Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Okay, if you’re ready to level up your mashed potato game, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are about to become your new favorite dish. Imagine all the creamy, comforting goodness of mashed potatoes, but with a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a cheesy, fluffy interior. They’re like little bite-sized clouds of pure potato heaven. Whether you’re serving them as a side for dinner, a snack, or a fun appetizer at your next party, these cheesy puffs are guaranteed to be a hit. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never look at mashed potatoes the same way again.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Crispy on the Outside, Creamy on the Inside: The combination of a crunchy golden exterior with a soft, cheesy interior is unbeatable. It’s like the best of both worlds!
• Versatile: Serve them as a side dish, snack, or appetizer—they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to holiday feasts.
• Comfort Food with a Twist: Mashed potatoes are already a comfort food classic, but these little puffs take them to the next level with gooey cheese and crispy edges.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep them in advance and bake them just before serving. This makes them ideal for parties or weeknight dinners when you want to save time.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love these little puffs, and they’re a great way to sneak in some extra flavor and texture into a veggie-packed side.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring these cheesy potato puffs to life:

For the Potato Mixture:

• Mashed Potatoes: The foundation of this dish. Make sure they’re smooth and creamy!
• Cheddar Cheese: The star of the cheesy filling. It melts beautifully and gives these puffs their irresistible flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that complements the cheddar perfectly.
• Eggs: Help bind everything together and give the puffs a light texture.
• Garlic Powder: A little garlic flavor goes a long way in making these puffs extra tasty.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• Chives (optional): A bit of fresh chives adds color and a mild oniony flavor.

For the Coating:

• Breadcrumbs: To give these puffs a crispy, golden-brown finish.
• Butter: For brushing the puffs before baking, helping them crisp up beautifully.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Time to make these golden, cheesy bites of heaven!

1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:

If you haven’t already, prepare your mashed potatoes—creamy and smooth is key. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed. You can also fold in some fresh chives if you’re using them. The mixture should be smooth and a little thick.

2. Shape the Puffs:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the potato mixture into small, golf-ball-sized puffs. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet.

3. Coat the Puffs:

In a shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs. Roll each mashed potato puff in the breadcrumbs to coat them evenly. This gives them that delightful crispy outer layer.

4. Bake to Perfection:

Melt a little butter and lightly brush each puff with it. This will help them get that golden, crispy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes. Then, serve these cheesy, crispy puffs while they’re warm, and watch them disappear!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 puffs
• Calories per serving: 180
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• As a Side Dish: These puffs are a great side to serve with roast chicken, steak, or any hearty main dish.
• As a Snack or Appetizer: Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch, sour cream, or even a spicy ketchup. Perfect for parties!
• With a Salad: Pair them with a fresh, green salad for a balanced meal that still feels indulgent.

Additional Tips

• Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This is a fantastic way to use up any leftover mashed potatoes from dinner. The puffs are a great way to repurpose them and make something fun and delicious.
• Customize with Herbs or Spices: If you want to give these puffs a bit of a kick, try adding some cayenne pepper or paprika to the mashed potato mixture.
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, mozzarella, or even goat cheese would make great alternatives or additions to the filling.
• Make Ahead: You can shape the puffs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This is a great option if you’re making them for a gathering or event.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
A1: Absolutely! Store-bought mashed potatoes will work fine, but homemade mashed potatoes will give you a richer flavor and texture.

Q2: How can I make these puffs spicier?
A2: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the potato mixture.

Q3: Can I freeze these puffs?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the shaped puffs before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze them until firm, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.

Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A4: Definitely! Try using mozzarella for a stringy melt or gouda for a smoky flavor. The cheese options are endless!

Q5: Can I make them smaller?
A5: Yes, you can make them smaller if you’d like, but adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller puffs will cook faster, so keep an eye on them.

Q6: Can I make these without breadcrumbs?
A6: If you want a gluten-free version, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or skip them entirely for a soft, mashed potato-centered puff.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best crispiness.

Q8: Can I use a different type of potato?
A8: You can use any variety of potato, but russet potatoes give the fluffiest mashed potatoes. Yukon golds will add a creamier texture.

Q9: Can I use an air fryer for these?
A9: Yes, you can! Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Q10: Can I add veggies to the mixture?
A10: Absolutely! Chopped spinach, finely grated carrots, or even sautéed mushrooms would be delicious additions to the potato mixture.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the ultimate comfort food with a crispy twist. Whether you’re using up leftovers or making them fresh, they’re the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. Crispy on the outside, cheesy and creamy on the inside—what’s not to love? Make them once, and they’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

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