnish). Stir in the roasted potatoes and gently mix until completely coated with the cheese sauce. Top with the remaining bacon and chives. Serve hot with cocktail picks.