Leftover mashed potatoes often find their way into simple reheats, but why settle for the usual when you can transform them into these crispy, cheesy, and flavorful potato puffs? Whether you have mashed potatoes from last night’s dinner or simply want a fun way to repurpose them, these Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the perfect solution. Loaded with melted cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and green onions, these puffs are easy to make and ideal as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. The golden, crispy exterior gives way to a soft and creamy inside, with every bite bringing comfort and satisfaction.
These potato cheese puffs can be made quickly and require just a few simple ingredients, making them an excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and add some zest to your next meal. Plus, they’re customizable, allowing you to swap in your favorite cheeses or herbs to create variations that suit your tastes.
Ingredients:
For the Puffs:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key to achieving the crispy texture on the outside of the puffs while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or a baking sheet with cooking spray or oil to prevent the puffs from sticking during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions (or chives), breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to thoroughly mix everything together until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky, so the puffs hold their shape when baked.
Step 3: Form the Puffs
Once the mixture is well-mixed, scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture into each mini muffin cup (if using a muffin tin) or roll them into small balls if you’re using a baking sheet. The mixture should form small, compact mounds, so they bake evenly and turn out golden brown. If you’re using a mini muffin tin, press the mixture into each cup lightly to ensure an even distribution.
Step 4: Bake
Place the mini muffin tin or baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the potato puffs for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the outside is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted, and the puffs should have a light, airy interior. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t over-brown.
Step 5: Serve
Once the puffs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. The cheese puffs can be served warm with a side of sour cream, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Cooking Notes:
- Texture Tip: The key to getting the perfect texture is to avoid overmixing the ingredients. Overmixing can result in dense puffs. Stir just until everything is combined.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gouda, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack can be used for variations.
- Crispy Exterior: For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray the tops of the puffs with a bit of cooking spray before baking, especially if you’re baking them on a sheet rather than in a muffin tin.
Serving Suggestions:
- These cheese puffs are perfect on their own as a snack or appetizer, especially when paired with your favorite dips like ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli.
- They also make a great side dish to serve with soups, salads, or a hearty main course like grilled chicken, pork chops, or a veggie stir-fry.
- If you’re hosting a party or a gathering, these puffs will be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them warm for an irresistible bite-sized treat.
Tips:
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the puffs ahead of time, form them into balls, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This can save you time during meal prep, especially when entertaining.
- Leftover Variations: If you have leftover mashed potatoes with added flavors (like garlic, herbs, or sour cream), you can use them in this recipe for an added depth of flavor.
- Freezing: Leftover puffs can be frozen for up to a month. To freeze, bake them fully, let them cool, and then store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven when ready to enjoy.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cooking Time:25 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Puff):
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
(These values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
FAQs:
Q: Can I make these puffs ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the puffs ahead of time by forming the puffs and refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them perfect for meal prepping or for quick snacks during the week.
Q: Can I use other types of potatoes?
A: While mashed potatoes are the traditional choice for this recipe, you could try using other cooked potatoes. However, mashed potatoes will give the puffs the soft, creamy texture needed.
Q: How do I reheat leftover cheese puffs?
A: To reheat, simply place the leftover puffs in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. For the best texture, avoid microwaving them, as they may become soggy.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! You can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers. Just make sure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Conclusion:
These Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a perfect solution for repurposing your mashed potatoes into something fun, flavorful, and entirely new. They’re crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and can be customized with various cheeses, herbs, and seasonings to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a savory snack, a party appetizer, or a side dish to complement your main meal, these cheese puffs are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. They’re quick, easy, and utterly delicious! Enjoy your potato transformation with every bite.
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Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Puffs:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key to achieving the crispy texture on the outside of the puffs while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or a baking sheet with cooking spray or oil to prevent the puffs from sticking during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions (or chives), breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to thoroughly mix everything together until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky, so the puffs hold their shape when baked.
Step 3: Form the Puffs
Once the mixture is well-mixed, scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture into each mini muffin cup (if using a muffin tin) or roll them into small balls if you’re using a baking sheet. The mixture should form small, compact mounds, so they bake evenly and turn out golden brown. If you’re using a mini muffin tin, press the mixture into each cup lightly to ensure an even distribution.
Step 4: Bake
Place the mini muffin tin or baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the potato puffs for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the outside is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted, and the puffs should have a light, airy interior. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t over-brown.
Step 5: Serve
Once the puffs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. The cheese puffs can be served warm with a side of sour cream, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Notes
Cooking Notes:
- Texture Tip: The key to getting the perfect texture is to avoid overmixing the ingredients. Overmixing can result in dense puffs. Stir just until everything is combined.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gouda, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack can be used for variations.
- Crispy Exterior: For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray the tops of the puffs with a bit of cooking spray before baking, especially if you’re baking them on a sheet rather than in a muffin tin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Sodium: 180mg
- Protein: 3g