Country Chef Reader

I found this recipe for Crunchy Swiss Cheese and Ham Bites in one of my mom’s old appetizer cookbooks. Mom often made these scrumptious starter when she was expecting a large crowd as the recipe makes a whopping platter of crunchy appetizers. Cheese, mashed potatoes and ham wrapped up in a crispy outer coating, it just doesn't get any better than this!



Crunchy Swiss Cheese and Ham Bites
2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
or prepare instant mashed potatoes to equal 2 cups
1 egg, well-beaten
2 cups smoked deli ham, cooked and finely chopped
3/4 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup onion, minced
3 1/2 cups corn flakes, finely crushed

Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package directions; set aside to cool. Combine potatoes, egg, ham, cheese, pepper, mayonnaise and onion; cover and chill.

Shape potato ham mixture into 1-inch balls; roll in crushed corn flakes. Preheat oven to 350°. Place on greased cookie sheet; bake for 25-30 minutes. Serve hot from oven with Dijon mustard for dipping, if desired.
Yield: approximately 72 bites or 8 dozen

Cook's Note: Prepare potato ham mixture and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw mixture and prepare according to recipe directions. If you’re not expecting a huge crowd, consider making half a recipe, or make a full recipe and then freeze half the potato ham filling for the next get-together. Crunchy Swiss Cheese and Ham Bites do not hold-over or freeze well as leftovers because they lose their appealing crunchiness.
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Labels: cheese appetizer, ham appetizer, ham swiss cheese