There’s nothing quite like biting into a crispy, golden-brown mashed potato cheese puff, where the crunch of the exterior gives way to the creamy, cheesy goodness inside. Mashed potato cheese puffs are the perfect combination of comfort food and indulgence, offering a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a family gathering, or just craving a cozy snack, these cheesy puffs are guaranteed to be a hit.
Imagine this: It’s a chilly evening, and you’re settling in for a movie night with your loved ones. You want something warm, comforting, and easy to make, but you don’t want to settle for just any snack. That’s when you remember the leftover mashed potatoes sitting in the fridge. Why not turn them into something fun and delicious? With just a few simple ingredients—cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and eggs—you can transform ordinary mashed potatoes into bite-sized mashed potato cheese puffs of heaven. These golden, crispy treats are the perfect addition to any occasion, sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
This recipe for mashed potato cheese puffs is not only simple to prepare but also flexible enough to suit any taste. You can make them in advance, freeze them for later, and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces. Plus, they’re so easy to customize with different cheeses or spices, allowing you to make them your own. Ready to dive into this cheesy, crispy adventure? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why Choose Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?
The Allure of Cheese and Potatoes Combined
There’s no denying the universal love for cheese and potatoes. Both of these ingredients are comfort food staples on their own, but when combined in the form of mashed potato cheese puffs, they create an unbeatable flavor combination. The creamy mashed potatoes and the gooey, melty cheddar cheese form the perfect duo, giving each bite a rich and satisfying taste. Whether you’re a fan of savory snacks or looking to impress your guests with something unique, these cheese puffs deliver every time.
Versatility for Any Occasion
One of the best things about mashed potato cheese puffs is their versatility. While they are perfect as an appetizer for a party, they also work wonderfully as a snack for movie nights or even a quick side dish to complement your main course. You can customize the flavors, add herbs or spices, or even use different types of cheese to make them your own. These little puffs are not only simple to make but also a great way to turn any gathering into a fun and delicious event.
Easy to Make and Always a Hit
What makes mashed potato cheese puffs so appealing is how easy they are to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that will leave your guests asking for the recipe. Unlike other complicated snacks, these puffs are simple to make, requiring only basic kitchen skills. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, transforming them into something fresh, crispy, and irresistible.
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Discover How to Make a Perfect Batch of Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings (1 puff per serving)
Description
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the perfect crispy and cheesy snack that will surely become a hit at any gathering. These golden-brown, bite-sized puffs are filled with creamy mashed potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese, all coated in crispy breadcrumbs. They’re ideal for parties, movie nights, or even as an appetizer to accompany your main meal. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, these puffs combine the comforting goodness of mashed potatoes with the irresistible allure of melted cheese, creating a snack that’s both savory and satisfying.
Ingredients
2 cups leftover mashed potatoes – Perfect for using up leftovers or freshly made mashed potatoes.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds that melty, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes.
2 large eggs – Acts as a binder to hold the mixture together.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the mixture for easy shaping.
1 tsp salt – To season and enhance the flavors.
1/2 tsp black pepper – Adds a little kick and balances the richness.
1 tsp garlic powder – For an added layer of savory flavor.
1 cup breadcrumbs – Coats the puffs for a crispy, golden exterior.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare the potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape.
Shape the puffs: Using your hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into small, golf-ball-sized puffs. Make sure they are compact and even in size for uniform baking.
Coat in breadcrumbs: Roll each puff in breadcrumbs until fully coated. This will create the crispy outer layer once baked.
Bake: Arrange the coated puffs on the parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Cool and serve: Let the puffs cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, ketchup, or barbecue sauce for added flavor.
Notes
Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the mashed potato cheese puffs in advance by shaping them and refrigerating or freezing them before baking. If freezing, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Cheese variations: While cheddar cheese works perfectly for these puffs, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorites.
Breadcrumb options: For an extra-crispy coating, try using panko breadcrumbs. They’ll give the puffs a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 94
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
The Ingredients foThe Ingredients for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
To create these delicious mashed potato cheese puffs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes – The star of the show! Leftover mashed potatoes work great, but you can also make fresh mashed potatoes if needed.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For that rich, gooey, cheesy center.
