Creative Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
These Creative Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delicious and inventive way to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy snacks. Combining mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, flour, and egg, these puffs bake to a golden perfection and make a perfect appetizer or side dish, enhanced with optional herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12-15 puffs 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine your leftover mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, flour, egg, and your choice of seasonings including salt and pepper. Add herbs if using. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined into a cohesive mixture.
- Shape the Puffs: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into small balls or patties roughly the size of a golf ball. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cheese puffs for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown on the outside and crispy. This ensures the cheese melts nicely inside and the outer layer forms a pleasant crust.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the puffs cool slightly for a few minutes. Serve warm to enjoy the best cheesy, soft interior contrasted with a crisp exterior.
Notes
- You can customize the cheese according to your preference; cheddar adds a sharpness, mozzarella offers mild creaminess, or mix different cheeses.
- If the mixture is too wet, add a little more flour to help it hold shape better.
- These puffs can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
- For added flavor, mix in cooked bacon bits or finely diced green onions.
- Serve with dipping sauces such as sour cream, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
Keywords: mashed potato puffs, cheesy snacks, leftover mashed potatoes recipe, baked potato balls, cheddar cheese puffs, appetizer, easy snack
