Fluffy Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe for All

Creamy leftover mashed potato cheese puffs spark joy in unexpected kitchen adventures.

My grandmother shared this brilliant recipe during lazy Sunday afternoons.

Crispy exterior and molten cheese centers make these little bites irresistible.

Simple ingredients transform yesterday’s side dish into today’s delightful snack.

Potato scraps become something magical with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Reimagine boring leftovers as crunchy, golden appetizers that everyone will devour.

Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this ingenious recipe right now.

What Makes Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs So Tasty

• Transform Leftovers: Rescue those extra mashed potatoes by turning them into crispy, cheesy delights that everyone will love.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Combine ingredients in one bowl, shape into balls, and cook using either frying or baking method – perfect for busy cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: These golden potato puffs work wonderfully for game nights, family gatherings, or as a delightful side dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Choose between frying for extra crispiness or baking for a lighter version, giving you flexibility based on your preference and kitchen setup.

Ingredients Needed for Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

• Leftover Mashed Potatoes: The creamy base that provides a soft and rich texture to the cheese puffs.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and flavorful cheese that adds a delicious tangy taste to the mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that brings a nutty and salty dimension to the cheese puffs.

• Flour: Helps to bind the ingredients together and provides structure to the puffs.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent that helps hold the mixture together and adds richness.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic complexity to the cheese puffs.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Chopped Parsley: Adds a fresh herb flavor and a pop of green color to the cheese puffs.

• Cooking Spray, Oil: Used for frying or baking the potato cheese puffs to achieve a golden brown exterior.

How to Prepare Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Step 1: Create Flavorful Potato Mixture

• Leftover mashed potatoes
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• All-purpose flour
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything thoroughly until the mixture becomes thick and slightly tacky. The goal is a consistent texture that holds together perfectly.

Step 2: Shape Delightful Potato Balls

Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, craft compact 1-inch spheres. For an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle in some freshly chopped parsley.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

Frying Option:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Gently place potato balls into the sizzling pan. Cook until each side develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Baking Option:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange potato balls on a lined baking sheet. Lightly mist with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Bake until they reach a beautiful golden-brown color, around 20-25 minutes.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Present these crispy, cheesy potato puffs while they’re piping hot. Watch them disappear quickly!

Helpful Advice for Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or blue cheese to add unique flavor profiles to your potato puffs.
• Ensure mashed potatoes are cooled completely before mixing to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet and falling apart during cooking.
• Prevent sticking by lightly coating hands with flour or using a wet spoon when forming potato balls for easier shaping.
• Achieve extra crispiness by rolling the potato balls in breadcrumbs or panko before frying or baking for a crunchy exterior.
• Make these puffs gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend without compromising taste or texture.

Variations on Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

• Herb Fusion Puffs: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage into the potato mixture for an aromatic herb-infused version that elevates the classic recipe.
• Spicy Jalapeño Poppers: Add finely chopped jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to create a zesty, heat-packed variation that brings excitement to the potato puffs.
• Mediterranean Style: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that transports your taste buds.
• Bacon Cheddar Blast: Fold in crispy bacon bits and extra sharp cheddar cheese to create a rich, indulgent version that satisfies savory cravings.

Pairing Suggestions for Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, cheesy potato puffs with its refreshing acidity and clean finish.
• Create a Dipping Sauce Symphony: Whip up a tangy garlic aioli or herbed sour cream to enhance the crispy exterior and creamy potato interior, adding an extra layer of flavor complexity.
• Match with Hearty Salad Companions: Serve alongside a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide a fresh, peppery contrast to the warm cheese puffs.

Storing Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

• Store cooled mashed potato cheese puffs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Arrange uncooked or cooked puffs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. Frozen puffs will keep for 2-3 months.
• Warm in a preheated 350F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to maintain texture.
• Reheat in oven at 375F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy edges return.

FAQs About Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

• Are these puffs kid-friendly?

Yes! These potato cheese puffs are perfect for kids. They’re cheesy, crispy, and easy to eat. Children typically love the combination of potato and cheese, making them an excellent snack or appetizer for family meals.

• Can I make these puffs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the potato mixture and shape the balls in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes them great for meal prep or entertaining guests.

• What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar and Parmesan are excellent choices, but you can also use other melting cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and adds good flavor to the potato mixture.

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35–40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Leftover mashed potato cheese puffs breathe delicious new life into yesterday’s side dish, creating crispy golden appetizers packed with cheesy comfort. Savory, light, and irresistibly crunchy, these puffs invite you to savor every delectable bite of this smart kitchen rescue.

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Ingredients

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Potato and Cheese Base:

• 2 cups (473 ml) leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend leftover mashed potatoes with cheddar, Parmesan, flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until achieving a cohesive, slightly tacky consistency.
2. Gently shape the potato mixture into compact 1-inch spheres, incorporating chopped parsley for an enhanced aromatic profile and vibrant visual appeal.
3. For pan-frying method: Warm vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat (approximately 350°F), carefully introducing potato orbs and rotating periodically to ensure uniform golden-brown exterior, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
4. For oven-roasting technique: Preheat oven to 400°F, arrange potato spheres on parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly mist with cooking spray to promote crispy texture.
5. Bake potato puffs for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee even browning and achieving a delectable crisp exterior with tender interior.
6. Transfer to serving platter, allowing brief cooling period, then present these savory cheese-infused potato morsels while maintaining optimal temperature and crunchiness.

Notes

• Adjust potato consistency by adding more flour if the mixture feels too wet, ensuring the puffs hold their shape during cooking.
• Choose high-starch potatoes like Russet for fluffier texture and better binding in the cheese puffs.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles.
• Make these puffs gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg