Description
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delicious and easy way to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy bites. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these puffs combine creamy mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese, seasoned with garlic and onion powder, then fried to golden perfection. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a comforting and tasty treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh parsley if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until well combined, forming a firm but slightly sticky mixture.
- Shape the Puffs: Scoop about one tablespoon of the mashed potato mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each ball onto a tray or plate. For extra crispiness, optionally roll the potato balls in additional breadcrumbs or panko.
- Fry the Puffs: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the potato balls into the pan. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn them gently to avoid breaking.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the fried puffs onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil, keeping them crispy.
- Serve: Serve the Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing or ketchup, or enjoy them plain as a tasty snack or side dish.
Notes
- You can customize the cheese – mozzarella, Parmesan, or a mix work well.
- Using panko breadcrumbs for coating gives an extra crispy texture.
- For baking instead of frying, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake on a greased sheet for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Leftover mashed potatoes should be well-seasoned for best flavor.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent puffs from absorbing too much oil.
- These puffs are best served immediately for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 puffs (approx. 90g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: mashed potato cheese puffs, leftover mashed potatoes recipe, crispy potato puffs, cheesy snacks, fried potato balls