- 2 large eggs – To bind everything together and provide structure.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Helps give the puffs the right consistency.
- 1 tsp salt – To enhance the overall flavor.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – A little kick to balance the richness of the cheese.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the puffs.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – For the crispy, golden exterior.
How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring them together to create the delicious mashed potato cheese puffs. Follow these simple steps for a crispy, cheesy snack that everyone will love.
Step 1 – Mix the Ingredients Together
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until well combined. You want the mixture to be smooth and firm enough to hold its shape. If it’s too loose, you can add a bit more flour to help bind everything together.
Step 2 – Shape the Puffs
Next, take a small scoop or your hands and shape the mixture into small, golf ball-sized puffs. The size is up to you, but smaller puffs tend to bake more evenly. Be sure to pack the mixture tightly so that the puffs hold together while baking.
Step 3 – Coat with Breadcrumbs
Once you’ve shaped the puffs, it’s time to coat them in breadcrumbs. Roll each puff in breadcrumbs until it’s fully coated. This coating will create that crispy golden exterior that makes these puffs so irresistible. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs gently into the puffs to ensure they stick well.
Step 4 – Bake to Perfection
Place the coated puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each puff. This will allow the heat to circulate around them, ensuring they bake evenly. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re crispy on the edges and the cheese has melted inside.
Step 5 – Cool and Serve
Once they’re done baking, remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’ll be hot, so it’s a good idea to let them rest slightly. Serve these mashed potato cheese puffs with your favorite dipping sauce—whether it’s ranch, ketchup, or a tangy barbecue sauce, these puffs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Tips for Perfect Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Creating the perfect mashed potato cheese puffs is easy, but a few tips can help elevate the texture and flavor to make sure they turn out crispy, cheesy, and delicious every time. Here are some helpful tips to get them just right:
How to Avoid Gummy Mashed Potatoes
To prevent your mashed potatoes from being too gummy and ensure that your mashed potato cheese puffs turn out light and fluffy, it’s important not to over-mash the potatoes. Over-mashing can cause the potatoes to release too much starch, leading to a dense and gummy texture. For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, mash them just until smooth, avoiding excessive stirring. If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, make sure they haven’t been stored with too much liquid, as this can make the puffs soggy.
Ensure Crispy Exteriors
The key to crispy mashed potato cheese puffs is the breadcrumb coating and the right baking temperature. Make sure you coat each puff thoroughly in breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs gently so they stick well. For an extra crispy exterior, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones—they provide a lighter, crunchier texture. Also, be sure to bake the puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between each puff. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly and ensure that the breadcrumbs crisp up perfectly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet
While it may be tempting to cram all the puffs onto one baking sheet, it’s important to leave some space between each puff. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking, causing the puffs to become soggy in some areas. By leaving space between the puffs, you allow for even heat circulation, which ensures they bake up golden and crispy on all sides.
Add Extra Flavor with Herbs and Spices
Want to take your mashed potato cheese puffs to the next level? Consider adding fresh or dried herbs and spices to the mixture. Chopped parsley, chives, or thyme can add a burst of flavor that complements the creamy mashed potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese. For a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Feel free to get creative with your seasonings to personalize these puffs to your taste.
Experiment with Different Cheeses
While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for mashed potato cheese puffs, you can mix things up by experimenting with other types of cheese. Try using mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can even mix multiple cheeses for a more complex flavor. Just make sure to choose cheeses that melt well to ensure that your puffs stay creamy on the inside.
Storing and Reheating Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Mashed potato cheese puffs are so delicious that you might find yourself making a batch for leftovers, or perhaps you want to prep them in advance. Here’s how to store and reheat them for the best flavor and texture, so you can enjoy them anytime!
Can You Make These in Advance?
Yes! Mashed potato cheese puffs are a fantastic make-ahead snack. In fact, they can be assembled in advance and either stored in the fridge or frozen, making them a perfect option for meal prep or parties.
