If you love comforting, cheesy bites with a golden crunch, you’re going to fall head over heels for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. These crispy little clouds transform humble mashed potatoes into irresistible nuggets of cheesy joy that nobody can resist—kids, adults, party guests alike! Whether you bake or fry them, Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are simple to prepare, perfect for using up leftovers, and endlessly snackable. Every puff is a cozy blend of creamy potato, gooey cheese, and crispy edges. Trust me, you’ll find yourself making extra mashed potatoes just for the excuse to whip these up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are staple ingredients with a little bit of magic. Each one brings its own spirit to the mix: creaminess, flavor, that irresistible crunch, or a vibrant finished look. Gather these kitchen basics and get ready for something extraordinary!
- Mashed potatoes: The star of the show—use prepared leftovers or mash up a fresh batch for the base.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into beautiful, gooey pockets in every bite and gives a bold, tangy flavor.
- Large eggs: Hold the mixture together and create that perfectly puffy texture.
- All-purpose flour: Helps bind everything and gives the puffs their structure.
- Salt: Essential for bringing the flavors to life—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds a little gentle heat and depth to the cheesy potato goodness.
- Oil or cooking spray: For frying up to golden perfection or ensuring perfect crispiness in the oven.
How to Make
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
If you’re starting with leftovers, just give them a gentle reheat so they mix more easily. Fresh mashed potatoes are great too—just boil, mash, and let cool slightly. Creamy, lump-free potatoes help deliver those smooth, pillowy puffs.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine your warm mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to blend everything until it turns into a smooth, uniform mixture. You want that cheese scattered throughout so every puff gets its fair share!
Step 3: Form Into Balls
Grab a generous spoonful of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a golf ball-sized sphere. Keep going until you’ve used up all the mixture—this should yield about 12 to 14 Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. If things get sticky, a quick rinse of your hands helps!
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
You can bake or fry—either way, you’re golden. For baking, heat the oven to 375°F. Add your puffs to a lined baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re crisp and golden brown. For frying, heat oil to 350°F and fry each ball gently until deep golden and delicious. Drain on a rack or paper towel for extra crispiness.
Step 5: Cool Slightly & Serve Warm
Let your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs cool for a couple of minutes after cooking. They’re best served warm, with melted cheese still gooey inside and the outside deliciously crisp. Prepare for a round of applause!
How to Serve
Garnishes
Take your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs over the top with simple yet eye-catching garnishes. Try a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh chives, parsley, or a light dusting of smoked paprika for color and a hint of smokiness. If you’re feeling decadent, a dollop of sour cream or a shake of Parmesan cheese is always welcome.
Side Dishes
Pair your cheese puffs with a bright, fresh salad to balance the richness. They’re also perfect alongside a bowl of tomato soup, making an unforgettable duo. For parties, serve them with an array of dipping sauces like sriracha mayo, ranch, or even a zingy chipotle dip. Everyone loves options!
Creative Ways to Present
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs look fantastic piled high on a platter, but you can also skewer them for easy party eating or nestle them in tiny muffin liners for personalized bites. For a playful twist, try stacking three puffs on a skewer with cherry tomatoes and basil for a potato “kebab” that’s as cute as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, transfer your leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. If you plan on snacking, just pop the container in a handy spot—you’ll be surprised how quickly they disappear!
Freezing
These cheesy bites freeze beautifully! Spread the uncooked puffs on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, pop them into a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, bake or fry them straight from the freezer; simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs back to life, reheat them in the oven at 375°F until crispy and warmed through, about 10 minutes. For maximum crunch, avoid the microwave—an air fryer or quick pan-fry works wonders if you don’t have time for the oven.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
You absolutely can! Just prepare your instant mashed potatoes according to the package instructions, making sure they’re not overly wet, and you’ll be good to go with your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs.
What other cheeses can I use?
If cheddar isn’t your favorite, feel free to experiment. Mozzarella offers a super-gooey pull, Parmesan adds sharpness, and even pepper jack gives a fun little kick. Use what you love and make them your own!
Can I add extra flavorings or mix-ins?
Definitely! Garlic powder, chopped herbs like parsley or chives, cooked bacon bits, or even a pinch of paprika will take your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs to the next level. This recipe is a great canvas for creativity.
Is it better to bake or fry Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?
Both methods turn out delicious puffs, so it really comes down to your personal taste and how much mess you want to clean up. Baking is a bit lighter and tidier, while frying delivers that ultra-crispy exterior we all secretly crave.
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix up the dough a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to roll and cook your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. This makes party prep so much easier!
Final Thoughts
If your heart beats faster for crispy, cheesy comfort food, give Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs a try! Whether you’re reinventing leftovers or planning the perfect party platter, these bites will always bring a little extra joy to the table. Gather your favorite dippers and get ready to watch them disappear—don’t be surprised if they become a regular request in your kitchen!
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Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 puffs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy puffs with this easy recipe for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. Golden and crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, snacks, or as a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Cooking:
- Oil or cooking spray for frying/baking
Instructions
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Boil and mash fresh potatoes or reheat leftover mashed potatoes until warm.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Form Puffs: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions and form smooth balls.
- Cook:
- For Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- For Frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the puffs until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let them cool slightly and enjoy warm!
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or fry for 1-2 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze the formed puffs on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then store in a zip-lock bag. Fry or bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Customization: Add garlic powder, paprika, or fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor. Substitute cheddar with mozzarella or Parmesan for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
