Mashed Potato Loaded Fritters

Name: Mashed Potato Loaded Fritters
Ingredients: 1¼ cups mashed potatoes (prepared); 2 slices bacon (pre-cooked) (, crisp and crumbled); 1 large egg; 1 stem scallion (green onion) (, sliced (green & white parts)); ¼ cup cheddar cheese; 3 Tablespoons dry bread crumbs (regular); 1 Tablespoon all purpose flour; ⅛ teaspoon salt, pepper, and garlic powder ( ⅛ tsp. each); vegetable oil (, enough to cover skillet with 1/2 inch); 1 cup PANKO bread crumbs (, to roll fritters in); sour cream and chopped chives ((OPTIONAL, for garnish))