Name: Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489328H10M53S
Total time: PT-489328H10M53S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup breadcrumbs

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Introduction

Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a cheesy, crunchy snack. Perfect as an appetizer or party treat, these puffs offer a satisfying golden crust with a soft, flavorful inside.

The image shows a plate with four golden-brown baked cheese bread balls arranged close together on a white plate. One bread ball is broken open in the front, revealing a soft, gooey, and stretchy melted cheese interior with a light yellow color and airy texture. The exterior is crispy and browned with slight roughness and cracks. Wisps of steam rise from the bread balls, showing they are hot and fresh. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with soft natural light creating gentle shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
Step 4: Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are fully coated for extra crispiness.
Step 5: Place the breadcrumb-coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs turn a golden brown color.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding chopped herbs like chives or parsley to the mixture before baking.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for an even crunchier coating.
To make these puffs gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Storage

Store any leftover cheese puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them again at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with five golden brown fried cheese balls stacked in a small pile on a white marbled surface. The cheese balls have a crispy, textured outer layer with dark golden spots. One cheese ball is broken open in the front, revealing a soft, creamy yellow inside with stretchy, melted white cheese pulling between the two halves. Steam rises gently from the hot cheese balls, suggesting they are freshly cooked. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?

Yes, fresh mashed potatoes work fine, but ensure they are well cooled and not too watery to help the puffs hold their shape.

Can I freeze these cheese puffs?

Absolutely. Place the baked and cooled puffs in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen to maintain crispness.

Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 124 reviews

These Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful appetizer or snack featuring leftover mashed potatoes transformed into golden, cheesy, and crunchy bites. Perfectly seasoned and baked to a crispy finish, they are easy to make and sure to please crowds.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: About 20 puffs 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potato Mixture

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

Coating

1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to create a crispy crust on the puffs.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Shape Balls: Using your hands, shape the potato mixture into small, bite-sized balls for even cooking and easy serving.
Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each ball thoroughly in the breadcrumbs until fully coated to ensure they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breadcrumb-coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart to allow heat circulation.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve: Serve the crispy mashed potato cheese puffs warm as a delicious snack or appetizer.

Notes

You can substitute cheddar cheese with any melting cheese of your choice, like mozzarella or gouda.
For extra crispiness, you can spray the puffs lightly with cooking oil before baking.
Leftover mashed potatoes should ideally be cold and firm for best shaping results.
These puffs can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
To make these gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Keywords: mashed potato puffs, cheesy potato balls, crispy potato snacks, leftover mashed potato recipes, baked potato appetizers