Step 1. Fry the bacon in a deep skillet on medium-high heat.
Step 2. Fry for about 10 minutes until the bacon is browned and crisp.
Step 3. Turning often. Take bacon slices out of the skillet, playing them on paper towels to cool.
Step 4. Crumble the bacon slices. Set aside. (Do not toss out the bacon drippings.)
Step 5. In a large bowl combine the mashed potatoes, eggs, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 6. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon bits to the mashed potato mixture.
Step 7. Make 8 patties. Heat the reserved bacon drippings on medium.
Step 8. Add the potato patties to the hot skillet.
Step 9. Pan fry them for about 4 minutes on each side (or until crisp). Serve with dollops of sour cream.