Fluffy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe: Golden Bites of Joy

Potato lovers rejoice as these cheesy mashed potato puffs bring comfort straight to your plate.

Crispy edges and creamy centers make this recipe a delightful twist on classic mashed potatoes.

Packed with sharp cheddar and delicate herbs, these golden-brown bites pack serious flavor.

Each puff emerges from the oven with a irresistible crunch that begs to be devoured.

The simple ingredients come together in minutes, creating a side dish that steals the show at any meal.

Warm, cheesy, and utterly addictive, these mashed potato puffs will become your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes.

Serve them alongside roasted meats or enjoy them as a standalone snack that everyone will adore.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Explained

• Crush and Layer with Ease: Doritos create a crunchy base that transforms a simple casserole into a mouthwatering meal with minimal prep work.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: This recipe combines classic Mexican-inspired flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Quick Weeknight Savior
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily swap ingredients like ground turkey for beef or add extra toppings to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients For Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Mashed Potatoes: Chilled base that provides creamy texture and structure for the puffs.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the puffs together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, sharp flavor and melty goodness to the potato mixture.

• Chives, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that boost the overall taste profile of the puffs.
• Flour: Helps to slightly firm up the mixture and provide a light structure.

• Parmesan Cheese: Creates a crispy, golden exterior when baked, adding extra cheesy flavor and crunch.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps achieve even baking of the potato puffs.

Stepwise Guide To Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Step 1: Crank Up the Oven Heat

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). This will get your kitchen warm and ready for some potato magic.

Step 2: Create Potato Mixture Madness

• Chilled mashed potatoes
• Egg
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped chives
• Flour
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture looks super smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Roll into Delightful Potato Spheres

Using your hands, transform the mixture into cute little 1-inch balls.

Channel your inner sculptor and make each one perfectly round.

Step 4: Shower with Parmesan Goodness

Roll each potato ball generously in Parmesan cheese.

Make sure every inch gets a beautiful cheesy coating.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your potato puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown exterior that signals crispy deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Pull the puffs out of the oven and let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue. Serve warm and enjoy these crispy, cheesy potato bites that are guaranteed to make everyone smile.

Helpful Tips For Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Use cold mashed potatoes for firmer texture and easier shaping, preventing the mixture from becoming too sticky.
• If mixture seems too wet, add extra flour or breadcrumbs to help bind ingredients and create perfect puff shape.
• Lightly wet hands with water before rolling potato balls to stop mixture from clinging to fingers during shaping.
• Space puffs slightly apart on baking sheet to ensure even browning and crispy exterior on all sides.
• Replace cheddar with other cheeses like gruyère or swap chives with green onions for different flavor profiles.

Flavorful Variations For Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Veggie Potato Puffs: Replace cheddar with goat cheese and add roasted bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetable-packed version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Southwestern Puffs: Mix in diced jalapeños, add cumin, and replace chives with chopped cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains a similar creamy texture.

Best Pairings For Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich, cheesy potato puffs with its bright acidity.
• Complement with Herb-Roasted Chicken: Serve alongside tender, rosemary-infused roasted chicken to create a balanced meal that highlights the puffs' creamy texture.
• Match with Tangy Dipping Sauce: Prepare a zesty ranch or garlic aioli that adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, crispy potato puffs and enhances their savory flavor profile.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the rich and cheesy potato puffs.

Storage Suggestions For Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Store leftover potato puffs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place a layer of parchment paper between each puff to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual puffs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread puffs on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy outside.
• Heat potato puffs for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add 15-second intervals if needed to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• Are Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the balls in advance, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

• Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Cold, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly and help the puffs hold their shape better.

• What if I don't have chives?

No problem. You can substitute chives with green onions or skip them entirely without significantly changing the recipe’s flavor.

• How do I get the puffs extra crispy?

Ensure your mashed potatoes are cold and well-drained, and roll them generously in Parmesan cheese before baking to achieve a crisp exterior.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy mashed potato puffs elevate comfort food with crispy edges and a golden, creamy center. Savory cheese and herbs blend perfectly, creating irresistible bites that bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal you’ll want to share with friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cheese and Coating:

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives

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Instructions

1. Prepare a pristine baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and heat the oven to a precise 400F (200C).
2. Merge the thoroughly chilled mashed potatoes with complementary ingredients: beaten egg, shredded cheddar, delicate chives, flour, aromatic garlic powder, seasoning, and ground pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
3. Thoroughly incorporate all components until a uniform mixture emerges, ensuring no dry pockets remain.
4. Craft compact, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter using nimble hands, maintaining consistent size for even cooking.
5. Generously coat each potato sphere with finely grated Parmesan, creating a crisp exterior shell.
6. Strategically arrange the prepared orbs on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing slight separation between each puff.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the exterior transforms into a golden, crunchy landscape with enticing caramelized edges.
8. Extract from the oven and permit a brief cooling interlude, allowing the intense heat to dissipate slightly before serving these irresistible potato morsels while still warmly inviting.

Notes

• Ensure mashed potatoes are chilled to help bind ingredients and maintain shape during baking.
• Try different cheese varieties like Gruyère or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Add crispy bacon bits or finely chopped herbs like rosemary for extra texture and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg