Jalapeno Popper Bites

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
• 4 oz. Cream cheese- room temperature
• 3 medium Jalapenos- seeded and finely diced
• 6 slices Bacon- fully cooked and finely chopped
• 1 tsp. minced Garlic
• ½ cup All-purpose flour
• 2 Eggs lightly beaten
• 2 tsp. Water
• 1 cup Panko crumbs
• Vegetable or canola oil

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl add in the Monterey jack cheese, cream cheese, jalapenos, bacon, and garlic and mix well.
2. Using your hands, gather 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and form into a ball.
3. Place balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.
4. Gather 3 bowls or deep plates. In one dish, add the flour. In the second dish, whisk the eggs and water together. In the third dish, add the panko crumbs.
5. Once the balls have chilled, remove them from the fridge.
6. Pour 2 inches of oil into a pot and heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.
7. While the oil is heating, roll each ball into the flour until fully coated.
8. Continue with rolling them in the eggs and finally in the panko crumbs.
9. Be sure each ball is fully coated.
10. Once the oil has heated, carefully place 3-4 balls at a time into the oil.
11. Fry until golden brown on all sides.
12. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel to soak up excess oil.
13. Repeat until all the balls are golden brown.
14. Allow to cool to a desirable temperature and enjoy