There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, golden, crispy treat that melts cheesy goodness with every crunch. The Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe brings together the comforting creaminess of mashed potatoes and the irresistible richness of cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a perfectly crispy breadcrumb coating. Whether you’re looking for a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these puffs are incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a special role in making your Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe absolutely delicious. From the creamy mashed potatoes to the sharp cheddar and the crispy breadcrumbs, they come together in perfect harmony.
- Leftover mashed potatoes: The creamy base that keeps each puff light and soft inside.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds gooey, cheesy flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
- Large eggs: Act as a binder to hold everything together.
- All-purpose flour: Helps to give the puffs a bit of structure.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper: Gives a subtle spicy kick without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a delicious aroma and a hint of savory depth.
- Breadcrumbs: Create the crispy outer shell that turns these puffs into crunchy perfection.
How to Make Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right to bake your puffs until they are golden brown and irresistibly crispy on the outside while staying soft and cheesy inside.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients Together
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until you get a uniform, thick mixture. This blend is the heart of your Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe, packed with flavor and ready for shaping.
Step 3: Shape Into Small Balls
Next, use your hands to form the mixture into small, one-inch diameter balls. This size ensures the puffs bake evenly and are easy to eat in just one or two bites. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly shaped—it only adds to their homemade charm.
Step 4: Coat With Breadcrumbs
Roll each ball thoroughly in the breadcrumbs until they are completely coated. This step is key to achieving that delightful crunchy exterior that defines the Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe.
Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your breadcrumb-coated balls on it, spacing them evenly. This setup helps prevent sticking and allows hot air to circulate around the puffs for even browning.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake the puffs in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on their color—once they reach a warm golden brown, they’re ready to come out. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Let the puffs cool for just a moment, then serve them warm. The cheese inside will be gooey and the outer shell satisfyingly crisp—trust me, they will disappear fast!
How to Serve Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top to add a fresh, herby note and a pop of color that makes these puffs even more inviting. A light dusting of paprika can add a subtle smoky warmth too.
Side Dishes
Pair these cheese puffs with a tangy dipping sauce like sour cream or a zesty marinara to complement their savory richness. They also go wonderfully alongside fresh salads or roasted vegetables to balance out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe on a platter alongside a trio of dipping sauces, letting guests mix and match their favorites. You can even turn them into bite-sized sliders by sandwiching the puffs in small buns with lettuce and a slice of tomato.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have some puffs left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered helps maintain their moisture without losing too much crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked, breadcrumb-coated puffs by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To revive your leftovers, pop the puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This’ll crisp them up again without drying them out, keeping that perfect contrast of textures intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! Freshly mashed potatoes work great as long as they’re not overly wet. If your mash feels too soft, you can add a little extra flour to help them hold their shape.
What types of cheese can I use instead of cheddar?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey pull, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a blend of your favorites to customize your puffs.
Are these puffs gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs, which contain gluten. However, you can substitute with gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make a safe alternative.
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, frying is a delicious option if you want an extra crunchy exterior. Heat oil to medium-high and fry the puffs until golden brown, but keep in mind this adds extra calories.
How long do these cheese puffs last once baked?
When stored properly in the fridge, they’re best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe enough—it’s a fantastic way to transform simple leftover mashed potatoes into a snack that feels indulgent yet comforting. Whether for a party, family dinner, or just a cozy night in, these cheesy puffs will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite crispy, cheesy treat!
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Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cheese puffs (Approximately 12 servings)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a golden, cheesy snack or appetizer. Crispy on the outside and soft and flavorful on the inside, they combine shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Main 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the optimal temperature for baking the puffs to a crispy golden brown.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is well blended and uniform.
- Shape Puffs: Form the mixture into small balls approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring they are compact enough to hold together during baking.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs evenly so each puff is fully coated, which will create the crispy exterior when baked.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the puffs turn golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the cheese puffs warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Use day-old mashed potatoes for best texture; freshly made mashed potatoes can be too soft and sticky.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture.
- Ensure puffs are tightly packed to avoid them falling apart during baking.
- These can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
