Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Introduction

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a game-changer when it comes to comfort food! Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of mashed potatoes turned into crispy, bite-sized puffs that are just begging to be devoured. These little bites are golden and crispy on the outside, while staying soft and creamy on the inside. They’re a fun, creative way to give new life to leftover mashed potatoes, turning them into something totally irresistible.

I made these puffs one holiday season when I had a ton of mashed potatoes leftover, and they quickly became the star of the table. Everyone was surprised at how delicious and addicting they were, and I loved seeing people go back for seconds (and thirds!). The cheesy flavor mixed with the smooth, mashed potato texture creates the perfect comfort food, and the crispy exterior just takes it over the top. These puffs are versatile enough to be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even a snack, and they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.

What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to make! You can prep the mashed potatoes ahead of time and then shape and bake the puffs when you’re ready. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or at a festive holiday gathering, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs will definitely be the talk of the meal. Trust me, they won’t last long!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll adore these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs:

• Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, fluffy and cheesy on the inside – these puffs offer the best of both worlds.
• Great for Leftovers: Turn leftover mashed potatoes into a brand new dish that everyone will love.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like bacon, herbs, or extra veggies to customize the flavor.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these puffs quickly and easily.
• Kid-Friendly: These cheesy, bite-sized treats are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: They can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even a party snack.
• Quick and Simple: No complicated steps – just mix, shape, and bake for delicious results.
• Freezer-Friendly: These puffs freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and bake them when needed.
• Golden & Crispy: The outside of the puffs gets wonderfully crispy, adding texture to the soft, cheesy interior.
• Comforting & Satisfying: These puffs have the comforting flavors of mashed potatoes and cheese, making them the ultimate comfort food.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 12-15 puffs
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 150 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Fat: 8g, Carbohydrates: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs:

For the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably cold)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• Olive oil spray or melted butter, for greasing

Ingredient Highlights

• Mashed Potatoes: The base of the recipe, offering a creamy and fluffy interior for the puffs.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, melty flavor to the puffs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, savory flavor that complements the cheddar.
• Green Onions: Add a fresh, mild onion flavor to balance the richness.
• Breadcrumbs: Coat the puffs to give them a golden, crispy exterior.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, enhancing the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs:

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Make Sure They’re Cold: If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, ensure they are cooled. If you’re making fresh mashed potatoes, allow them to cool before using. This helps the puffs hold their shape better.

Mix the Ingredients

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the Egg: Stir in the beaten egg to bind the mixture together. This will help the puffs hold their shape while baking.

Shape the Puffs

1. Form the Puffs: Using your hands or a spoon, form the mashed potato mixture into small, round balls (about 1-1 1/2 inches in diameter). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each puff in the breadcrumbs to coat the outside, ensuring they are fully covered. This will help them achieve that crispy, golden texture when baked.

Bake the Puffs

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Grease the Baking Sheet: Lightly grease the baking sheet with olive oil spray or brush it with melted butter to prevent the puffs from sticking.
3. Bake: Place the mashed potato puffs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Let the puffs cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside a main dish.

How to Serve

Here are some great ways to serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs:

• With Gravy: Serve with turkey, beef, or chicken gravy for a comforting side dish.
• As an Appetizer: Serve these cheesy puffs at your next party or holiday gathering with dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, or a creamy cheese dip.
• Alongside Steak: These puffs pair wonderfully with a juicy steak, adding a cheesy, crispy contrast to the tender meat.
• With a Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
• In a Sandwich: Use these puffs as a filling for a sandwich, along with some greens and your favorite condiments.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a savory snack with a drink of your choice.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli for a balanced meal.
• For Meal Prep: These puffs are great for meal prep, easily reheated and enjoyed throughout the week.
• On a Buffet Table: Perfect for a holiday buffet or potluck, where they can be served as a side or appetizer.
• With Dip: Serve with a creamy dip, such as ranch, sriracha mayo, or garlic butter sauce.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips for making the best Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs:

• Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: Cold mashed potatoes work best because they help the puffs hold their shape during baking.
• Don’t Overwork the Mixture: Be gentle when mixing to keep the texture light and fluffy.
• Add Flavor: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Gouda, for varied flavors.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Don’t Skip the Egg: The egg helps bind the mixture and keeps the puffs from falling apart.
• Shape Evenly: Make sure all the puffs are roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
• Add Bacon: If you love bacon, chop some crispy bacon and mix it into the mashed potatoes for an extra savory flavor.
• For Extra Crispiness: Lightly spray the puffs with olive oil spray or brush with melted butter before baking for an extra crispy exterior.
• Serve Immediately: These puffs are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.
• Freeze for Later: Make extra puffs and freeze them before baking. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Make Mini Versions: If you’re hosting a party, make smaller versions of these puffs for bite-sized appetizers.

Recipe Variations

Here are some tasty variations of Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs:

• Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potato Puffs: Mix in crumbled bacon along with the cheddar cheese for a smoky, savory twist.
• Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Puffs: Use roasted garlic and increase the Parmesan for a bold flavor.
• Herb Mashed Potato Puffs: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the mixture for an aromatic touch.
• Spinach and Cheese Mashed Potato Puffs: Incorporate chopped spinach and mozzarella cheese for a more savory, veggie-packed puff.
• Buffalo Cheddar Mashed Potato Puffs: Add buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a spicy, tangy kick.
• Creamy Ranch Mashed Potato Puffs: Stir in ranch seasoning and serve with ranch dressing for a creamy flavor.
• Mexican-Style Mashed Potato Puffs: Add taco seasoning and cheddar cheese, and serve with salsa and sour cream.
• Cheddar and Jalapeño Mashed Potato Puffs: Spice things up by adding finely chopped jalapeños to the mix.
• Smoked Gouda Mashed Potato Puffs: Use smoked gouda for a rich, smoky flavor in the puffs.
• Vegan Mashed Potato Puffs: Make these vegan by using non-dairy cheese and egg replacer.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how to store and freeze your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the puffs before baking by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
   Yes, this recipe is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes!
2. Can I use other types of cheese?
   Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella, Gouda, or Swiss.
3. Can I make these puffs ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
4. Can I make these puffs without breadcrumbs?
   If you want to skip breadcrumbs, you can try using crushed crackers or cornflakes for a crunchy coating.
5. Can I add vegetables to these puffs?
   Yes, feel free to mix in some finely chopped vegetables like spinach, corn, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
6. Can I fry these puffs instead of baking?
   Yes, you can fry them in hot oil until golden brown if you prefer a crispier result.
7. Can I make these puffs gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your mashed potatoes don’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
8. How do I prevent the puffs from falling apart?
   Make sure your mashed potatoes are not too runny and that you add the egg to bind everything together.
9. Can I freeze these puffs?
   Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Simply reheat or bake from frozen.
10. What dipping sauces can I serve with these puffs?
    These puffs go great with ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

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Conclusion

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the ultimate bite-sized comfort food! They’re quick, easy, and packed with cheesy flavor, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or as a tasty side dish to your favorite main course. With their crispy golden exterior and creamy, cheesy interior, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether served as an appetizer or paired with a hearty meal, these puffs are sure to be a hit at any occasion.

The best part? You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste! Add extra ingredients like bacon, herbs, or even a bit of garlic for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, and each batch can be tailored to your liking. These puffs are easy to make ahead of time, so you can focus on enjoying your meal and your guests’ company.

So give this recipe a try and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite! I can’t wait to see how your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs turn out. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy cooking!