Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Welcome to a delightful twist on classic mashed potatoes – Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs! These golden, crispy nuggets are a surefire way to breathe new life into leftover mashed potatoes. Picture this: a crunchy exterior giving way to a warm, gooey center brimming with cheesy goodness. It’s no wonder these little puffs vanish in a flash!

Crafted out of necessity during a holiday leftovers cleanup, these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs have since become a beloved staple at our family gatherings. The trick, as my wise grandmother shared, lies in using cold mashed potatoes to ensure these delectable morsels hold their shape beautifully as you roll them into perfection.

Versatile and crowd-pleasing, these cheese puffs are not only a tasty appetizer but also a meal prep dream. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or a special celebration, these puffs can be prepped in advance, making hosting a breeze. So, grab your favorite dipping sauce – be it sriracha mayo or a zesty garlic aioli – and get ready to elevate your snack game with these irresistible Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs!

Quick Benefits

• Transforms leftovers: Turns leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious and irresistible appetizer.
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep or party planning, can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance before baking or frying.
• Versatile recipe: Allows for creative adaptations such as different cheese combinations, added ingredients like bacon or jalapeños, and varied dipping sauces.
• Crispy exterior, creamy center: Offers a delightful contrast of textures with a crispy exterior that gives way to a creamy, cheesy center.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

• Irresistible Appetizer Transformation: Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy golden mashed potato cheese puffs that disappear faster than you can make them.
• Addictive Creamy-Cheesy Center: The crispy exterior gives way to a creamy, cheesy center, making these puffs completely addictive.
• Versatile and Customizable: The basic recipe is versatile, allowing for creative adaptations like loaded baked potato, spicy jalapeño, or Mediterranean-inspired versions.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep or party planning, you can prepare the cheese puffs up to the coating stage and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Messy prep work happens beforehand, making them ideal for entertaining.
• Perfect Dipping Pairings: Elevate the flavors by serving with sriracha mayo, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or garlic aioli. Sour cream mixed with chives offers a tangy contrast against the rich, cheesy interior.
• Family and Guest Favorite: These puffs have become a family favorite and a highly requested appetizer whenever guests are over.
• Creative Ingredient Combinations: Experiment with various cheeses like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or smoked gouda, and enhance flavors with additions like bacon bits, jalapeños, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, or smoked paprika.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use crushed rice crackers or gluten-free panko as a substitute for breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
• Crispy Deep-Frying Option: For an even crispier texture, deep-fry the cheese puffs until golden-brown.
• Leftovers Welcome: Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe, providing a delicious solution for using up holiday leftovers.

Ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Main Ingredients

• Garlic powder
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or preferred choice)
• Mashed potatoes
• Chopped green onions
• Black pepper
• Melted butter
• Salt
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs

Pro Tips for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Pro Tip 1: To ensure your mashed potato cheese puffs hold their shape during baking or frying, start with cold mashed potatoes. This tip will help maintain the consistency of the puffs and make the rolling process much easier.

Pro Tip 2: Experiment with different cheese combinations to elevate the flavor profile of your puffs. Sharp cheddar and smoked gouda create a delicious depth, but feel free to try other cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or even feta for unique variations.

Pro Tip 3: For a make-ahead option when entertaining, prep the cheese puffs up to the coating stage and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking or frying. This allows you to have a convenient and impressive appetizer ready to go when your guests arrive, making hosting a breeze.

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Step 1: Mix ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mix together mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, egg, chopped green onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.

Step 2: Form balls and coat

Shape the mixture into small balls and coat them evenly with breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Prepare baking sheet

Transfer the coated balls onto a baking sheet and lightly brush the tops with melted butter.

Step 4: Bake cheese puffs

Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the hot cheese puffs with a side of your preferred dipping sauce.

Storage Tips

Once you have made and baked or fried the mashed potato cheese puffs, storing them properly is essential to keep them fresh. To store the finished dish, allow any leftover cheese puffs to cool completely at room temperature. Next, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, ensuring they are in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers if stacking multiple cheese puffs. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cooked cheese puffs. Arrange the cooled puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer the cheese puffs to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Properly stored, the mashed potato cheese puffs can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat the frozen cheese puffs, bake them in a preheated oven until heated through and crispy, or reheat them in a toaster oven for a quick snack or appetizer anytime.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have mashed potatoes on hand, you can substitute them with mashed sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe. Sweet potatoes will add a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color to the cheese puffs.

For a different flavor profile, consider using different types of cheese such as Gruyère, Swiss, or fontina in place of cheddar or mozzarella. These cheeses will bring their unique taste and melt beautifully to create a gooey center for the puffs.

If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can replace the breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers, cornflakes, or even finely ground nuts like almonds or pecans. These alternatives will still provide a crispy coating while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your mashed potato cheese puffs into a stunning appetizer platter by arranging them on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh herbs and colorful dipping sauces. Serve them alongside a variety of accompaniments like pickled vegetables, olives, and cured meats for a visually appealing and delicious spread that will impress your guests.

For a fun twist, skewer your mashed potato cheese puffs with small bamboo sticks to create bite-sized appetizers that are perfect for cocktail parties or gatherings. Arrange them on a decorative platter and sprinkle some extra shredded cheese and chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and flavor. Your guests will love the interactive and playful presentation, making these puffs a memorable and delightful addition to any event.

FAQs for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly! Just ensure they are not overly creamy for the right consistency.

What type of cheese can I use for the mashed potato cheese puffs?

Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both work wonderfully in this recipe. You can also try Parmesan for extra flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free options like crushed rice crackers or gluten-free panko to make this recipe gluten-free.

Is it possible to deep-fry the cheese puffs for a crispier texture?

Yes, you can deep-fry the cheese puffs for an even crispier texture. Simply fry them until they are golden-brown.

Conclusion

As you embark on making these scrumptious Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, remember that the joy of cooking lies not just in the delicious outcome, but in the journey of creating something delightful for yourself and loved ones. These puffs are a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together with a dash of creativity and love.

So, whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are sure to bring smiles all around. Get creative with your flavor combinations, have fun in the kitchen, and savor every bite of these crispy, cheesy delights. Your guests will be coming back for more, and you’ll find yourself making these puffs time and time again. Enjoy the process, enjoy the meal, and most importantly, enjoy sharing the love through food. Happy cooking, and happy indulging in these addictive Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs!

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Transform leftover mashed potatoes into addictive, crispy golden puffs filled with a creamy, cheesy center, perfect for entertaining or as a creative meal prep option.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time35 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Garlic powder
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or preferred choice)
• Mashed potatoes
• Chopped green onions
• Black pepper
• Melted butter
• Salt
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Mix ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mix together mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, egg, chopped green onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
2. Form balls and coat: Shape the mixture into small balls and coat them evenly with breadcrumbs.
3. Prepare baking sheet: Transfer the coated balls onto a baking sheet and lightly brush the tops with melted butter.
4. Bake cheese puffs: Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve: Serve the hot cheese puffs with a side of your preferred dipping sauce.