Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a tasty treat. These puffs are not only crispy on the outside but also soft and cheesy on the inside, making them perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to elegant potlucks. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese creates an irresistible snack that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Deliciously Versatile: Feel free to swap out the cheese or add your favorite herbs and spices for a personal touch.
Perfect for Leftovers: A fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes instead of letting them go to waste.
Kid-Friendly: These puffs are fun to eat and can be a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
Great for Sharing: Ideal as appetizers or snacks at gatherings, they will surely impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, you’ll need some essential tools that help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Spoon or cookie scoop
Frying pan

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
Baking sheet: Perfect for evenly baking multiple puffs at once, ensuring they cook uniformly.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after frying or baking.

Ingredients

For the Puffs

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

How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Step 1: Prepare Your Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. The mixture should be cohesive but not too wet.

Step 2: Shape the Puffs

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form small balls from the mixture. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Cook the Puffs

Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. When hot, carefully add the potato balls in batches. Fry until golden brown on all sides—about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer cooked puffs onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once all puffs are cooked, serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as is! These Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are sure to be a hit!

How to Serve Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are versatile and can be paired with various dishes or enjoyed on their own. These puffs make a delightful appetizer, snack, or even a side dish for your main meals.

Pair with Dips

Sour Cream: A classic dip that adds a creamy tang.
Spicy Ketchup: A zesty twist to complement the cheesy flavor.
Ranch Dressing: Perfect for those who love a herby taste.

Serve with Salads

Caesar Salad: The crisp greens contrast nicely with the soft puffs.
Coleslaw: Adds crunch and freshness to your meal.
Mixed Greens: Light and refreshing, a great balance to the rich cheese puffs.

Enjoy as a Snack

With Pickles: The acidity of pickles cuts through the richness, making it an enjoyable snack.
On Their Own: Perfect for a quick bite at any time of day.

How to Perfect Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Creating the perfect Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs is easy with a few simple tips. Keep these in mind while you cook!

Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: Cold potatoes help achieve the best texture when forming the puffs.
Adjust Cheese Types: Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors; mozzarella provides stretch, while feta adds tang.
Don’t Overmix: Mix lightly to keep the puffs airy and avoid dense bites.
Test Fry Temperature: Ensure oil is hot enough by dropping in a small amount; it should sizzle right away.
Shape Uniformly: Making all puffs similar in size ensures even cooking and browning.
Garnish Before Serving: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or spices can enhance presentation and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Complement your Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs with these delicious side dishes. They enhance the meal while adding variety to your plate.

Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned, this veggie adds color and nutrients to your meal.
Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery bread pairs well, offering a satisfying crunch.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet and caramelized, roasted carrots bring out earthy flavors that match beautifully.
Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans add protein and a sweet-savory contrast.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that absorbs flavors from sauces or seasonings well.
Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn adds sweetness and texture, perfect for summer meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for.

Using cold mashed potatoes: Cold mashed potatoes won’t blend well with other ingredients. Always use room temperature or slightly warmed leftovers for better consistency.
Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense puffs instead of light and airy ones. Mix just until combined to maintain a good texture.
Skipping seasoning: Mashed potatoes can be bland on their own. Don’t forget to season the mixture well with salt, pepper, and herbs for enhanced flavor.
Not preheating the oil: If the oil isn’t hot enough, your puffs will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the puffs.
Using the wrong cheese: Not all cheeses melt well. Choose a cheese like cheddar or mozzarella that melts beautifully for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow them to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
They can be stored for up to 2 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on high in short intervals (30 seconds at a time) until warm, but this may result in less crispy texture.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs that might help you.

Can I make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or applesauce if you want a vegan option.

What cheese works best in Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?

Cheddar and mozzarella are both excellent choices because they melt well and enhance flavor.

How do I customize Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?

You can add other ingredients like cooked bacon, green onions, or spices based on your taste preferences.

Are Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether if desired for a different texture.

Final Thoughts

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are not only a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers but also offer endless customization options. You can easily mix in your favorite herbs or additional ingredients. Give this delightful recipe a try; it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 12 puffs 1x

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Description

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to repurpose your leftover mashed potatoes into a tasty and satisfying snack. These puffs boast a crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy interior, making them perfect for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients and quick preparation, you can whip up these irresistible bites that will impress both kids and adults alike. Customize them with your favorite cheeses or herbs for an extra personal touch!

Ingredients

Scale

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
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil for frying

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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
Form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the mixture and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the potato balls in batches until golden brown on all sides (about 3 to 4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy on their own.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American