Who can resist a cheesy, golden bite of pure comfort? Say goodbye to boring leftover mashed potatoes and hello to your new obsession: Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs! These delightful bites are crunchy on the outside, incredibly fluffy and cheesy within, and surprisingly simple to prepare. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a fun side dish, or a comforting snack any time you’re craving something savory and satisfying.

We all know the dilemma of too many mashed potatoes after a big meal. Instead of letting them languish in the fridge, this recipe breathes new life into them, transforming a humble staple into a show-stopping treat. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible cheesy delights!

Why These Crispy Puffs Will Be Your New Go-To

These mashed potato cheese puffs aren't just a clever way to use leftovers; they're a culinary experience in themselves. Here's why you'll fall in love:

• Effortlessly Delicious: Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and incredible flavor.
• Texture Perfection: That crispy, golden crust gives way to a soft, cheesy interior.
• Versatile & Fun: Perfect for parties, game nights, or as a unique side for dinner.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore these cheesy bites!

Essential Ingredients for Your Cheesy Puffs

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, making good use of ingredients you likely already have on hand. The star, of course, is chilled mashed potatoes. Don't worry if your mashed potatoes are slightly lumpy or smooth – either works perfectly!

You'll also need a generous amount of shredded cheese. We love a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for ultimate flavor and gooeyness. For more cheesy inspiration and ideas on creamy dishes, you might enjoy learning how to make The Ultimate Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Copycat (Clara's Recipes). For the perfect texture, an egg and a little flour act as binders, ensuring your puffs hold together beautifully. A touch of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper will elevate the savory profile.

Achieving the Crispiest Exterior

The secret to that coveted crunch comes from a simple coating: panko breadcrumbs. These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier than traditional ones, creating an incredibly airy and crispy crust when baked. A light brush of olive oil or melted butter before baking also helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown finish.

Tips for Ultimate Crispy Perfection

Want to guarantee restaurant-quality crispiness every time? Follow these easy tips:

• Chilled Potatoes are Key: Cold mashed potatoes are firmer and much easier to handle, preventing your puffs from falling apart.
• Don't Skimp on Panko: A generous coating of panko breadcrumbs is crucial for that satisfying crunch.
• Preheat Your Baking Sheet: Pop your empty baking sheet into the oven while it preheats. Placing the potato balls on a hot surface helps them start crisping up immediately from the bottom.
• Don't Overcrowd: Give each puff enough space on the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate, ensuring even browning and crispiness.
• Flip Halfway: Turning the puffs gently halfway through baking helps both sides get beautifully golden and crisp.

Did you know Cheddar cheese originated in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset? Its rich history and versatile flavor make it a perfect pairing for potatoes in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These crispy mashed potato cheese puffs are fantastic on their own, but they also shine when paired with a delicious dipping sauce. Think sour cream, ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or even a tangy aioli. They make an excellent side dish for roasted meats or a vibrant salad. If you love cheesy potato sides, you'll also adore our Easy Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes.

For variations, consider adding chopped chives, finely diced jalapeños for a kick, or a pinch of smoked paprika to the potato mixture. You can even experiment with different cheese blends to customize the flavor to your liking.

Get ready to make these incredibly delicious Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs and watch them disappear faster than you can say "more cheese, please!" They’re sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire.

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Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

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• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 20-24 puffs (4-6 servings) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Transform humble leftover mashed potatoes into irresistible, golden-brown cheese puffs with a crispy exterior and a fluffy, cheesy interior.

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Ingredients

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3 cups leftover mashed potatoes, chilled
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting if needed)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. For an extra crispy bottom, place the prepared baking sheet into the oven as it preheats.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, beaten egg, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and optional onion powder. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be firm enough to handle and shape easily. If it feels too sticky, you can add an additional tablespoon or two of flour.
Step 3: Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Using a tablespoon or a small scoop, form the potato mixture into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, or into small cylindrical shapes. Gently roll each potato puff in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides.
Step 4: Carefully arrange the coated potato puffs on the preheated baking sheet, leaving a small space between each puff to allow for even crisping. Lightly brush the tops of the puffs with olive oil or melted butter. This helps them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and added crispiness.
Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese puffs are golden brown and wonderfully crispy on the outside. For even browning, you can gently flip them halfway through the baking time.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and serve your crispy mashed potato cheese puffs immediately while hot. They are delicious on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or spicy ketchup. Enjoy!

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of finely chopped chives to the potato mixture. Ensure your mashed potatoes are well-chilled; this is crucial for the puffs to hold their shape during baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 puffs
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

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