Name: Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Introduction

Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a tasty snack or appetizer. With a golden, crunchy exterior and a cheesy, fluffy inside, these puffs are sure to please any crowd.

A white plate holds four golden-brown cheese bread balls, one of which is broken open in the front, showing a light, fluffy inside with melted, stretchy cheese strands. The outer crust is crispy with a warm, toasted texture, and steam rises gently from the fresh, hot bread balls. The background features a soft, white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
Step 4: Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Step 5: Place the coated balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.
Step 6: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 7: Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped herbs like chives or parsley to the potato mixture before shaping.
Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture.
Try swapping cheddar for mozzarella or a spicy pepper jack for a different cheese experience.
If the mixture feels too soft to shape, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before forming the balls.

Storage

Store leftover cheese puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows five golden-brown cheese puffs stacked on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The cheese puffs have a crispy and slightly rough texture on the outside with a warm, shiny appearance from the melted cheese. One cheese puff is broken open in the front, revealing a gooey, stretchy white cheese filling inside. The colors mostly range from light golden yellow to deeper brown spots where the cheese is cooked. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these puffs without eggs?

Eggs help bind the mixture together, but you can substitute with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon ground seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) if you prefer a vegan option. The texture may be slightly different.

Can I freeze the potato cheese puffs?

Yes, you can freeze the shaped, breadcrumb-coated puffs before baking. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.