Fried Spinach Bites

Fried Spinach Bites

Ingredients:

3 packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup mayonnaise

1 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

10 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 8 oz can water chestnuts, finely chopped

2 green onions, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

Black pepper to taste

Canola oil, for frying

1 egg, beaten

½ cup flour

½ cup panko breadcrumbs


Directions:

Mix cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl. It is best to use a hand mixer here. Add spinach, cheese, bacon, green onions, water chestnuts, garlic, and black pepper, and mix.

Chill the dip in the refrigerator until firm. Roll the dip into bite-sized balls-- you don't want them to be too big or the ratio of spinach dip filling to crunchy outside will be off. Set the balls on a baking sheet.

Heat oil in a heavy pot or wok over medium-high.
Beat the egg in a shallow bowl. Place the flour in another shallow bowl, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third.

Coat the balls in flour, then egg, and then panko. If it seems like they have empty spaces, double-coat them.

Fry 4-5 at a time until golden brown, flipping half-way through. Using a slotted spoon, remove the Spinach Dip Bites from the oil and let drain on a paper towel lined plate.

Ranch Chicken Bites

Ranch Chicken Bites

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded

¼ cup Ranch dressing

¾ cup shredded cheddar

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

4 oz cream cheese

1 green onion, chopped

½ cup flour

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups crushed cheez its

3 tablespoons butter, melted


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, green onion, and taco seasoning to a large bowl. Mix until well-combined.

Add the flour, eggs, and cheez its to three separate shallow bowls. Take the chicken mixture and roll into 2 inch balls. Roll each ball in the flour, then the egg, then the cheez-its.

Place each ball on a prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with melted butter. Bake 15 minutes. Then turn the balls over and bake another 5-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.