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Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are crispy golden bites with a melty cheesy center and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for quick snacks, appetizers, or party treats. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these puffs offer a delightful contrast of textures and customizable flavor options.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 2 cups fluffy mashed potatoes (well-mashed, no lumps)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or your favorite meltable cheese)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional herbs (such as chopped chives, parsley, rosemary, or thyme)

Coating

  • 1 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)

For Cooking

  • Oil or butter for frying or baking

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mashed potatoes: Start with well-cooked potatoes, either homemade or leftover, and mash them until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps to ensure the perfect texture for the puffs.
  2. Mix the cheese and binders: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, flour, and an egg. Add salt, pepper, and any herbs you like. Stir well until everything is evenly blended into a soft dough.
  3. Form the puffs: Take small spoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. For an extra crispy exterior, roll the balls in breadcrumbs before cooking.
  4. Cook the puffs: Fry the balls in hot oil (around 350°F / 175°C) until golden brown on all sides, or bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until crisp and cooked through. Choose frying for extra crunch or baking for a lighter treat.
  5. Drain and serve: Once cooked, place the puffs on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil. Serve warm to enjoy the best cheesy, fluffy experience.

Notes

  • Use cold mashed potatoes to help the mixture bind better and make shaping easier.
  • Don’t overfill with cheese to avoid soggy puffs.
  • Chill shaped puffs for 15-20 minutes before cooking to firm them up and reduce falling apart.
  • Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and crispiness when frying.
  • Drain cooked puffs well using paper towels or a wire rack to keep them light and crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potato, cheese puffs, appetizer, snack, crispy, cheesy, quick recipe, party food, gluten free option