Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, cook over medium high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crisp about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon slices, crumble, set aside. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet.

Mix mashed potatoes, eggs, onion powder, salt, and black pepper together in a bowl, stir in the crumbled bacon and Cheddar cheese. Form the mixture into 8 patties.

Heat the bacon drippings over medium heat, fry the patties in the drippings until crisp on each side, about 4 minutes per side.

Serve as a side with chicken or beef main dishes, or as breakfast with a couple of eggs on top.