Fluffy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe That Kids Adore

Whipping up delectable cheesy mashed potato puffs can turn an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Crispy edges and soft centers make these little bites irresistible.

Each golden-brown morsel bursts with rich, creamy flavors that dance across your palate.

Cheese lovers will adore the melty goodness nestled within fluffy potato clouds.

Simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular.

Perfectly seasoned and surprisingly easy to prepare, these puffs promise to become a new favorite at your table.

You’ll want to make extra, trust me.

Why Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Are So Tasty

• Savor Quick Comfort: Transforms leftover mashed potatoes into delightful golden crispy bites perfect for satisfying sudden hunger cravings.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching cheeses, adding herbs, or incorporating different spices to match your family's taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Delivers crowd-pleasing finger food that works brilliantly for game day, potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend snacking.
• Simple Preparation Magic: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps anyone can master, making it an ideal recipe for beginner cooks and kitchen enthusiasts.

What’s In Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy base that provides the primary texture and flavor for the puffs.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds rich, tangy flavor and helps bind the mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese that brings a salty and nutty depth to the potato puffs.
• Eggs: Essential binding agent that helps hold the potato mixture together.
• Breadcrumbs: Crispy coating that creates a golden and crunchy exterior.

• Chives, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the potato puffs.

• Cooking Spray, Oil: Used to prevent sticking and help achieve a crisp exterior when baking.

How To Bake Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and give it a quick spritz of cooking spray or light oil coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Potato Magic

• Leftover mashed potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped chives
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until the ingredients are best friends and totally combined.

Step 3: Egg Bath Prep

Crack eggs into a separate bowl and whisk them until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Shape Potato Treasures

Scoop out spoonfuls of the potato mixture and roll them into cute little balls or flatten into small patties. Get creative with your shapes!

Step 5: Create Crispy Coating

Dunk each potato ball into the egg mixture, making sure it’s completely covered. Then roll the eggy potato in breadcrumbs until it’s got a perfect golden jacket.

Step 6: Line Up for Baking

Arrange your coated potato gems on the prepared baking sheet, giving each one a little breathing room.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven and let these beauties bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown color and a crispy exterior.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your potato puffs and serve them immediately while they’re hot and irresistibly crunchy.

Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a side that’ll steal the show!

Tips For Getting Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Just Right

• Use cold, leftover mashed potatoes for firmer texture and easier shaping of the puffs.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
• For gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
• Add crispy bacon bits or finely chopped herbs like rosemary for extra depth and complexity.
• Ensure even coating of breadcrumbs by using a rolling motion and pressing gently to help them stick securely.

Creative Ways To Try Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Ranch Potato Puffs: Replace chives with ranch seasoning mix, adding a tangy and herbaceous flavor profile to the classic recipe.
• Bacon Cheddar Blast: Incorporate crispy chopped bacon bits into the potato mixture, enhancing the cheesy puffs with smoky, savory notes.
• Mediterranean Style: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired potato puff variation.
• Spicy Jalapeño Poppers: Fold diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese into the potato mixture, creating a zesty and fiery version of the original recipe.

Good Matches For Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the cheesy, rich potato puffs with their light, refreshing acidity that cuts through the creamy texture.
• Create Tangy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a zesty ranch or garlic aioli to add an extra flavor punch that enhances the crispy exterior and cheesy interior of the potato puffs.
• Match with Fresh Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness of the potato puffs and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy appetizer.
• Serve with Chilled Beer: A crisp pilsner or light lager works wonderfully, offering a cool, carbonated contrast to the warm, cheesy potato puffs and cleansing the palate between bites.

Storing Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Correctly

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled potato puffs to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and retain their crispy texture.
• Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual potato puffs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining their delicious flavor and quality.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 375°F, arrange potato puffs on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy, restoring their original golden crunch.

Questions People Ask About Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes work well. Just ensure they’re cooled and thick enough to hold shape when forming the puffs.

• Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

• How do I prevent my potato puffs from falling apart?

Make sure your mashed potatoes aren’t too wet and mix in the cheese and eggs thoroughly. Chill the mixture for 15 minutes before forming balls can also help them hold together better.

• Can I freeze these potato puffs before baking?

Yes, you can! Prepare the puffs, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag.

Extra-Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory cheesy mashed potato puffs deliver a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a creamy, indulgent center. Comfort classics get a delightful upgrade that will surprise and satisfy hungry guests at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• Salt and pepper to taste

Binding and Coating:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend mashed potatoes with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, incorporating chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl until smooth and well-combined.
4. Using a spoon or small scoop, form the potato mixture into uniform round balls or compact patties.
5. Carefully dunk each potato formation into the whisked eggs, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Roll the egg-coated potato spheres in breadcrumbs, rotating to create a consistent, crispy exterior.
7. Arrange the breaded potato puffs on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each piece.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until they transform into a rich golden-brown color with a crisp, crunchy texture.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a serving platter.
10. Serve immediately while warm, presenting as a delectable appetizer or complementary side dish.

Notes

• Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add crispy bacon bits or chopped herbs like rosemary for extra texture and depth of flavor.
• Freeze uncooked potato puffs for quick future meal preparation, allowing you to enjoy them anytime without extensive prep work.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 90mg