If you’re looking for a delightful snack or appetizer that will instantly become a crowd favorite, the Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, crunchy little bites boast a perfectly creamy and cheesy center that feels like a warm hug in every mouthful. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe transforms leftover mashed potatoes into irresistible cheese puffs that are crunchy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft inside. Trust me, once you try this Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe, it’ll be a go-to for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or anytime you crave comfort food with a fun twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color—from the creamy mashed potatoes and sharp cheddar to the golden breadcrumbs that provide that signature crunch.
- Leftover mashed potatoes (2 cups): The creamy base that makes these puffs wonderfully soft on the inside.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Adds rich, tangy flavor and melts beautifully for the gooey center.
- Large eggs (2): Act as binding agents that hold the mixture together for easy shaping.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Helps give the puffs structure without weighing them down.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the richness perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Introduces a subtle kick that livens up the taste.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Brings a warm, savory depth that’s just irresistible.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Essential for achieving that crispy golden crust everybody loves.
How to Make Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Get started by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your cheese puffs will bake evenly and develop that beautiful crispy exterior right from the moment they go in.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until everything is fully incorporated. Don’t worry if the mixture feels a bit sticky — that’s exactly what you want for shaping.
Step 3: Shape the Puffs
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small balls about one inch in diameter. Making them uniform in size helps ensure they cook evenly and come out perfectly crispy every time.
Step 4: Coat with Breadcrumbs
Now it’s time for the crunchy coating. Roll each ball in breadcrumbs, making sure it’s well coated on all sides. This step is what gives the puffs their unforgettable texture, so be generous here!
Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the breadcrumb-coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them out so they have room to crisp up without sticking to each other.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake the puffs in your preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’ve turned a gorgeous golden brown. The smell alone at this stage is enough to make you eager for the first bite!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, serve your Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe warm. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a side at dinner.
How to Serve Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives over the puffs for a burst of freshness and a pop of color. A light drizzle of sour cream or a creamy garlic aioli adds a lovely tang that complements the cheese beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cheese puffs pair wonderfully with fresh, crisp salads to balance out the richness, or alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup for ultimate comfort food vibes. You can even serve them as a fun accompaniment to grilled meats or roasted veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve your Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe on a stylish platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Add an assortment of dipping sauces like spicy ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dressing to really delight your guests’ taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some puffs left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will still taste delicious, though a quick reheat will help bring back that crispy exterior.
Freezing
You can freeze the shaped, breadcrumb-coated puffs before baking. Place them on a tray until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake them fresh straight from the freezer whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
The best way to reheat these without losing their crunch is in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the puffs soggy instead of crispy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes, or do they have to be leftover?
Fresh mashed potatoes can certainly work, just make sure they are well chilled and not too watery, as this will help the puffs hold their shape better.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is the star here for its sharp flavor and meltability, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra gooeyness or a mix of cheeses for complex flavor.
Are these puffs gluten-free?
Not as written, because of the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs, but you can substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make them safe for gluten-sensitive people.
Can I bake these in an air fryer instead of an oven?
Yes! Air fryers work great for crisping up the puffs quickly. Cook at around 375°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
How do I make the puffs extra crispy?
Be sure to coat the balls generously with breadcrumbs and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet so hot air can circulate properly, which helps with crispness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe enough for anyone who loves simple, flavorful snacks that bring comfort and joy. Whether you’re using up leftover mashed potatoes or just craving something cheesy and crunchy, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try, and watch how quickly these little golden puffs disappear!
Print
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a perfect way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious, golden, and cheesy snack. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these puffs are baked to perfection and make a great appetizer or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 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
Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to create a crispy exterior.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and form a consistent dough-like mixture.
- Shape the Puffs: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into balls about one inch in diameter. This size ensures even cooking and makes for perfect bite-sized puffs.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each potato ball in breadcrumbs until they are fully coated. The breadcrumbs will add a crunchy texture once baked.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Arrange the breadcrumb-coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced evenly to allow heat circulation.
- Bake: Bake the puffs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown, indicating they are crispy on the outside.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture. Enjoy your crispy mashed potato cheese puffs!
Notes
- Using leftover mashed potatoes with some butter and seasoning will enhance the flavor.
- Make sure the mixture is firm enough to hold shape; if too soft, add a bit more flour.
- For extra crispiness, you can spray the puffs with a light coating of cooking spray before baking.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like sour cream, ranch, or ketchup.
- These puffs can be prepared ahead and frozen; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
