Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted *cheesy mashed potato puffs*? They’re like little bites of heaven! I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; they disappeared faster than I could say “seconds, please!” They’re perfectly crispy on the outside and delightfully creamy on the inside, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re having a casual movie night or hosting a fancy dinner party, these puffs are the ultimate snack that everyone raves about. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them over and over again. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this fun and delicious treat!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these cheesy mashed potato puffs a success! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes – You can use leftover mashed potatoes or make them fresh. Just be sure they’re creamy and smooth for the best texture!
- 1 cup shredded cheese – Any cheese you love will work wonderfully; cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick!
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – This helps bind everything together and gives the puffs that perfect crispiness.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped – Adds a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens up every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Just the right amount to add a delicious depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing all those yummy flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – A little kick to balance the richness of the cheese and potatoes.
- 1 egg – This helps bind the mixture together, making it easier to shape into puffs.
How to Prepare Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Getting these cheesy mashed potato puffs ready is super easy and fun! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious snack in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is essential because it helps the puffs cook evenly, giving them that golden, crispy exterior. So, let it warm up while you prep the rest of the ingredients!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and the egg. I like to use a sturdy fork or a spatula for this—just mix until everything is well combined, and you can’t see any dry breadcrumbs. Don’t be afraid to get in there; the warmth of the potatoes will help melt the cheese a bit!
Shape the Puffs
Now comes the fun part! With clean hands, take a scoop of the mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and gently shape it into a puff. You want them to be about 1.5 inches in diameter to ensure they bake evenly. Place each puff on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them so they can expand while baking.
Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let them bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to turn a beautiful golden brown. A quick tip: when they’re done, they should be crispy on the outside but still soft and cheesy on the inside. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—trust me, that first bite will be worth the wait!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cheesy mashed potato puffs turn out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t overmix the ingredients; you want a nice, fluffy texture, not a dense blob. If your mixture feels too wet, just add a bit more breadcrumbs to help it hold together. Also, remember to space the puffs out on the baking sheet—crowding them can lead to sogginess. And here’s a fun secret: if you want an extra crispy finish, give them a light spray of cooking oil before baking! Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, the nutritional information for these cheesy mashed potato puffs can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The values provided here are approximate and meant to give you a general idea. Always check the labels for the most accurate information!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They come together in just 15 minutes of prep—perfect for a last-minute snack!
- These cheesy mashed potato puffs are incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
- They’re bursting with flavor, thanks to the melty cheese and fresh green onions.
- Perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they’re a texture lover’s dream!
- They’re super versatile—serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish!
Variations on Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
The beauty of these cheesy mashed potato puffs is how easily you can customize them to suit your taste! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cheese for something different—experiment with blue cheese for a bold flavor or go with a creamy goat cheese for a tangy twist. Want some extra heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. You can also mix in some cooked bacon or ham for a savory kick. And don’t forget about herbs—fresh dill or parsley can add a lovely touch of freshness. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make these puffs your own!
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy mashed potato puffs are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with the right accompaniments! For a fun twist, serve them with a zesty dipping sauce like ranch or a creamy garlic aioli for extra flavor. They also make a wonderful side dish alongside grilled meats or hearty stews. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider placing them on a platter with fresh veggies and a variety of dips for a delightful appetizer spread. Trust me, they’ll be the star of the show!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), storing them properly is key to maintaining that lovely texture. Let the cheesy mashed potato puffs cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the puffs on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. Oops! Don’t microwave them, as they can get soggy—oven reheating is the way to go for the best results!
Print
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs: 2 Reasons to Love Them
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful snack made from cheesy mashed potatoes, shaped into puffs and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheese, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and egg.
- Form the mixture into small puffs.
- Place the puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use any cheese of your choice for different flavors.
- These can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 puffs
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cheesy mashed potato puffs
