Introduction

Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a golden, cheesy appetizer. These baked puffs are crunchy on the outside and soft inside, making them perfect for snacks or party treats.

The image shows four golden brown cheese puffs on a white plate. The cheese puffs have a crispy, rough outer layer with a rich golden color. One cheese puff in front is broken open, showing a soft, gooey, pale yellow cheese inside, with stretchy melted cheese strands connecting the two halves. The background is a white marbled texture with a blurred window and white mug visible further behind. The lighting highlights the crispy texture and creamy inside of the cheese puffs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well mixed.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Step 4: Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated for a crispy exterior.
Step 5: Arrange the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 7: Serve warm and enjoy your crispy cheese puffs!

Tips & Variations

Use cold mashed potatoes to make shaping the puffs easier and less sticky.
Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture for added flavor.
For a spicier twist, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for different cheesy tastes.

Storage

Store leftover cheese puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

How to Serve

The image shows four golden brown fried cheese puffs placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The puffs have a rough, crispy outer layer that is a deep golden color with some darker, crunchy spots. One of the cheese puffs in the front is torn open, revealing a soft, creamy, and gooey inner layer of melted cheese that stretches in strings between the two halves. The other three puffs remain whole, with their rounded tops and textured crusts clearly visible. The background includes a blurry cup beside a window with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?

Yes, fresh mashed potatoes work well, but let them cool completely before mixing to make shaping easier.

Can I freeze these cheese puffs?

Absolutely! Freeze baked puffs on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven until warmed through and crispy.

Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.8 from 112 reviews

Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful appetizer made from leftover mashed potatoes blended with cheddar cheese and seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These bite-sized balls are coated in breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, delivering a crunchy exterior with a soft, cheesy inside. Perfect for using up leftovers and serving as a tasty snack or party finger food.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 15–20 puffs 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potato Mixture

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

Coating

1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the cheese puffs.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and holds together well.
Shape Puffs: Using your hands, shape the potato mixture into small bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, for easy snacking.
Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each ball evenly in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are fully coated to ensure a crispy exterior after baking.
Arrange for Baking: Place the coated balls spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Use cold mashed potatoes as they are easier to shape and help the puffs hold together better.
Feel free to add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives to the mixture for extra flavor.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Keywords: mashed potato cheese puffs, potato snacks, leftover mashed potatoes recipe