Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Cheesy: The golden, crunchy outside and melty cheese inside make these puffs irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this recipe a breeze.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, snack, or appetizer.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun way to enjoy mashed potatoes that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or baking sheet with cooking spray or oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Potato Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, flour, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Shape the Puffs
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the potato mixture and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Place the coated balls in the prepared muffin tin or on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Puffs
- Lightly spray the tops of the puffs with cooking spray or brush with a little oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the puffs cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin or sheet.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as sour cream, ranch, or ketchup.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Add Bacon: For a smoky twist, add cooked, crumbled bacon to the potato mixture.
- Mini Puffs: Use a mini muffin tin for smaller, bite-sized puffs.
- Freeze for Later: Bake, let cool, and store the puffs in a freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven for a quick snack.
Storage/Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: These puffs freeze well. Store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes work well and will add a slightly sweeter flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Can I air fry these puffs?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a fun and delicious way to enjoy mashed potatoes. Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, they are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a creative way to use leftover mashed potatoes, these puffs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a fun, crispy twist on traditional mashed potatoes. With a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, cheesy center, these puffs make the perfect side dish, appetizer, or snack. Simple to make and versatile, they’re a hit with both kids and adults, making them ideal for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or baking sheet with cooking spray or oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, flour, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Shape the Puffs
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the potato mixture and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Place the coated balls in the prepared muffin tin or on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Puffs
Lightly spray the tops of the puffs with cooking spray or brush with a little oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the puffs cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin or sheet. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as sour cream, ranch, or ketchup.
Notes
- Use a mini muffin tin for smaller, bite-sized puffs.
- These puffs can be frozen. Bake, let cool, and store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for a quick snack.
