Potato and Cheese Snowballs

Potato and Cheese Snowballs
Mr Food

Get a scrumptious, crunchy-cheesy fast food taste at home with Potato and Cheese
Snowballs! This is truly a recipe that the whole family will enjoy!

* 6 tablespoons (3/4-stick) butter, divided
* 1 (30-ounce) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 tablespoon minced garlic
* 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

In a large nonstick skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the potatoes, and cook, turning frequently, for 12 to 15 minutes, until browned. Place in a large bowl and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter then add the onions and garlic; saute the onions and garlic until golden, being careful not to burn. Stir the onions and garlic into the potatoes. Add the remaining ingredients; mix well. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the potatoes into 12 equal-sized scoops, packing tightly, and place the scoops on the baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until browned and heated through.

Note
These are great served right away, or they can be cooled, covered, and
refrigerated overnight to serve for brunch or with dinner the next day. Just
reheat in a 300 degrees F. oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through.