If you are looking to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a tantalizing treat, the Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These golden, crunchy bites are bursting with cheesy goodness on the inside and offer an irresistible crisp on the outside. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they deliver comfort food vibes wrapped in a fun, bite-sized package, making them ideal for casual family nights or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using everyday ingredients that pack lots of flavor and texture. Each item plays a special role in building those luscious, crispy cheese puffs you’ll want to make again and again.
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes: Using cold mashed potatoes helps the cheese puffs hold their shape and creates the perfect creamy texture inside.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides that classic cheesy flavor punch with a nice melt.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory element that enhances depth in every bite.
- 1 large egg lightly beaten: Acts as a binder to keep the mixture together while baking.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps firm up the mixture and contributes to the overall structure.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Brings a fresh, mildly sharp flavor that balances the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory notes that elevate the taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors to life.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of spice to contrast the cheese.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Coats the puffs to create that coveted crispy exterior.
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing: Ensures your puffs bake up beautifully golden and non-stick.
How to Make Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or a baking sheet with cooking spray or oil. This ensures the puffs don’t stick and come out with a perfect crispy bottom.
Step 2: Mix the Mashed Potato Mixture
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cold mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, the beaten egg, flour, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform. This blend guarantees a rich, flavorful base for the cheese puffs.
Step 3: Shape and Coat Your Puffs
Scoop small portions of the potato mixture—about a tablespoon each works great. Roll each portion into a smooth ball, and then coat it evenly in the panko breadcrumbs. The panko is key to achieving that irresistible crunch on the exterior.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place the panko-coated balls onto your prepared muffin tin or baking sheet. For extra golden crispiness, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Pop them into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and crispy all over.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the puffs to cool for a few minutes so they firm up a bit and are easier to handle. Then, dig in and enjoy the magical combination of creamy, cheesy centers with crisp, crunchy shells!
How to Serve Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
Why not dress up these cheese puffs with a variety of fresh garnishes? A sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up every bite. A drizzle of sour cream or a tangy dipping sauce like spicy aioli takes the flavor to the next level and makes them even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
These Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs make a fantastic companion to many meals. Serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance out the richness or alongside soup for a comforting, crowd-pleasing combo. They also work brilliantly as an appetizer before hearty main courses like roasted chicken or chili.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, present these cheese puffs on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. You can also offer an assortment of dipping sauces in small bowls so guests can mix and match flavors. Alternatively, stack them on a tiered tray to add height and visual interest to your appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2 to 3 days and maintain much of their texture and flavor.
Freezing
These cheese puffs also freeze beautifully. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or appetizer.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the cheese puffs back into a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This revives their crunchy exterior and warms up the cheese center without turning soggy—microwaving tends to make them soft and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes, or do they have to be leftover cold?
While cold mashed potatoes are ideal for holding their shape, you can use freshly made mashed potatoes as long as they are well chilled before you start mixing. This helps prevent the mixture from becoming too wet and sticky.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
Mozzarella or pepper jack cheese are great alternatives that offer different flavor profiles. Mozzarella will create a milder, creamier puff, while pepper jack adds a nice little kick.
Is it possible to make these cheese puffs gluten-free?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep them safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing texture.
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Frying will yield an extra crispy exterior but be mindful to cook them on medium heat to allow the cheese inside to melt without burning the panko coating.
How can I make these cheese puffs extra crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs and a light spray of cooking oil before baking helps achieve maximum crunch. Alternatively, cooking them in an air fryer at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes offers great results with less oil.
Final Thoughts
The Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe is an absolute gem for turning simple leftovers into a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer. Their crunchy exterior coupled with the rich, cheesy center creates a perfect bite every time. I promise, once you try these, they will become one of your go-to recipes for quick, delicious comfort food. So get rolling, baking, and sharing—the smiles these puffs bring are totally worth it!
Print
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 puffs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring cold mashed potatoes mixed with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, green onions, and seasonings. Coated in panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized puffs offer a satisfying crispy exterior with a creamy, cheesy interior—perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin or baking sheet with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, all-purpose flour, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a uniform mixture.
- Form Potato Balls: Scoop small portions of the potato mixture and roll each into a ball about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they are compact and smooth.
- Coat with Panko: Roll each potato ball in panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated on all sides to create a crispy exterior after baking.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated potato puffs into the prepared mini muffin tin or arrange them on the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the puffs turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the puffs cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese filling to set and to avoid burning your mouth.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, these puffs can also be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Substitute mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for cheddar to vary the flavor profile.
- Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe, making it an excellent way to reduce food waste.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs if a gluten-free option is desired.
