Oh my goodness, have you tried cheesy mashed potato puffs yet? They’re like little clouds of joy that are crispy on the outside and delightfully soft on the inside! Trust me, once you make these cheesy mashed potato puffs, they’ll become your go-to snack or side dish for every occasion. I love serving them at gatherings where everyone just can’t get enough! They’re super easy to whip up, especially if you have some leftover mashed potatoes hanging around. Plus, the golden-brown exterior gives you that satisfying crunch, while the cheesy goodness melts in your mouth. Honestly, what’s not to love? So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will have your friends and family begging for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups mashed potatoes, prepared and cooled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for that rich, gooey flavor
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, adding a nice salty kick
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped, for a fresh and crispy touch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, to help bind everything together
- 1 egg, beaten, to give the puffs that perfect texture
- Salt and pepper to taste, because every dish needs a little seasoning
- Oil for frying, enough to cover the bottom of your pan
How to Prepare Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these cheesy mashed potato puffs is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every step of it. Just follow along, and you’ll have a plateful of golden deliciousness in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your prepared and cooled mashed potatoes with the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, all-purpose flour, beaten egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want that cheesy goodness evenly distributed!
- Now, it’s time to form your puffs. Grab a spoonful of the mixture and roll it into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; that’s part of the charm!
- Next, heat a good amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, so the puffs fry evenly. It’s hot enough when a little drop of the mixture sizzles upon contact.
- Carefully place your potato balls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy. Flip them gently, so they don’t break apart!
- Once they’re cooked to perfection, remove the puffs from the pan and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Serve them warm and get ready to enjoy a cheesy, crispy treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and easy, then these cheesy mashed potato puffs are your new best friend! Here’s why you’ll adore them:
- Quick preparation – you can whip these up in just about 25 minutes!
- Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside – the perfect texture combo!
- Great for using up leftover mashed potatoes – no waste here!
- Customizable flavors – switch up the cheeses or add your favorite herbs for a twist!
- Perfect as a snack or side dish – they fit any meal or occasion!
- Kids and adults alike will be coming back for more – trust me!
Seriously, once you try them, you’ll find yourself making these cheesy bites again and again!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cheesy mashed potato puffs turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few handy tips for you! First off, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the puffs. A good test is to drop a small piece of the mixture in; if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go! This ensures that your puffs get that gorgeous crispy exterior.
Also, don’t hesitate to play around with your cheese choices! While cheddar and Parmesan are fantastic, you can try adding some gouda or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just make sure to keep the overall ratio of cheese to mashed potatoes balanced for the best texture.
Lastly, always use fresh ingredients—especially the potatoes and green onions. Freshness really makes a difference in flavor! Happy cooking!
Variations of Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Feeling adventurous? There are so many fun ways to mix things up with your cheesy mashed potato puffs! For a fresh twist, try adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill to brighten up the flavor. If you’re a spice lover, a pinch of paprika or even some cayenne pepper can give your puffs a delicious kick!
For cheese enthusiasts, don’t hesitate to swap out the cheddar and Parmesan for other melty varieties. Imagine the gooey goodness of mozzarella or the tangy flavor of feta! You could even throw in some crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms for an extra savory layer. The possibilities are endless! Just remember to keep the overall balance so your puffs stay perfectly fluffy and delightful. Get creative and make these puffs uniquely yours!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to cheesy mashed potato puffs, they’re not just delicious; they’re also fairly reasonable in terms of nutrition! Each serving, which is about four puffs, contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, who’s counting when they taste this good, right?
FAQ Section
Can I make these cheesy mashed potato puffs in the oven instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you’d prefer a healthier option, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20–25 minutes or until they’re golden brown. They won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version, but they’ll still be delicious!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
If you have any cheesy mashed potato puffs left, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to get that crispiness back!
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
While I recommend using homemade mashed potatoes for the best texture and flavor, you can use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch. Just make sure to prepare them without adding too much liquid, as you want a thicker consistency for shaping the puffs.
What other cheese can I use?
Feel free to get creative with your cheese choices! You can use mozzarella for a gooey melt, feta for a tangy twist, or even pepper jack for some heat. Just keep the total amount of cheese similar to the original recipe to maintain that perfect texture!
Can I freeze these cheesy mashed potato puffs?
Yes! You can freeze them before frying. Just shape the puffs and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy mashed potato puffs are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes! For a delightful appetizer, serve them alongside a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or a zesty sriracha mayo—trust me, they’re a match made in heaven! If you’re enjoying them as a side dish, they complement grilled meats beautifully, whether it’s juicy chicken, steak, or even a flavorful veggie burger.
Feeling a bit indulgent? Try serving them with a warm, cheesy fondue for dipping! No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these puffs will add a fun twist to your meal!
Print
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs: 2 Layers of Deliciousness
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy mashed potato puffs are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They make a great side dish or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, flour, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form small balls from the mixture.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the puffs until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe.
- Adjust the cheese types for different flavors.
- Ensure oil is hot enough before frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 puffs
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cheesy mashed potato puffs
