Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. As a child, I remember my grandmother whipping up these golden, fluffy bites, filling our home with an irresistible aroma that made it impossible to resist sneaking a taste before they even hit the table. This recipe not only showcases the versatility of mashed potatoes but also highlights their cultural significance in many cuisines around the world, where they are often transformed into creative dishes that celebrate simplicity and flavor.
People adore Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs for their creamy texture and cheesy goodness, making them a perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion. The combination of crispy exteriors and soft, cheesy interiors creates a delightful contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to prepare, allowing you to use leftover mashed potatoes in a fun and innovative way. Join me as we dive into this scrumptious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of mashed potatoes (preferably leftover)
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika (optional, for a little kick)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, such as chives or parsley)
Preparing the Mixture
Let’s get started on these delicious mashed potato cheese puffs! First, I like to gather all my ingredients and tools. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a spoon or spatula, and a frying pan or deep fryer for cooking. Once everything is ready, we can dive into the preparation.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the 2 cups of mashed potatoes. If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, make sure they’re at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Next, add the 1 cup of shredded cheese. I usually go for a sharp cheddar for that extra flavor, but feel free to mix it up with mozzarella or even pepper jack for a spicy twist!
- Now, sprinkle in the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. This will help bind everything together and give our puffs a nice texture.
- Next, add the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a lovely depth of flavor and a bit of a salty kick.
- Crack in the large egg. This will help hold our mixture together and give it a nice richness.
- Now, let’s season it up! Add the 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the 1/4 teaspoon of paprika.
- Using a spatula or your hands, mix everything together until well combined. You want a thick, cohesive mixture that holds together when you form it into balls. If it feels too wet, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it!
Shaping the Puffs
Now that our mixture is ready, it’s time to shape these little beauties!
- With clean hands, take a small amount of the mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball. You can also shape them into small patties if you prefer. Just make sure they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Place the shaped puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make it easier to transfer them to the frying pan later.
- Continue shaping the rest of the mixture until it’s all used up. You should have around 15-20 puffs, depending on the size you make them.
Cooking Process
Now comes the fun part—cooking these cheesy delights!
- In a large frying pan, pour enough oil to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch. If you’re using a deep fryer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for oil levels.
- Heat the oil over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking. You can test if it’s ready by dropping a small piece of the mixture into the oil; if it sizzles and bubbles, you’re good to go!
- Carefully add a few puffs to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. I usually fry them in batches of 4-5, depending on the size of my pan.
- Fry the puffs for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to gently flip them over halfway through cooking.
- Once they’re cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper
Conclusion:
In summary, these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their comfort food game. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese creates a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! You can serve them as a side dish, a snack, or even as an appetizer at your next party. Feel free to get creative with variations—try adding herbs like chives or parsley for a fresh twist, or mix in some crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor. You could even experiment with different types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar or creamy mozzarella, to find your perfect combination. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of these delicious Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your puffs in the comments below. Let’s spread the love for this delightful dish together! Print
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs: A Deliciously Cheesy Snack Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 15–20 puffs 1x
Description
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delicious way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes. These cheesy bites are seasoned perfectly and make a fantastic appetizer or snack that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
Scale- 2 cups of mashed potatoes
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
- Oil for frying
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the 2 cups of mashed potatoes. If using leftover mashed potatoes, ensure they are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Add the 1 cup of shredded cheese. Sharp cheddar is recommended, but feel free to use mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- Sprinkle in the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour to help bind the mixture.
- Add the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Crack in the large egg to help hold the mixture together.
- Season with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika (if using).
- Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring a thick, cohesive mixture that holds together when formed into balls. If too wet, add a little more flour.
- With clean hands, take a small amount of the mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball or shape into small patties.
- Place the shaped puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Continue shaping until all the mixture is used, yielding about 15-20 puffs.
- In a large frying pan, pour enough oil to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch. For a deep fryer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for oil levels.
- Heat the oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Test readiness by dropping a small piece of the mixture into the oil; it should sizzle and bubble.
- Carefully add a few puffs to the hot oil, frying in batches of 4-5 to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry the puffs for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to flip them halfway through cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the puffs from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
- These puffs can be served with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as ranch or marinara.
- For a healthier option, consider baking the puffs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
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