Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Introduction

Leftover mashed potatoes are one of those kitchen staples that always seem to end up in the fridge with no clear direction for what to do next. I was in that exact situation one night, and that’s when I decided to try making Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. The result was nothing short of amazing! These puffs are crispy on the outside and soft, cheesy, and fluffy on the inside. The perfect combination of texture and flavor, they make a great snack, appetizer, or even a side dish. Not only did my family devour them, but I loved how easy and quick they were to make. They’re a wonderful way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, turning them into something completely new and delicious. Every time I make these puffs, they get rave reviews, and they’ve quickly become a go-to recipe in our household!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to ensure the puffs don’t stick.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, chopped green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The cheese will melt and blend into the potatoes, creating a creamy and cheesy filling for the puffs.
3. Fill Muffin Tin: Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, spoon the potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin. Fill each cup about three-quarters full to allow room for the puffs to rise as they bake.
4. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops of the puffs are golden brown and the puffs have set. Keep an eye on them in the final minutes to ensure they don’t over-brown.
5. Serve Warm: Once they’re done, let the puffs cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve them warm and enjoy the cheesy, fluffy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 puffs (based on a standard muffin tin)
• Calories per Serving: 120-140 calories
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Snack: These cheesy mashed potato puffs are perfect as a quick snack. Serve them with a side of ketchup, sour cream, or a spicy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
• As a Side Dish: Pair these puffs with your main course like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a hearty soup for a comforting and filling meal.
• As an Appetizer: These puffs make a great appetizer for a party or gathering. Serve them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or spicy salsa.
• With Salad: Serve them alongside a light salad for a balanced meal with both comfort and freshness.

Additional Tips

1. Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This recipe is perfect for using up any leftover mashed potatoes you have. Just make sure the mashed potatoes are fully cooled before mixing them into the batter.
2. Add Bacon for Extra Flavor: For a savory twist, try adding crumbled bacon or cooked sausage to the mixture for added richness.
3. Customize with Different Cheeses: You can switch up the cheese to your liking. Try adding Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique twist.
4. Make Them Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy kick.
5. Use Fresh Spinach: If you don’t have frozen spinach, you can use fresh spinach. Just sauté it first to remove the moisture before adding it to the mix.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian-friendly version, simply skip the bacon and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the potato mixture.
• Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potato Puffs: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the mix for a stronger garlic flavor. You can even sprinkle garlic salt on top for an extra punch.
• Low-Carb Version: To make this recipe low-carb, use cauliflower mashed potatoes instead of regular potatoes. The texture will still be creamy and light, and the puffs will taste just as delicious.
• Herbed Mashed Potato Puffs: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the mixture to enhance the flavor and add a fresh, fragrant note.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side of Gravy: Serve these puffs with a side of turkey or beef gravy for a hearty, comforting meal.
• Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Pair these mashed potato puffs with roasted veggies like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a wholesome meal.
• As a Breakfast Side: Serve these potato puffs with scrambled eggs and a side of bacon for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: These puffs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their crisp texture.
• Freezing: To freeze, arrange the cooled puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until heated through.
• Reheating: If you prefer to reheat these puffs in the microwave, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute. However, baking them in the oven will help maintain their crispiness.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?
   Yes, you can use freshly made mashed potatoes. Just ensure they’re fully cooled before using them in the mixture.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Absolutely! You can swap the Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar, mozzarella, or any other cheese you prefer.
3. Can I add vegetables to the puffs?
   Yes, you can add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the mixture for added flavor and texture.
4. Can I make these puffs in advance?
   Yes, you can assemble the puffs in the muffin tin and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake them just before serving.
5. How do I prevent the puffs from sticking to the muffin tin?
   Make sure to grease the muffin tin thoroughly, or you can use cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
6. How do I store leftover mashed potato puffs?
   Store the puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven for a few minutes.
7. Can I freeze these mashed potato puffs?
   Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
8. Can I make these puffs spicier?
   Yes! You can add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy version.
9. Can I use regular potatoes instead of mashed potatoes?
   This recipe works best with mashed potatoes. However, if you have leftover baked potatoes, you can mash them and use them in the recipe.
10. Can I skip the green onions?
    Yes, you can omit the green onions if you prefer. You can also replace them with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside, fluffy and cheesy on the inside. Whether you’re using up leftovers or making them from scratch, these puffs are a delicious and easy way to enjoy mashed potatoes in a fun new way. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they’ll become a family favorite in no time. With endless variations, you can customize these puffs to your liking and enjoy them however you like. So next time you’re craving something cheesy and comforting, give these mashed potato puffs a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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