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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are my answer when the fridge is packed with leftover mashed potatoes and I want something more exciting than reheating. These little golden bites come out crisp and cheesy and rarely make it to the table before someone grabs one straight from the pan. Whether you need a quick snack for game night or a playful side at dinner, these puffs deliver serious comfort.
The first time I brought these to a family gathering they disappeared before I could set down the dipping sauces. Now everyone expects them whenever mashed potatoes make an appearance.
Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes: use your favorite buttery mash or leftovers for a shortcut I love using cold mashed potatoes since they hold their shape
- Shredded cheddar cheese: adds gooey melty richness the sharper the cheese the deeper the flavor
- Grated Parmesan cheese: brings a nutty salty punch always grate it fresh if you can
- Large egg: helps bind everything together and gives the puffs structure
- All-purpose flour: keeps the mix fluffy rather than dense use just enough to hold the puffs together
- Green onions: chopped green tops bring color and freshness look for bright crisp stalks
- Garlic powder: gives savory flavor without overpowering
- Salt: brightens all the flavors taste your potatoes and adjust if they are already salty
- Black pepper: a touch of warmth and complexity
- Breadcrumbs or panko: make the exteriors extra crispy I like panko for more crunch
- Cooking spray or extra oil: gives that golden brown finish be generous so nothing sticks
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Warm your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease your favorite muffin tin or line a baking sheet to prevent sticking
- Mix the Filling:
- Combine your mashed potatoes cheddar Parmesan egg flour green onions garlic powder salt and pepper in a big bowl Give it a thorough mix with a sturdy spoon until the cheese and onions look evenly mixed in and you see no big flour streaks
- Shape the Puffs:
- Scoop out a heaping tablespoon of mixture for each puff Use your hands to roll it into a ball It helps to keep your hands slightly damp to avoid sticking
- Bread the Puffs:
- Pour breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl Gently roll each potato ball so they are coated all over This is where the crunch comes from so do not skip this step
- Arrange and Oil:
- Nestle each ball into your greased muffin tin or arrange on the prepared baking sheet Make sure to leave a little space around each Treat them to a quick spray of cooking spray or a light brushing with oil for that golden color
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake for about twenty to twenty five minutes Watch for the puffs to turn golden brown and crisp on the outside I like to test one to see if it is piping hot and the cheese is melty inside
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the puffs cool for maybe five minutes so they set and are easier to remove Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or sour cream
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The sharp cheddar is my absolute favorite ingredient here It melts to gooey perfection and gives each puff real personality Once my little niece started snacking on them right from the baking pan and declared them magical That memory always makes me smile when I bake these
Storage Tips
Once cooled you can store leftover puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat place them on a baking sheet in a hot oven for ten minutes This keeps them crisp Unlike some potato snacks these even stand up to freezing Just let them cool completely pop them into a freezer bag then reheat in the oven straight from the freezer for a quick treat
Ingredient Substitutions
No cheddar on hand Try mozzarella for a stringier pull or pepper jack for heat Parmesan can be swapped for pecorino or left out for a milder flavor Gluten free flour and gluten free breadcrumbs keep these friendly for all diets You can swap green onions for chives or even a little finely chopped parsley for a milder green note
Serving Suggestions
Pile the puffs on a platter for parties with sides of ranch sour cream or ketchup You can even dress them up with a little hot sauce or sprinkle with extra Parmesan They make a fun alternative to bread rolls at dinner and pair perfectly with soups and stews
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Cultural and Historical Context
Mashed potatoes have long been a staple comfort food and leftover recipes like these are how home cooks around the world stretch ingredients These puffs owe a bit to European potato croquettes but are baked for ease rather than fried What I love most is how these keep that cozy potato flavor front and center with a crispy twist
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I get the puffs extra crispy?
Coating each puff evenly with breadcrumbs and giving them a light spray of oil before baking helps achieve a crisp exterior. For added crunch, use panko breadcrumbs and ensure your oven is fully preheated.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bake the puffs ahead, then reheat them in the oven to restore crispiness. They also freeze well for longer storage.
- → What cheese works best in this snack?
Sharp cheddar melts well and offers bold flavor, while Parmesan adds a nutty touch. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for different tastes.
- → Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon, sautéed vegetables, or fresh herbs for extra aroma and taste. Be mindful not to make the mixture too wet.
- → What kind of dipping sauces pair well?
These puffs go wonderfully with sour cream, ranch, spicy mayo, or a simple chive yogurt dip to complement their savory notes.
- → Do I need to use leftover mashed potatoes?
Leftover potatoes work great, but you can also make a fresh batch. Ensure they're not too creamy, so the puffs hold their shape.