These golden, crispy cheese puffs are the perfect combination of savory mashed potatoes and gooey melted cheese, making them an irresistible snack or side dish.
Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile! You can easily adjust the cheese or seasonings to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re using up leftover mashed potatoes or making a fresh batch, these puffs will be a hit at any meal. Plus, they’re simple to make, and the crispy, cheesy outside with the soft, creamy inside creates the ideal balance of textures that everyone will love.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1 egg
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, flour, egg, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
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Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
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Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the potato balls and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
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Use a slotted spoon to remove the puffs from the oil and drain on paper towels.
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Serve hot as a snack or side dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs: The Perfect Snack or Side Dish
Leftover mashed potatoes are often overlooked, but they can be transformed into something extraordinary with a little creativity. One such way is by turning them into Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. This delightful dish takes the humble mashed potato to new heights, adding a crispy, golden exterior and a cheesy, savory filling that’s sure to impress anyone who tastes it. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a tasty side dish, or a way to use up leftovers, these cheese puffs are the perfect solution.
Why Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?
Often, leftover mashed potatoes end up as a side dish that doesn’t quite get the attention it deserves. But with a few simple ingredients, you can easily elevate those potatoes into something special. These mashed potato cheese puffs are crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, offering a contrast of textures that make them incredibly satisfying to eat.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can make these puffs with any mashed potatoes you have on hand, whether they were made with butter and cream for a richer taste or a lighter version with olive oil and herbs. The additional cheese and seasoning elevate the flavor, and the deep-frying technique gives them that perfect crispiness that makes them hard to resist.
How Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Are Perfect for Any Occasion
These puffs are more than just a way to use up leftovers; they are the perfect snack for gatherings, parties, or a quick snack on the go. Because they are easy to make, you can prepare them in advance and reheat them when needed. They’re also customizable, so if you have dietary preferences or want to change the flavor, you can add different cheeses, herbs, or even a dash of hot sauce to give them an extra kick.
If you’re hosting a party, these cheese puffs make an excellent appetizer that everyone will enjoy. They’re small enough to serve as finger food, and their flavor is rich enough to make a lasting impression. Pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch, garlic butter, or spicy mayo for a truly indulgent experience. The convenience and ease of making these puffs, combined with their undeniable appeal, make them a great choice for entertaining guests.
Simple Ingredients with Big Flavor
What’s great about this recipe is that it requires only a handful of basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. Leftover mashed potatoes form the base of the dish, while the addition of cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan brings in an irresistible gooey texture and savory flavor. The flour helps bind everything together, and the egg creates a firm structure for frying. The green onions and garlic powder provide an extra layer of flavor, and a pinch of salt and pepper enhances all the ingredients.
When fried, the puffs take on a golden-brown color that is not only appealing but also signals that crispy texture you’re looking for in a fried snack. The rich cheese melts perfectly within the mashed potatoes, creating an indulgent bite every time. The green onions add a slight freshness that balances out the richness, while the garlic powder gives it just the right amount of seasoning.
How to Customize Your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
While the recipe as is is incredibly delicious, it also lends itself to endless customization options. If you prefer a more intense cheese flavor, you can swap out the cheddar for a stronger cheese like Gruyère or Gouda. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding some finely chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mashed potato mixture will give the puffs a delightful spicy kick.
Vegetarians can also experiment with different types of cheese or herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to create a more aromatic flavor profile. If you want a more savory, umami-packed bite, try incorporating ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or cooked bacon bits into the mixture.
The Best Cooking Method: Frying for Crispy Perfection
The method of frying the puffs is key to achieving that golden, crispy exterior. Deep-frying them ensures the outside becomes crispy while keeping the inside soft and cheesy. Frying the puffs also locks in all the flavors, making them incredibly satisfying with every bite.
If you’re concerned about frying, you can also opt for shallow frying, which will give a similar result without the need for a large pot of oil. Alternatively, for a healthier option, you can bake these puffs in the oven. While they won’t be as crispy, baking them at a high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) will still give them a nice texture and is a great way to reduce the amount of oil used.
Perfect Pairings for Your Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
One of the best things about these cheesy potato puffs is their versatility. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making them a great addition to any meal. Serve them alongside a fresh salad for a light and crispy contrast, or add them to your dinner plate as a savory side dish to complement your main course.
For a comforting meal, try pairing the cheese puffs with a hearty soup or stew. Their crispy texture and cheesy filling will add a satisfying bite alongside the warm, savory flavors of the soup. Additionally, these puffs are perfect as part of a brunch spread, adding a fun twist to the usual breakfast fare.
For a more casual snack, serve the cheese puffs with a selection of dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, or spicy mayo. The combination of textures and flavors will be a hit with anyone who loves crispy snacks. They’re also great for kids, who will love the bite-sized portions and the cheesy filling.
Tips for Making the Perfect Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
To ensure your cheese puffs turn out perfect every time, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, make sure the mashed potatoes are cool before you start mixing the ingredients. If the mashed potatoes are too warm, they may not hold their shape as well when frying. Using leftovers is ideal because they are usually firm and easier to work with.
When shaping the puffs, don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round. A little imperfection makes them look more rustic and homemade. The important thing is to ensure that the puffs are not too large or too small, as the cooking time will vary depending on their size.
Be mindful of the frying temperature. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through. If the oil is too cool, the puffs may absorb too much oil and become greasy. Aim for a medium heat, around 350°F (175°C), to ensure a crisp and golden result.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a fantastic way to repurpose your leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious, crispy snack or side dish. They’re simple to make, customizable, and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an easy weeknight snack, or simply wanting to enjoy a savory treat, these cheese puffs are sure to impress. With their golden, crispy exterior and cheesy, soft interior, they strike the perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet delight. Give them a try, and you’ll never look at leftover mashed potatoes the same way again!