Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe

Introduction

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to repurpose your leftover mashed potatoes into a brand-new dish that’s just as delicious as the original. These golden, crispy puffs are loaded with melted cheese and have a light, fluffy texture that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a creative appetizer, snack, or side dish, these cheese puffs are the ideal solution for transforming your leftovers into something extraordinary.

This easy-to-follow recipe uses common ingredients to elevate leftover mashed potatoes into a savory treat that everyone will love. With a crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy interior, these puffs will quickly become a go-to dish whenever you have extra mashed potatoes lying around. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make these irresistible puffs, along with tips for perfect results and variations to try.

Why You’ll Love Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

• Transforms Leftovers into Something Special: Rather than letting mashed potatoes go to waste, this recipe turns them into a whole new dish. It’s a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes while creating a fun, tasty treat.
• Crispy on the Outside, Soft and Cheesy on the Inside: The cheese puffs are fried to a golden-brown crisp, offering the perfect combination of textures. Inside, they remain light and fluffy, with a cheesy, flavorful center.
• Versatile: These cheese puffs can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair wonderfully with a wide variety of main courses, from roasted meats to hearty soups, or they can be enjoyed on their own.
• Simple and Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and a straightforward method, you can whip up these cheese puffs in no time. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe is simple and fun to make.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love these cheesy, bite-sized puffs. They’re perfect for getting picky eaters to enjoy mashed potatoes in a new, exciting form.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12-15 cheese puffs
• Calories per Serving: Around 80-100 calories per puff, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 80-100 kcal
• Fat: 4-6g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

For the Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs:

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (preferably chilled)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil works well)

Special Equipment

While making Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs doesn’t require any specialized tools, the following equipment can help ensure the best results:

1. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few mixing bowls to combine the mashed potatoes, cheese, and seasonings, as well as one for the beaten egg and another for flour or breadcrumbs if desired.
2. Frying Pan or Deep Fryer: A wide frying pan or deep fryer is essential for frying the cheese puffs to a crispy golden-brown perfection. If using a frying pan, make sure the oil is deep enough to allow the puffs to float and cook evenly.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to ensuring the right balance of ingredients, so make sure to have measuring cups and spoons on hand.
4. Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop: A spoon or small ice cream scoop makes it easy to portion out the mashed potato mixture into uniform-sized puffs, ensuring even cooking.
5. Paper Towels: After frying, you’ll need paper towels to drain any excess oil from the cheese puffs, keeping them crispy and light.
6. Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is helpful for allowing the cheese puffs to cool slightly after frying while maintaining their crispiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, make sure they are well chilled before starting the recipe. Cold mashed potatoes hold their shape better and are less likely to become too runny when mixed with the other ingredients.

Transfer the mashed potatoes into a mixing bowl. If they’re too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen them slightly, but keep in mind that they should remain firm enough to hold their shape when forming puffs.

2. Mix the Cheese Puff Ingredients

To the bowl of mashed potatoes, add the shredded cheese, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. The flour helps bind the ingredients together, while the cheese adds flavor and creates that gooey, cheesy center. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Next, crack the egg into a separate bowl and beat it lightly. Add the beaten egg to the mashed potato mixture and stir it in thoroughly. The egg acts as a binder and helps the puffs hold their shape during frying.

If desired, you can also mix in the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and richness.

3. Form the Cheese Puffs

Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form the cheese puffs. Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, take a portion of the mashed potato mixture and gently roll it into a ball. The balls should be about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter, so they’re bite-sized and cook evenly.

If you want to make them a bit crispier, you can lightly roll the formed balls in breadcrumbs or additional flour, but this step is optional. Place the formed cheese puffs on a plate or tray as you go, ready to fry.

4. Heat the Oil for Frying

In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry the cheese puffs, but not so hot that they burn on the outside before cooking through. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of bread into the oil—if it sizzles and turns golden-brown within a few seconds, the oil is at the right temperature.

5. Fry the Cheese Puffs

Carefully add the mashed potato cheese puffs to the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the puffs in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough space to cook evenly. Fry the puffs for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden-brown and crispy on the outside.

Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the puffs from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

6. Cool and Serve

Once all the cheese puffs have been fried, allow them to cool for a few minutes on a cooling rack or a paper towel-lined plate. This step helps them crisp up even further and ensures they aren’t too hot to eat.

Before serving, you can sprinkle the cheese puffs with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added flavor. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, ketchup, or a tangy dipping sauce of your choice.

Tips for Perfect Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

• Use Chilled Mashed Potatoes: Cold mashed potatoes hold their shape better and prevent the mixture from becoming too runny, making it easier to form the puffs.
• Don’t Overmix: While it’s important to combine the ingredients well, be careful not to overmix the potato mixture, as this can make the puffs dense.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the outside of the puffs will brown too quickly while the inside remains cold. If the oil is too cool, the puffs will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Keeping the oil at the right temperature is key to getting perfectly crispy puffs.
• Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the cheese puffs. Frying in batches ensures that each puff has enough room to cook evenly and crisp up on all sides.
• Use the Right Cheese: While cheddar cheese is a popular choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of cheeses to create different flavors.

Variations of Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

• Bacon and Cheese Puffs: Add crispy bacon bits to the mashed potato mixture for a smoky, savory flavor. The bacon adds a delicious crunch and complements the melted cheese beautifully.
• Herb and Garlic Mashed Potato Puffs: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the mashed potato mixture for a fragrant twist. A bit of minced garlic can also add extra flavor.
• Spicy Cheese Puffs: If you like a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mashed potato mixture. The heat will balance out the rich cheese and create a unique flavor.
• Vegetable Cheese Puffs: For a veggie-packed version, add finely chopped cooked vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to the mashed potatoes. These additions will bring more color and nutrition to the dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later if necessary. After they have cooled completely, place the cheese puffs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, place the cheese puffs on a baking sheet and heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes for the perfect crispy texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cheese puffs. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen puffs can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Pair these cheese puffs with complementary dishes for a well-rounded meal:

• Roast Chicken or Steak: Serve these puffs alongside your favorite main course for a delicious, satisfying meal. The cheesy, crispy puffs are a great side for meats like roast chicken or steak.
• Salads: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with these rich cheese puffs, helping balance the flavors.
• Soup: Pair the cheese puffs with a hearty soup, such as tomato soup, potato leek soup, or butternut squash soup, for a cozy, comforting meal.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli, to elevate the flavor of these cheesy puffs.

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Conclusion

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a fantastic way to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a brand-new, delicious dish. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these crispy, cheesy puffs are sure to be a hit with everyone. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can create a fun and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So next time you have extra mashed potatoes, give this recipe a try and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of these irresistible puffs!