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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are crispy, golden bites with a soft, cheesy center that melts in your mouth. They blend the comforting creaminess of mashed potatoes with gooey melted cheese, perfect for snacks, appetizers, or side dishes. Easy and quick to prepare, these puffs offer a delightful texture contrast of crunchy exterior and tender interior, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: About 20 puffs 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 cups smooth, well-seasoned mashed potatoes (preferably day-old)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternatives like almond flour)
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Herbs and Spices

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick (optional)

Optional Add-ins and Variations

  • 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach or roasted red peppers (for vegetarian variation)
  • Additional small cheese cubes for stuffing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Start with smooth mashed potatoes made by boiling potatoes and mashing them with butter, salt, and a splash of milk or cream. Make sure the potatoes are well seasoned and ideally slightly drier (day-old works best) to help hold the shape of your puffs.
  2. Mix in Cheese and Binders: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with shredded cheese and one beaten egg to bind the mixture. Add any optional herbs or spices such as garlic powder, chives, or paprika at this stage to distribute flavor evenly.
  3. Form the Puffs: Using a small spoon, scoop bite-sized portions of the mixture and shape them into balls or small rounds. For extra cheesiness, you can insert a small cube of cheese into the center of each puff before shaping fully.
  4. Coat for Crunch: Lightly roll each puff in flour or breadcrumbs to create a crispy outer layer that will brown beautifully when cooked.
  5. Cook Until Golden: Choose your cooking method: deep-fry the puffs in hot oil until golden and crispy, or bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden on the outside and tender inside. Baking is a healthier alternative but frying delivers a crispier crust.
  6. Serve Warm: Enjoy the puffs freshly cooked, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and serve with complimentary dipping sauces such as sour cream, aioli, or spicy ketchup for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use day-old mashed potatoes for better texture and shape retention.
  • Do not overfill the puffs with cheese to prevent bursting.
  • If frying, keep oil temperature consistent and hot enough to avoid greasy puffs.
  • Cook a test puff first to ensure seasoning and texture are to your liking before proceeding.
  • Serve immediately for the best gooey and crispy experience.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze uncooked puffs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
  • Reheat in oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 puffs (approx. 90g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: cheesy mashed potato puffs, potato snacks, baked potato puffs, party appetizers, gluten free snacks, comfort food, mashed potato recipe