To prepare them ahead of time:
- Shape the puffs and coat them in breadcrumbs as you normally would.
- Arrange the uncooked puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- For storage, you have two options:
- Refrigerate: Cover the puffs with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days before baking.
- Freeze: If you want to make a large batch and freeze them, simply place the puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake the refrigerated puffs as directed. If baking from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the baking time, but no need to thaw them first.
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftover mashed potato cheese puffs after a gathering (lucky you!), storing them is a breeze. Allow the puffs to cool completely, and then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispy exterior, it’s best to reheat them in the oven or air fryer, as microwaving may cause them to become soggy.
How to Reheat Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
The best way to reheat your leftover mashed potato cheese puffs is by baking or air frying them to restore their crispy texture:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the puffs on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. This method ensures they stay golden and delicious.
- Air Fryer: For an even faster method, place the puffs in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will crisp them up beautifully without drying them out.
Can You Freeze Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs After Baking?
Yes, you can freeze mashed potato cheese puffs after baking them! Once they’ve cooled completely, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours. After that, transfer the puffs to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat as mentioned above. The freezing and reheating process will keep them crispy and fresh.
Common Questions About Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Here, we’ll address some common questions people have when making mashed potato cheese puffs, providing answers and tips to help you get the best results every time.
How Long Can Mashed Potatoes Sit Out?
Leftover mashed potatoes, like all perishable foods, should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If mashed potatoes are left out for longer than this, harmful bacteria can start to grow, making them unsafe to eat. To avoid this, always refrigerate any leftover mashed potatoes promptly after serving. If you’re preparing mashed potato cheese puffs, make sure the mashed potatoes are stored in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.
Why Are My Mashed Potatoes Gummy and Not Fluffy?
Gummy mashed potatoes can occur for a couple of reasons. The most common cause is over-mashing the potatoes, which releases too much starch and results in a sticky, gummy texture. To avoid this, mash the potatoes just until smooth—no need to overdo it. Also, be cautious with the amount of liquid you add. Too much milk or butter can also make the potatoes too soft. For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, use starchy potatoes like Russets, and add just enough liquid to achieve a creamy but not too runny consistency.
How Long Can You Keep Cheesy Mashed Potatoes in the Fridge?
If you’ve made cheesy mashed potatoes in advance and are wondering how long they’ll last, the answer is about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure they’re stored in an airtight container to preserve their freshness. You can use these cheesy mashed potatoes as a base for mashed potato cheese puffs, and the extra cheese will add even more flavor!
Does Freezing Mashed Potatoes Change the Texture?
Yes, freezing mashed potatoes can change their texture slightly, as the potatoes tend to become a bit grainy when thawed. However, when used for mashed potato cheese puffs, this minor change in texture is less noticeable since the mixture will be bound with eggs, flour, and breadcrumbs, which helps maintain its consistency during baking. If you plan to freeze your mashed potatoes for this recipe, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and mix them well before using.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mashed potato cheese puffs are a delicious and versatile snack that can turn any occasion into something special. With their crispy exterior and creamy, cheesy interior, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re using up leftover mashed potatoes or making them from scratch, this recipe is simple, quick, and packed with flavor.
By following the easy steps and tips provided, you can create perfectly golden, cheesy puffs every time. Don’t forget that they can be made in advance, stored, and reheated, making them an ideal choice for parties, snacks, or even meal prep. With endless opportunities for customization and flavor variations, these puffs can be personalized to suit your taste.
So, next time you’re in the mood for a savory snack, try out these mashed potato cheese puffs—they’re guaranteed to impress and satisfy! Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish at your next family gathering or dinner party. Happy baking!
If you’re looking for another delicious recipe to try, don’t miss our Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes! This flavorful dish combines tender chicken and roasted potatoes, seasoned to perfection with garlic and parmesan. It’s a fantastic meal to pair with your mashed potato cheese puffs for an unforgettable dinner. Check out the full recipe here.