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
Scale
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.
