If you’re on the hunt for a snack that delivers comfort, cheesy goodness, and a crispy exterior in every bite, let me introduce you to the incredible Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe. This dish is a perfect blend of creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheeses, baked or fried to golden perfection. It’s easy to make, wildly satisfying, and can quickly become your go-to appetizer or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re serving guests or just craving a cozy treat, these cheese puffs are pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, working together to create those irresistibly fluffy and cheesy bites you’ll love.
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes: The creamy base that holds everything together with comfort and smoothness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and melty cheesiness that’s absolutely addictive.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty kick enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Provides freshness and a mild oniony zing that wakes up the palate.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder, ensuring the puffs maintain their shape beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory depth that complements the cheese.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and balance without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the flavors, making each bite satisfying.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional): Used for firmer texture, perfect if you prefer your puffs more structured.
- Oil or nonstick spray (if baking): Ensures a crispy golden crust when baking or air frying.
How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Method
Start by setting the stage for perfect puffs. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). For frying, heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a quick crisping when the puffs hit the heat, locking in flavor and texture.
Step 2: Mix All the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, chopped green onions, the egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated. If the mixture feels too loose to hold shape, gently fold in the optional flour. This step is where the magic starts to come together—each component melding into a flavorful, pliable dough.
Step 3: Shape the Puffs
Scoop about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it gently into a ball or slightly flatten it into a small disc. These bite-sized portions make perfect puffs that bake or fry evenly. The consistent size helps them cook uniformly, giving you that irresistible golden crust with a soft interior.
Step 4: Cook Your Puffs
If baking, place the shaped puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray with oil, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip halfway through for even browning until the puffs turn golden and crispy. Using an air fryer? Arrange them in a single layer in the basket, spritz with oil, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to prevent sticking.
Prefer frying? Carefully fry in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until beautifully golden and crisp. Drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve these irresistible puffs hot alongside your favorite dipping sauces like sour cream, ranch, or ketchup. They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm, with that wonderfully crunchy exterior giving way to cheesy, fluffy centers.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling more chopped green onions or a dash of paprika on top right before serving adds a lovely pop of color and a subtle punch of flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives also work beautifully to brighten up the plate and complement the savory cheese.
Side Dishes
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs make an excellent appetizer but also pair wonderfully with crisp salads, grilled veggies, or even a hearty soup. They add a delightful contrast to lighter dishes and can jazz up a casual meal or party spread with their rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn these into party finger foods by skewering them on small picks alongside cherry tomatoes and fresh basil? Or serve them as sliders with mini buns and a dollop of garlic aioli inside. The Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe is incredibly versatile and can adapt to whatever creative flair you want to bring to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re perfect to grab as a quick snack or to reheat and enjoy as a light bite later on.
Freezing
You can freeze these puffs before cooking by placing them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well up to 1 month and can be cooked straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat and retain their crispy texture, pop the puffs in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the puffs soggy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into something completely new and exciting. Just make sure your mashed potatoes aren’t too runny—thicker potatoes work best for shaping the puffs.
What kind of cheese works best in the puffs?
Cheddar is the star for its meltiness and sharp flavor, but you can experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of spicy pepper jack for a twist. Parmesan adds a wonderful savory edge and perfect balance.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply skip the flour or replace it with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Is frying better than baking or air frying?
Frying delivers that ultimate crispy crust with a slightly richer taste, but baking and air frying are fantastic healthier options that still produce a lovely crunch. It really depends on your preference and how much time or effort you want to invest.
How can I make sure the puffs hold together well?
Using an egg as a binder and adding flour if needed helps the mixture stay cohesive. Also, chilling the shaped puffs briefly before cooking can improve their firmness and prevent them from falling apart.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe enough—they’re the perfect balance of cheesy comfort and crispy delight, loved by kids and adults alike. Once you make them, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy these puffs, from party snacks to side dishes, making every bite feel like a warm hug. Give this recipe a try and get ready to impress everyone around your table with this effortlessly delicious treat!
Print
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously crispy and cheesy mashed potato puffs that can be baked, air-fried, or deep-fried for a versatile appetizer or snack. These golden bites combine creamy mashed potatoes with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, accented by green onions and a hint of garlic, perfect for sharing or party platters.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for firmer texture)
- Oil or nonstick spray (if baking or air frying)
Instructions
- Preheat the cooking equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If you choose to fry the puffs, heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the optional flour if you want a firmer texture that holds shape better.
- Shape into puffs: Scoop about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls or press them lightly into small discs for even cooking.
- Bake in the oven: Place the shaped puffs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray them with oil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Air fry option: Arrange the puffs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Fry in a skillet: Fry the puffs in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve your mashed potato cheese puffs hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces such as sour cream, ranch, or ketchup for a tasty treat.
Notes
- Use cold mashed potatoes for best consistency when shaping the puffs.
- The addition of flour is optional but helps the puffs hold their shape better, especially if mashed potatoes are very soft.
- You can customize the cheese blend by adding mozzarella or a spicy cheese for variation.
- Make sure to flip the puffs halfway through baking to achieve even browning on both sides.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends.
- These puffs can be made ahead and refrigerated before cooking for convenience.
