Smiley Fries

Name: Smiley Fries
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes (without added milk and butter); 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; Oil for frying; Optional: Ketchup, mustard and ranch dressing

Total Time Prep: 45 min. Cook: 5 min./batch

Yield 8 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Crispy, golden and well-seasoned, the only smile brighter than the ones on these nostalgic smiley fries will be yours as you gobble up every last one.

Ingredients

2 cups mashed potatoes (without added milk and butter)
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Oil for frying
Optional: Ketchup, mustard and ranch dressing

Directions

In a large bowl, stir together potatoes, bread crumbs, cornstarch and seasonings until smooth. On a lightly floured surface, roll out mixture to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-in. round cookie cutter, rerolling scraps. Using a drinking straw, poke 2 circles into each round for eyes. Then use a spoon to make a mouth.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1/2 inch oil to 350°. Fry rounds, a few at a time, until golden brown, 1-2 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels; sprinkle with additional salt to taste. Serve warm, with sauces as desired.

Nutrition Facts

6 fries: 131 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.

These cute smiley fries take us back—back to a time with lunch tables, food trays and tiny milk cartons. If you were a "hot lunch kid" growing up, there's a strong possibility that you were served smiley fries like these from the cafeteria line on more than one occasion. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

Recipe Creator