I absolutely adore sharing this Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe because it transforms simple leftover mashed potatoes into irresistible, golden-brown bites of cheesy goodness. Whenever I’ve got some potatoes hanging around after dinner, these puffs come to the rescue as a quick and surprisingly elegant snack or side dish. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings in such a fun way!
Why You'll Love This Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
What really draws me to this recipe is the amazing flavor combination and texture contrast. The crispy, breadcrumb-coated exterior gives you that satisfying crunch, while the inside stays incredibly creamy and cheesy thanks to the mashed potatoes and shredded cheddar. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and I love how the garlic powder subtly enhances the overall taste without overpowering it.
Another reason I’m so fond of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. It’s honestly one of those dishes where you can mix almost everything in one bowl, roll up some puffs, and pop them into the oven. No deep frying or complicated techniques are needed, which makes this ideal for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by. Plus, it’s a creative way to repurpose leftovers that might otherwise go to waste.
I also find these cheese puffs perfect for sharing at all kinds of occasions. Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a holiday appetizer spread, or even a game day snack, they always get rave reviews. What makes them stand out to me is their versatility and the fact that you can easily dress them up or down depending on how fancy or simple you want to go. And honestly, who doesn’t want a snack that’s both nostalgic and a little gourmet?
Ingredients You'll Need
The ingredients here are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the creamy leftover mashed potatoes to the sharp cheddar cheese and the crispy coating of breadcrumbs, every element contributes to the unforgettable texture and taste of these puffs.
TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below
- Leftover mashed potatoes: Using cold mashed potatoes makes shaping the puffs much easier and helps retain creaminess inside.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds a rich, tangy flavor and melts beautifully for that gooey center.
- Large eggs: Eggs act as a binder to hold all the ingredients together while adding a slight richness.
- All-purpose flour: A little flour helps give the structure needed so the puffs don’t fall apart during baking.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors without overwhelming the dish.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth that makes the bite extra comforting.
- Breadcrumbs: The secret to that addictingly crunchy outer shell that contrasts perfectly with the soft interior.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until you have a uniform, pliable dough.
Step 3: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls—about the size of a golf ball works perfectly for even cooking and easy snacking.
Step 4: Roll each shaped ball thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, ensuring every side is coated well to achieve that golden, crispy finish once baked.
Step 5: Arrange the breadcrumb-coated puffs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart so they bake evenly without sticking.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and feel firm to the touch. You’ll know they’re done when they’re crispy outside and warm and melty inside.
Step 7: Serve the puffs immediately while they’re still warm so you can enjoy that freshly baked crunch paired with gooey cheese.
Servings and Timing
This Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe yields about 12 delicious puffs, perfect for sharing as a snack or side dish. The prep time is quick—around 10 minutes to mix and shape everything. Baking takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes, making the total time just about 40 minutes from start to finish. There’s no lengthy resting or cooling time needed, but I recommend serving them right away for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve This Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
When it comes to serving these puffs, I love pairing them with something fresh and vibrant like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out their rich, cheesy nature. They also work wonderfully alongside a creamy dipping sauce like ranch, sour cream with chives, or a spicy aioli if you want to add another layer of flavor.
For presentation, sprinkling a little fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top adds a burst of color and freshness that really elevates the look of these cozy snacks. You can arrange them on a platter or in a rustic bowl for a casual vibe or use small paper liners for a party-ready touch. Serving portions of 3 to 4 puffs per person feels just right, but you know me—I say serve as many as your guests can eat!
Beverage-wise, I find these puffs pair beautifully with a light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a crispy lager beer. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemonade or iced herbal tea adds a refreshing contrast. Personally, these puffs make a fantastic addition to holiday gatherings, family game nights, or as a comforting treat after a long day, and I always prefer them served warm to capture that perfect crispy-cheesy harmony.
Variations
I’m always experimenting with this Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe, and one of my favorite tweaks is swapping cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella for a stretchier texture or Parmesan for an extra sharp kick. You could also add some finely chopped herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the mixture for an aromatic lift that feels a little more gourmet.
If you’re feeding guests with dietary restrictions, these puffs can be made gluten-free by replacing the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives—just make sure the texture remains similar. For a vegan version, replacing eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer and using a plant-based cheese can still get you a tasty puff, although they might be a bit softer and take some careful handling.
Cooking methods can also vary. While baking is my go-to for ease and even cooking, I’ve tried pan-frying the puffs in a little oil to get an even crispier crust. Just be cautious with the heat to avoid burning. You could also experiment with an air fryer for faster cooking and a perfect crunch with less oil.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, I recommend storing the Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh for up to 3 days. I like to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their crispiness as much as possible.
Freezing
These puffs freeze quite well! To freeze them, first arrange the cooled puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep for up to 2 months. This way, you can grab a handful whenever you want a quick snack without making a whole batch from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat and restore as much of the original crispiness as possible, place the puffs on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a hurry, as it tends to make the breadcrumbs soggy and the puffs lose their texture. If using an air fryer, a quick 5-minute blast at 360°F (180°C) works wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! You can make fresh mashed potatoes from scratch, just be sure they’re drained well and cooled completely before mixing so the dough holds together properly. Avoid overly wet or buttery mashed potatoes to prevent sogginess.
What if I don’t have cheddar cheese on hand?
No problem! Other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella can work beautifully. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and melt quality, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
How do I make these puffs gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Make sure the gluten-free breadcrumbs are finely ground to mimic the texture of regular ones, which helps with crispiness.
Can I prepare these puffs in advance?
You can! Prepare and shape the puffs ahead of time and store them on a baking sheet covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze as described above and bake straight from frozen.
Is there a way to make these puffs spicier?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the potato mixture will give the puffs a pleasant heat. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce like chipotle mayo or a sriracha aioli to turn up the flavor.
Conclusion
I truly hope you give this Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe a try and discover just how fun and delicious leftover mashed potatoes can be. They’re a perfect marriage of simplicity, comfort, and a touch of gourmet, and I always feel proud serving them to family and friends. Warm, cheesy, and crispy—what’s not to love? Happy baking and even happier snacking!
Print
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or side dish that transforms leftover mashed potatoes into golden, cheesy bites. Baked to perfection, these puffs have a crispy breadcrumb coating and a savory, cheesy interior, making them perfect for parties, snacks, or as a comforting addition to any meal.
Ingredients
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 mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well until the mixture is uniform and sticky enough to hold shape.
- Shape Puffs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls or puffs, pressing firmly to ensure they hold together.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs, coating them fully to create a crispy exterior after baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breadcrumb-coated balls evenly spaced 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 or until the puffs turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm as a snack or side dish.
Notes
- Use cold mashed potatoes for easier shaping and better texture.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra burst of flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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