Kentucky Hot Brown Boxtys with White Cheddar Sauce

When I think of boxtys, which are breaded and fried mashed potato balls, I think of fun, messy but good, party food. These boxtys are inspired by one of my favorite Southern recipes: the Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich. I start with my homemade Parmesan garlic mashed potatoes and add roasted turkey breast and bacon.Serve these hot and crisp boxtys with a side of white cheddar sauce garnished with chives and tomato.

Try using your leftover Thanksgiving turkey and mashed potatoes for this recipe. Gravy or cranberry sauce would also be a delicious dipping sauce!

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 lbs Russet baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1/2 freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
• 3 tbsp butter, softened
• salt and white pepper, to taste
• 3 slices bacon, cooked crisp and diced
• 3/4 lb {1 cup} roasted turkey breast, diced
• 1/2 small tomato, diced
• 1 tbsp chives, diced
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 3 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
• canola or vegetable oil, for frying

• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• salt/white pepper, to taste
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg

Directions:

1. In a large pot, add the potatoes and garlic and cover with water. 
2. Season the water with salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then lower to a simmer. 
3. Cook the potatoes until fork tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Drain, discarding garlic, and remove from heat.
5. Add potatoes to a large mixing bowl along with cream cheese, butter, and Parmesan.
6. Mix with a hand mixer until fluffy. Season with salt and white pepper.
7. Mix in bacon, Parmesan, and turkey to the potatoes.
8. Using a small ice cream scoop, section out mashed potatoes into balls on a baking sheet.
9. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes so they will be easier to handle.
10. Heat oil in a large saucepan or cast iron skillet over med-high. 
11. Place beaten egg in one bowl and seasoned bread crumbs in another.

12. Dip potatoes in egg then bread crumb mixture then place in hot oil, about 4 at a time.
13. Fry for just 30 seconds to a minute, until crispy brown.

    Drain on a paper towel,
14. Serve boxtys warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and with cheddar dipping sauce on the side.

1. Make a roux by melting butter in a small saucepan and whisking in flour.
2. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth then add cheese. 
3. Stir until thickened, add seasonings, and remove from heat.
4. Pour into a bowl and garnish with diced tomatoes and chives.

 *You can use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe or make your own.

Using a small ice cream scoop, section out mashed potatoes into balls on a baking sheet.

Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes so they will be easier to handle.

 Place beaten egg in one bowl and seasoned bread crumbs in another.

Dip potatoes in egg then bread crumb mixture then place in hot oil, about 4 at a time.

 Fry for just 30 seconds to a minute, until boxtys are crispy brown.

 Drain on a paper towel.

Serve boxtys warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and cheddar dipping sauce on the side. Recipe above for cheddar dipping sauce or serve with leftover gravy or cranberry sauce.

The ultimate comfort food. Bet you can’t eat just one!