Cindy's Favorites: Bacon-Grits Fritters

Occasionally, I find a recipe that is just GOOD and a must share!

Bacon-Grits Fritters

YIELD: Makes about 32

Ingredients

1. 1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits
2. 4 cups milk
3. 1 teaspoon salt
4. 1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese
5. 1/2 cup cooked and finely crumbled bacon (about 8 slices)
6. 2 green onions, minced
7. 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
8. 2 large eggs
9. 3 cups Japanese breadcrumbs (panko)
10. Vegetable oil

Preparation

1. Prepare grits according to package directions, using 4 cups milk and 1
2. tsp. salt.
3. Remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cheese and next 3 ingredients, stirring until cheese is melted.
5. Spoon mixture into a lightly-greased 8-inch square baking dish or pan,
6. and chill 4 to 24 hours.
7. Roll grits into 1 1/2-inch balls.
8. Whisk together eggs and 1/4 cup water.
9. Dip balls in egg wash, and roll in breadcrumbs.
10. Pour oil to depth of 3 inches in a large, heavy skillet.
11. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°.
12. Fry fritters, in batches, 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Drain on paper towels.
14. Keep fritters warm on a wire rack in a pan in a 225° oven up to 30 minutes.

Serve warm.

 

Make ahead:

1. Prepare recipe as directed through Step 2.
2. Cover and chill in a single layer up to 4 hours.
3. Fry as directed. You may also prepare through Step 2 and freeze on a baking sheet for 30 minutes or until firm.
4. Transfer to a zip-top plastic bag, and freeze. Cook frozen fritters as directed in Step 3, increasing cooking time to5 to 6 minutes or until golden and centers are thoroughly heated.

Source : Southern Living DECEMBER 2010