Description
This recipe transforms leftover mashed potatoes into delicious, cheesy puffs that are crispy on the outside and soft inside. They can be baked or pan-fried and served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, paired perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup flour (or breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Coating and Cooking Ingredients
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if pan-frying)
Garnishes and Dips
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for dipping
- Ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and optional fresh parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Adjust the consistency: Make sure the mixture holds together. If it seems too loose, gradually add more flour or breadcrumbs until it forms a moldable dough-like consistency.
- Shape the puffs: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball between your hands, aiming for even, bite-sized portions.
- Add crisp coating (optional): For extra crunch, roll each ball in breadcrumbs to evenly coat the outside.
- Arrange for baking: Place the shaped puffs on a lined baking sheet or in a greased muffin tin, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart.
- Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the puffs.
- Brush with butter: Lightly brush each puff with the melted butter to promote browning and crispiness during baking.
- Bake the puffs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
- Alternative cooking step – air frying preparation: Preheat an air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for those opting for air frying instead of baking.
- Arrange in air fryer: Place the puffs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry: Cook the puffs for 12-15 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through to ensure crispiness on all sides.
- Pan-frying preparation: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat for those choosing to pan-fry the puffs.
- Fry the puffs: Cook each puff for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Cool slightly: Remove the puffs from heat and let them cool slightly to set and avoid burns during serving.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for color and fresh flavor.
- Serve with dips: Present the cheese puffs with sour cream, Greek yogurt, ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo for dipping according to preference.
Notes
- For the crispiest puffs, rolling them in breadcrumbs before cooking is recommended.
- Leftover mashed potatoes should be cooled before use; cold potatoes help with better binding.
- The cheese choice can be tailored to your preference for sharper or milder flavors.
- If the mixture is too wet, adding extra flour or breadcrumbs will help it hold shape better.
- You can freeze uncooked puffs on a tray and then transfer to a bag for later baking or frying.
- Adjust spices according to taste; smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
