Creative Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
These Creative Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into golden, crispy, cheesy bites. Combining shredded cheese, flour, and eggs with your creamy mashed potatoes, these puffs bake to perfection with a crispy exterior and gooey, flavorful interior. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re easy to customize with herbs, spices, or veggies to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 cheese puffs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (chives, parsley)
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (for a spicy kick)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, or corn)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, flour, egg, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs or vegetables you like. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all the ingredients into a uniform mixture.
- Shape the Puffs: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and form them into small balls or patties about the size of a golf ball. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the shaped puffs on the prepared sheet for 20-25 minutes until they develop a golden brown, crispy crust on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the puffs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes. Serve warm to enjoy the gooey cheesy center and crisp exterior.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter to ensure the puffs stay light and fluffy.
- Make puffs uniform in size to guarantee even cooking.
- If the mixture is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs, cheeses, and spices to customize the flavor.
- To make gluten-free puffs, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Keywords: leftover mashed potatoes, cheese puffs, baked cheese snacks, easy appetizer, potato snacks, vegetarian appetizers, leftover makeover, cheesy bites
