Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Introduction
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into delicious, cheesy puffs that are crispy on the outside and soft inside. These cheese puffs make a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parchment paper (for baking)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chilled leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Gradually fold in the flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the mixture airy.
- Step 4: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop portions of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh chives or parsley to the mixture before baking.
- Try substituting part of the flour with cornstarch for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- If you prefer spicy puffs, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
Storage
Store leftover cheese puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?
Yes, freshly made mashed potatoes that have cooled completely will work well. Make sure they are not too watery to ensure the puffs hold their shape.
Can I freeze these cheese puffs?
Absolutely. Freeze the baked puffs on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat them in the oven directly from frozen for best results.
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Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cheese puffs 1x
Description
These Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delicious and easy way to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy bites. Combining shredded cheddar and mozzarella with garlic and onion powders, these puffs bake to golden perfection and make a perfect snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parchment paper (for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cheese puffs do not stick and bake evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chilled leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. This forms the flavorful base mixture for your puffs.
- Add Flour: Gradually fold in the flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix. This maintains a light and airy texture in the final puffs.
- Form Puffs: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop portions of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly for proper baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside for the perfect texture.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure mashed potatoes are well chilled to help the mixture hold together better.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the puffs for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends or add finely chopped herbs to the mixture for varied flavors.
- These puffs can be served as appetizers, snacks, or a side dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: leftover mashed potatoes, cheese puffs, cheddar mozzarella puffs, easy snacks, baked potato bites, garlic cheese puffs, appetizer recipes
