Name: Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 large eggs; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup breadcrumbs

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Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the perfect combination of crispy, golden exteriors and creamy, cheesy centers. These bite-sized delights are ideal as an appetizer for parties, a fun side dish for dinner, or even a cozy snack for movie nights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these irresistibly crunchy and cheesy puffs that are guaranteed to be a hit for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs bring the best of both worlds: the comfort of mashed potatoes and the gooey, melty goodness of cheese, all wrapped in a crispy breadcrumb coating. They are easy to make, especially if you have leftover mashed potatoes, and bake up quickly in the oven, making them a go-to snack or appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them on a quiet evening, these cheese puffs are sure to bring joy to your taste buds and smiles to everyone’s faces.

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup breadcrumbs

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized puffs using your hands or a scoop.
Roll each puff in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Place the puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Let the puffs cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings (1 puff per serving)

Variations

Cheese Variety: Swap cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda to change up the flavor.
Add Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme to the potato mixture before baking.
Spicy Version: Add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until crispy again, or heat them in a toaster oven for a quick, crispy fix.

FAQs

1. Can I make these puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the puffs and freeze them before baking. Just shape the puffs, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

While fresh, homemade mashed potatoes yield the best flavor and texture, you can use leftover instant mashed potatoes in a pinch. Just make sure they are well-seasoned.

3. Can I use other types of breadcrumbs?

Yes! You can use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or even crushed crackers or cornflakes for a unique texture.

4. Are these cheese puffs vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, as it contains no meat. You can adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences, such as adding more herbs or spices for additional flavor.

5. Can I make these without eggs?

You can substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or another egg replacer if you prefer to make them egg-free.

6. Can I fry these instead of baking them?

Yes, you can fry these cheese puffs in oil. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan and fry them until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels before serving.

7. How do I keep the puffs from falling apart?

Make sure to fully coat the puffs in breadcrumbs, and handle them gently when shaping. If the mixture feels too soft, you can refrigerate the puffs for 10-15 minutes before baking to help them firm up.

8. Can I use different potatoes for this recipe?

Yukon gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, but you can use other potatoes like russets. Just make sure they are well mashed and smooth for the best results.

9. What can I serve with these cheese puffs?

These cheese puffs pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, ketchup, marinara sauce, or even a spicy aioli. They also work well as an appetizer alongside a light salad or as a side with a hearty main dish.

10. How many puffs should I make per person?

Each serving contains one puff, but depending on the size of your guests and the occasion, feel free to adjust. Typically, 2-3 puffs per person is a good portion if they’re served as an appetizer.

Conclusion

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a fun and tasty way to transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing treat. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these crispy, cheesy puffs are a surefire way to delight your guests. With their creamy interiors and crunchy exteriors, they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering. Easy to make, versatile, and utterly delicious, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your rotation for all occasions!