Are you ready to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy delight? These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the perfect mix of cheesy goodness and crunchy texture. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll impress your family or guests in no time. Plus, they’re easy to customize! Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, chilled
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Additional Ingredients
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, plus extra for coating
– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
Seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Oil spray for frying
The main ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs include chilled mashed potatoes. Using leftovers keeps the dish quick and tasty. Sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor, while Parmesan cheese gives a nice touch.
For the additional ingredients, you need two large eggs. Eggs help bind everything together. Breadcrumbs add crunch, and the green onions provide a fresh taste.
Seasoning is key to make these puffs pop. Garlic powder gives a savory note. Salt and pepper enhance the flavors. A light spray of oil helps achieve a crispy exterior when baking.
You can find the full recipe for these delightful puffs online.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
– Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
To start, it is crucial to preheat your oven. This step ensures the puffs cook evenly. You want them crispy on the outside. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent sticking.
Mixing Ingredients
– Combine mashed potatoes, cheeses, eggs, and seasonings.
– Thoroughly mix until cohesive.
In a large bowl, add the chilled mashed potatoes. Then, mix in the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Crack in the eggs, and sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to blend everything well. The goal is a smooth mixture that holds together.
Shaping Puffs
– Form the mixture into golf ball-sized puffs.
– Roll puffs in breadcrumbs for coating.
Grab a handful of the potato mixture and shape it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Make sure the puffs are compact so they hold their shape while baking. Once shaped, roll each puff in breadcrumbs. This creates a nice, crunchy outer layer.
Baking
– Arrange puffs on the baking sheet.
– Lightly spray with oil before baking.
– Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Place the puffs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Lightly spray the tops with oil. This helps them turn golden and crispy. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and crispy. When they are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
For the full recipe, check out the section above. Enjoy your cheesy mashed potato puffs!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Texture
To make the best cheesy mashed potato puffs, start with chilled mashed potatoes. Cold potatoes help the puffs keep their shape. When shaping, pack the mixture tightly. This keeps them from falling apart while baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your puffs with a side of sour cream or a spicy dipping sauce. It adds a nice punch. For a charming look, place them in a rustic basket. Lining it with parchment paper adds a nice touch too.
Cooking Time Variations
Baking time can change based on your oven type. Keep an eye on the puffs as they bake. If you want a faster option, try using an air fryer. It cooks them quickly and keeps them crispy.
Variations
Flavor Additions
You can easily change the flavor of these cheesy mashed potato puffs. Try adding different cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda. Each cheese gives a unique taste and texture. You can also mix in cooked bacon bits for a savory crunch. Fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, add freshness and color. These small changes can make a big difference in flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to switch things up, consider using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Sweet potatoes give a slightly sweeter taste and bright color. For those who need a gluten-free option, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty puffs without worry.
Dietary Adjustments
Making these puffs vegan is simple. Use plant-based cheese and egg substitutes like flaxseed meal or applesauce. This method keeps the flavor while meeting dietary needs. If you want to lower calories, reduce cheese and oil in your recipe. You can still enjoy cheesy mashed potato puffs with fewer calories. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
Refrigeration
Store leftover puffs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they are sealed well. This way, they won’t dry out.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked puffs for up to 2 months. This is great for meal prep. When you are ready to eat them, simply pull them from the freezer. Just bake them directly from frozen. It’s that easy!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat leftovers, bake or air fry them until warm and crispy. This helps keep that nice crunch. Avoid microwaving if you want the best texture. Microwaving makes them soggy, and we want crispy puffs!
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes?
Yes, fresh mashed potatoes can be used, but ensure they cool before mixing. This helps the puffs hold their shape. If they are warm, they may turn out too runny. Cooling them gives the eggs a chance to bind the mixture properly.
How can I make these puffs spicier?
Add hot sauce to the mixture or incorporate jalapeños for heat. Both options add a fun kick. You can start with a small amount and taste the mixture. Adjust the heat level to your liking for a perfect spicy treat.
What can I pair these puffs with?
They pair well with salads, soups, or as appetizers at parties. The cheesy flavor complements many dishes. Consider serving them alongside a fresh garden salad or a warm bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Is this recipe healthy?
This recipe can be adjusted for health needs by modifying ingredients and portion sizes. You can use low-fat cheese or reduce the amount of cheese. Portion control is also key if you want to enjoy them more guilt-free.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and store the puffs in advance, baking them just before serving. This makes them a great option for parties. Just keep them in the fridge and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
This blog post walks you through making delicious mashed potato puffs. We covered ingredients, instructions, and tips for perfecting texture and flavor. If you want to impress guests or make a tasty snack, this recipe fits the bill. You can customize it to suit your diet. Remember, storing leftovers is simple, so you can enjoy them later. Dive in and enjoy creating your perfect mashed potato puffs!
![- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, chilled - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, plus extra for coating - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - Oil spray for frying The main ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs include chilled mashed potatoes. Using leftovers keeps the dish quick and tasty. Sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor, while Parmesan cheese gives a nice touch. For the additional ingredients, you need two large eggs. Eggs help bind everything together. Breadcrumbs add crunch, and the green onions provide a fresh taste. Seasoning is key to make these puffs pop. Garlic powder gives a savory note. Salt and pepper enhance the flavors. A light spray of oil helps achieve a crispy exterior when baking. You can find the full recipe for these delightful puffs online. - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. To start, it is crucial to preheat your oven. This step ensures the puffs cook evenly. You want them crispy on the outside. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent sticking. - Combine mashed potatoes, cheeses, eggs, and seasonings. - Thoroughly mix until cohesive. In a large bowl, add the chilled mashed potatoes. Then, mix in the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Crack in the eggs, and sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to blend everything well. The goal is a smooth mixture that holds together. - Form the mixture into golf ball-sized puffs. - Roll puffs in breadcrumbs for coating. Grab a handful of the potato mixture and shape it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Make sure the puffs are compact so they hold their shape while baking. Once shaped, roll each puff in breadcrumbs. This creates a nice, crunchy outer layer. - Arrange puffs on the baking sheet. - Lightly spray with oil before baking. - Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Place the puffs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Lightly spray the tops with oil. This helps them turn golden and crispy. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and crispy. When they are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. For the full recipe, check out the section above. Enjoy your cheesy mashed potato puffs! To make the best cheesy mashed potato puffs, start with chilled mashed potatoes. Cold potatoes help the puffs keep their shape. When shaping, pack the mixture tightly. This keeps them from falling apart while baking. Serve your puffs with a side of sour cream or a spicy dipping sauce. It adds a nice punch. For a charming look, place them in a rustic basket. Lining it with parchment paper adds a nice touch too. Baking time can change based on your oven type. Keep an eye on the puffs as they bake. If you want a faster option, try using an air fryer. It cooks them quickly and keeps them crispy. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of these cheesy mashed potato puffs. Try adding different cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda. Each cheese gives a unique taste and texture. You can also mix in cooked bacon bits for a savory crunch. Fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, add freshness and color. These small changes can make a big difference in flavor. If you want to switch things up, consider using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Sweet potatoes give a slightly sweeter taste and bright color. For those who need a gluten-free option, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty puffs without worry. Making these puffs vegan is simple. Use plant-based cheese and egg substitutes like flaxseed meal or applesauce. This method keeps the flavor while meeting dietary needs. If you want to lower calories, reduce cheese and oil in your recipe. You can still enjoy cheesy mashed potato puffs with fewer calories. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Store leftover puffs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they are sealed well. This way, they won’t dry out. You can freeze unbaked puffs for up to 2 months. This is great for meal prep. When you are ready to eat them, simply pull them from the freezer. Just bake them directly from frozen. It’s that easy! To reheat leftovers, bake or air fry them until warm and crispy. This helps keep that nice crunch. Avoid microwaving if you want the best texture. Microwaving makes them soggy, and we want crispy puffs! Yes, fresh mashed potatoes can be used, but ensure they cool before mixing. This helps the puffs hold their shape. If they are warm, they may turn out too runny. Cooling them gives the eggs a chance to bind the mixture properly. Add hot sauce to the mixture or incorporate jalapeños for heat. Both options add a fun kick. You can start with a small amount and taste the mixture. Adjust the heat level to your liking for a perfect spicy treat. They pair well with salads, soups, or as appetizers at parties. The cheesy flavor complements many dishes. Consider serving them alongside a fresh garden salad or a warm bowl of soup for a complete meal. This recipe can be adjusted for health needs by modifying ingredients and portion sizes. You can use low-fat cheese or reduce the amount of cheese. Portion control is also key if you want to enjoy them more guilt-free. Yes, you can prepare and store the puffs in advance, baking them just before serving. This makes them a great option for parties. Just keep them in the fridge and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. This blog post walks you through making delicious mashed potato puffs. We covered ingredients, instructions, and tips for perfecting texture and flavor. If you want to impress guests or make a tasty snack, this recipe fits the bill. You can customize it to suit your diet. Remember, storing leftovers is simple, so you can enjoy them later. Dive in and enjoy creating your perfect mashed potato puffs!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/b99d0e3c-1b6f-4efc-9b8f-6f23174b3ac0-250x250.webp)