Bacon-Grits Fritters

Ingredients

• 3 cups panko bread crumbs (panko)
• 0.5 cup oz. bacon into pieces crumbled cooked finely ( 8 slices)
• 2 large eggs 
• 2  spring onion minced
• 4 cups milk 
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper freshly ground
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits uncooked
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 35 servings vegetable oil 
• 6 oz cheddar cheese shredded white extra-sharp

Equipment

• frying pan
• baking sheet
• paper towels
• oven
• whisk
• wire rack
• baking pan
• ziploc bags

Directions

1. Prepare grits according to package directions, using 4 cups milk and 1 tsp. salt.
2. Remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes. Stir in cheese and next 3 ingredients, stirring until cheese is melted. Spoon mixture into a lightly-greased 8-inch square baking dish or pan, and chill 4 to 24 hours.
3. Roll grits into 1 1/2-inch balls.
4. Whisk together eggs and 1/4 cup water. Dip balls in egg wash, and roll in breadcrumbs.
5. Pour oil to depth of 3 inches in a large, heavy skillet; heat over medium-high heat to 35
6. Fry fritters, in batches, 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels. Keep fritters warm on a wire rack in a pan in a 225 oven up to 30 minutes.
8. Serve warm.
9. Make ahead: Prepare recipe as directed through Step Cover and chill in a single layer up to 4 hours. Fry as directed. You may also prepare through Step 2 and freeze on a baking sheet for 30 minutes or until firm.
10. Transfer to a zip-top plastic bag, and freeze. Cook frozen fritters as directed in Step 3, increasing cooking time to 5 to 6 minutes or until golden and centers are thoroughly heated.