Fluffy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe: Golden Bites of Heaven

Crispy, golden mashed potato puffs offer a delightful twist on classic comfort food that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Leftover mashed potatoes become the secret weapon in this ingenious recipe.

Cheese, herbs, and a touch of creativity turn simple ingredients into something magical.

Crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, creamy center that melts in your mouth.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, these puffs work perfectly as a side dish or appetizer.

Unexpected guests or weekend brunch will never be the same once you master this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Dive into this culinary adventure and watch magic happen on your plate.

What Makes Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe So Fun To Eat

• Craft Comfort Bites: Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy golden puffs that melt in your mouth with irresistible flavor.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Create restaurant-quality appetizers without complex techniques, making these potato puffs perfect for spontaneous gatherings or casual snacking.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Adaptable recipe that works brilliantly as game day treats, party appetizers, or fun side dishes that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Smart Ingredient Rescue: Brilliantly repurpose extra mashed potatoes into a completely new dish, reducing food waste while delivering maximum deliciousness.

Everything Inside Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy foundation that provides a soft and hearty texture to the puffs.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor that complements the potato base.
• Cream Cheese: Enhances the richness and helps bind the potato mixture together.

• Green Onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color to the puffs.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the potato mixture.
• Onion Powder: Contributes a smooth, savory background note to the overall taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other flavors.

• Eggs: Serves as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs stick to the potato puffs.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden exterior that adds crunch to the soft potato mixture.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for frying and helps achieve a crisp, golden-brown exterior.

• Sour Cream, Extra Green Onions: Adds a cool, creamy topping and fresh garnish for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Step-By-Step Guide For Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Step 1: Create Potato Mixture

• Cheddar cheese
• Cream cheese
• Green onions
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring all components are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 2: Shape Potato Puffs

Roll potato mixture into small golf ball-sized spheres using your hands. Place each ball carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Work gently to maintain the shape and size consistency of each puff.

Step 3: Prepare Coating Station

• First bowl: Beaten eggs
• Second bowl: Breadcrumbs

This two-step coating process will help create a crispy exterior for the potato puffs.

Step 4: Dip and Coat Puffs

Dunk each potato ball first into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Immediately roll in breadcrumbs, ensuring complete and even coverage. Return coated puffs to the baking sheet.

Step 5: Fry Potato Puffs

Heat oil in a large skillet to 350°F. Carefully drop coated puffs into hot oil in small batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes, rotating to achieve golden brown color on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions

Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture.

Smart Ideas For Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

• Prevent Soggy Puffs: Pat mashed potatoes dry before mixing to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy exterior and preventing potential oil splattering during frying.
• Balance Cheese Consistency: Use room temperature cream cheese and grated cheddar for smooth blending, creating uniform texture throughout the potato mixture.
• Master Frying Temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil heat around 350°F, guaranteeing evenly golden-brown potato puffs without burning.
• Create Perfect Coating: Shake off excess egg and breadcrumbs gently, ensuring a light, even layer that adheres well and provides maximum crunchiness.
• Batch Fry Strategically: Avoid overcrowding the pan by frying in small batches, maintaining oil temperature and allowing each puff to crisp up beautifully.

Tasty Spins On Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Puffs: Replace mashed potatoes with riced cauliflower, using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly version.
• Veggie-Loaded Puffs: Mix in finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, and zucchini to boost nutritional value and add colorful vegetables to the potato mixture.
• Mediterranean-Style Puffs: Swap cheddar for crumbled feta cheese, add dried oregano, and incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Puffs: Mix in finely diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to create a hot and zesty version of the original recipe.

Food That Goes With Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

• Enhance Flavor Pairing: Match these crispy potato puffs with tangy, light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness and complement the cheesy profile.
• Complementary Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled lemon-herb chicken or roasted turkey breast to balance the potato puffs' creamy texture and provide a protein-packed meal combination.
• Dipping Sauce Adventure: Create a zesty herbed ranch or spicy sriracha mayo as a dipping companion, adding extra flavor dimensions that elevate the potato puffs' crispy exterior and creamy interior.
• Vegetable Side Kick: Pair with a fresh arugula salad dressed in light vinaigrette to introduce a peppery, crisp contrast against the rich, cheesy potato puffs.

How To Keep Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe Fresh

• Seal cooled potato puffs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Arrange completely cooled puffs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. They'll keep well for 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Spread frozen or refrigerated puffs on a baking sheet, warm at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure crispy exterior and heated center.
• Place puffs in air fryer basket, heat at 350°F for 4-5 minutes.

Your Go-To FAQs For Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

• Can I make these potato puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture and form the puffs in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before coating and frying. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. They have a starchy texture that creates a creamy, smooth mashed potato base perfect for these puffs.

• Is there a healthier cooking method instead of frying?

Absolutely! You can bake the potato puffs in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning. They’ll be slightly less crispy but still delicious.

Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy golden mashed potato puffs bring comfort and delight to classic comfort cuisine. Cheesy, herbed, and perfectly light, these irresistible bites promise to elevate your dinner table with simple, elegant flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese and Potatoes:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Coating and Frying Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• Oil for frying

Topping:

• 1/2 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, combine creamy mashed potatoes with sharp cheddar, velvety cream cheese, delicate green onions, aromatic garlic powder, zesty onion powder, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly blend ingredients until achieving a uniform, silky consistency.
2. Gently shape the potato mixture into compact spheres, approximately golf ball-sized. Arrange each sphere methodically on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring uniform spacing.
3. Establish a two-part coating station: designate one receptacle for whisked eggs and another for breadcrumbs, preparing for the crispy exterior transformation.
4. Submerge each potato sphere first into beaten eggs, allowing excess to cascade off, then roll meticulously through breadcrumbs, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Heat neutral oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Carefully introduce potato puffs in small batches, maintaining oil temperature. Fry for 3-4 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior and crisp texture.
6. Extract puffs using a perforated utensil, transferring to paper towels for excess oil absorption. Plate immediately, garnishing with a dollop of tangy sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onion segments.

Notes

• Opt for cold mashed potatoes to help maintain their shape during coating and frying, preventing them from falling apart.
• Add a pinch of flour or cornstarch to the potato mixture for extra binding and crispiness when frying.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or Parmesan to create unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
• For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal to maintain the crispy exterior.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg