Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cheesy mashed potato puffs! They are seriously one of my favorite go-to snacks or side dishes. Imagine biting into a golden-brown puff that’s crispy on the outside but oh-so-fluffy and cheesy on the inside. It’s like a warm hug from your grandma, but in food form! I first made these for a family gathering, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than I could say “cheesy goodness.”
The beauty of these little delights is how easy they are to whip up. You can use leftover mashed potatoes too, which makes them a fantastic way to minimize waste while getting a delicious snack. Plus, they’re so versatile! You can serve them at a party, as a cozy side for dinner, or even as a fun appetizer. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
To make these scrumptious cheesy mashed potato puffs, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Start with 2 cups of mashed potatoes—homemade or leftover from last night’s dinner works perfectly! Next, grab 1 cup of shredded cheese; I love using cheddar for that classic flavor, but feel free to experiment! You’ll also need 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to give them that lovely crispy exterior, along with 1/4 cup of chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Don’t forget 1 egg to bind everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, have some oil on hand for frying or drizzling! This combination is sure to make your puffs irresistible!
How to Prepare Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these cheesy mashed potato puffs! Trust me, you’re going to love how simple it is. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious puffs in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it gets your puffs nice and crispy right from the start. While that’s warming up, you can get everything else ready!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, egg, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want the mixture to be fluffy but able to hold its shape when you form it into puffs—think of it like a thick dough. If it feels too wet, just add a touch more breadcrumbs!
Step 3: Form the Puffs
Now comes the fun part! Grab a small handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Don’t worry about being perfect; a little variation adds character! Just make sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your puffs on it, leaving a bit of space between each one. This is key to ensuring they crisp up nicely! Lightly drizzle or spray some oil on top of the puffs—this helps them get that beautiful golden color while baking. Yum!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely golden brown and smell heavenly! Keep an eye on them toward the end, as oven times can vary.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once they’re baked, carefully remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. This little wait is worth it, as it makes them easier to handle. Serve them warm, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days
- Deliciously cheesy and comforting with every bite
- Versatile enough to serve as a snack, side, or appetizer
- Great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes
- Customizable with different cheeses or herbs for unique flavors
- Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—pure bliss!
Tips for Success with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
To make these cheesy mashed potato puffs truly shine, don’t hesitate to get creative! Try using different types of cheese like mozzarella for a gooey interior or pepper jack for a spicy kick. If you’re craving extra crispiness, consider frying them instead of baking—just be careful of hot oil splatters! Another tip is to let your mashed potatoes cool completely before mixing; this helps the puffs hold their shape better. And remember, if the mixture feels too sticky, a little more breadcrumbs will do the trick. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
These cheesy mashed potato puffs are not only delicious but also relatively light! Each puff has about 150 calories, with 7g of fat, 4g of protein, and 18g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so if you’re keeping track, adjust according to your ingredients!
FAQ about Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! Fresh mashed potatoes work just as well. Just make sure they’re cooled before mixing to help the puffs hold their shape.
What type of cheese is best for these puffs?
I love using cheddar for that classic flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack can add a delicious twist to your cheesy mashed potato puffs.
Can I make these puffs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and shape the puffs ahead of time. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. They’ll still be super tasty!
What should I serve with cheesy mashed potato puffs?
These puffs are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with sour cream, ranch dressing, or a zesty salsa for dipping!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture!
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy salsa dip recipe or these tator tots for a fun twist on your favorite snacks!
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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs: 6 Steps to Cheesy Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy mashed potato puffs are a delicious and easy snack or side dish. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheese, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small balls or puffs.
- Place the puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle or spray oil on top of the puffs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for quick preparation.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavor.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the baking sheet.
- For extra crispiness, you can fry the puffs instead of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cheesy mashed potato puffs, mashed potatoes, snacks, easy recipes
