Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
If you’re craving comfort food with a delicious twist, these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are your answer! Imagine irresistibly fluffy clouds of mashed potatoes blended with sharp cheddar cheese, crisped to a golden finish – all in a bite-sized treat. Whether you bake or fry them, these puffs effortlessly transform basic mashed potatoes into an addictive snack or side, perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Easy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing, Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs deserve a permanent place in your recipe hall of fame!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs is how a few classic ingredients work together to create unforgettable flavor and texture. Each one plays a special role in making these puffs perfectly cheesy and delightfully crisp.
- Mashed Potatoes (2 cups): This is the base of the puffs—use leftover mashed potatoes or prepare a fresh batch for best results.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Bold cheddar adds meltiness and that irresistible cheesy punch.
- Large Eggs (2): Eggs act as the binding magic, helping the puffs hold their shape.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Gives the mixture just enough structure to puff up beautifully.
- Salt (1 tsp): Essential to enhance all the savory flavors in each bite.
- Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): For a touch of warmth and depth.
- Oil or Cooking Spray: Whether frying or baking, this is key for achieving a crispy, golden crust.
How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
This dish comes together quickly if you have your ingredients ready to go. Gather everything before you start, so the process is smooth and you don’t have to go treasure-hunting mid-recipe.
Step 2: Mash Those Potatoes
If you’re using fresh potatoes, boil them until fork-tender, then mash them with a touch of butter and cream for extra decadence. If leftover mashed potatoes are on hand, just reheat them gently until warm—this helps everything combine later.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, stir your warm mashed potatoes together with the shredded cheddar, eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper. You’ll end up with a thick, cheesy mixture that smells incredible before it even hits the heat.
Step 4: Shape Your Puffs
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds. This size is just right for a decadent bite. Lightly roll them to ensure even, rounded shapes for consistent cooking.
Step 5: Bake or Fry
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat your oil if frying. Place the puffs on a greased baking sheet or gently drop them into hot oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or fry until beautifully golden and crispy. The kitchen will smell amazing as the cheese bubbles and the outsides turn crisp.
Step 6: Let Them Cool and Serve
After baking or frying, let your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs cool slightly. They’re most deliciously gooey and flavorful when served warm, so don’t wait too long to dig in!
How to Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Garnishes
Bring your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs to the next level with creative toppings. A sprinkle of chopped fresh chives, crispy crumbled bacon, or a dusting of parmesan gives each bite extra color and flavor. For those who love a little kick, a dash of smoked paprika or a dab of sour cream never hurts!
Side Dishes
These puffs can star as a sensational snack or play a supporting role in a larger meal. Pair them with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty bowl of tomato soup. They’re also fantastic with a dipping sauce like ranch, spicy aioli, or even warm marinara for more comfort-food goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family gatherings, try stacking the puffs on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Or, serve them in small bowls as shareable appetizers. If you’re feeling fancy, use miniature muffin tins for perfectly uniform, bite-sized Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs (a rare event!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful, ready for snacking or as a quick side.
Freezing
These puffs freeze beautifully! Once cooled, lay them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months, making them a great make-ahead option for surprise guests or busy nights.
Reheating
To restore their crispness, reheat Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until hot—about 8 to 10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but they’ll be much softer. The oven keeps them crispy and almost as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?
If you’re in a pinch, instant mashed potatoes will work, but real, homemade mashed potatoes offer the best flavor and texture. Just be sure they’re thick and not too runny so your puffs hold their shape.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic for a bold, melty flavor, but you can also try gouda, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses for a customized twist. Whatever you choose, shred it yourself if possible for the best melt.
Can I make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The result will be just as light and puffy.
How do I keep them from falling apart?
Make sure your potatoes are thick (not watery) and don’t skip the eggs and flour—these bind the mixture together. If it feels too loose, add a little extra flour until you can shape the puffs easily.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Arrange Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces. Add colorful garnishes like chopped herbs or microgreens to make them look irresistible. Toothpicks make them extra party-friendly!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to turn plain potatoes into the ultimate comfort snack, give Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs a try. Light, cheesy, and addictively delicious, they’re the kind of treat everyone will want the recipe for. Happy cooking!
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Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that combines the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes with the cheesy flavor of sharp cheddar. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these puffs are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Frying/Baking:
- Oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients for easy access.
- Mash Potatoes: If using fresh potatoes, boil until tender, mash with butter and cream. For leftovers, reheat until warm.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine warm mashed potatoes with cheese, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Form Puffs: Scoop mixture into golf ball-sized portions.
- Bake or Fry: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat oil for frying. Bake for 20-25 minutes or fry until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm for the best cheesy experience.
Notes
- You can customize these puffs by adding chopped herbs or spices to the mixture.
- For extra flavor, consider serving with a side of sour cream or salsa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Bake, Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, Potato Puffs, Cheese Puffs, Appetizer, Snack, Potato Recipes
