Crispy Potato Bites

Step 1

Adjust an oven rack to the center position.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 3

Line a baking sheet with foil.

Step 4

Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and brush them all over with the oil.

Step 5

Bake the potatoes until they are easily pierced with a fork, about 40 minutes.

Step 6

Let the potatoes stand until they are cool enough to handle.

Step 7

Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to scoop out the potato flesh and transfer to a bowl.

Step 8

Reserve the potato skins for another use or discard.

Step 9

Add 1/4 cup of the flour, the salt, and the pepper to the potato and mix to combine.

Step 10

Working one at a time, shape small portions of the potato mixture into 1-1/2-inch cylinders.

Step 11

Flatten the potato cylinders into your palm and place 1-2 of the cheese curds, depending on their size, in the center.

Step 12

Use your fingers to fold the potato mixture around the cheese to re-form the cylinder, making sure the cheese isn't poking through in any spots.

Step 13

Set the potato bite on a new baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining potato mixture and the remaining cheese curds.

Step 14

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the water and the beef bouillon cubes and microwave until hot, about 1 minute 30 seconds.

Step 15

Stir the bouillon mixture to combine.

Step 16

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the remaining flour.

Step 17

Cook the flour mixture until lightly browned.

Step 18

Whisk the bouillon mixture into the flour mixture and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 19

Reduce the gravy mixture to a simmer.

Step 20

Stir the garlic powder and the onion powder into the gravy mixture and cook until it thickens, about 3 minutes.

Step 21

Keep the gravy warm until ready to serve.

Step 22

In a deep fryer or Dutch oven, heat at least 2 inches of the oil to 375 degrees F.

Step 23

Working in batches of four or five, add the potato bites to the oil and fry, flipping for even browning all over, until they are golden-brown, about 5 minutes.

Step 24

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the potato bites to a paper-towel-lined plate.

Step 25

Serve the potato bites immediately with the gravy.