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Easy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs: Crispy, Cheesy Perfection

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These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the perfect blend of crispy exterior and cheesy interior, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer. Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a delightful treat that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups chilled mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped chives or parsley (optional)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs (optional for coating)
  • Neutral oil (for frying, if desired)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine your chilled mashed potatoes. If they are very lumpy, give them a quick mash to ensure a smooth consistency.
  2. Add in your shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella), the all-purpose flour, the beaten egg, and your chosen seasonings: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If using fresh chives or parsley, mix those in too.
  3. Give everything a good stir until all ingredients are well combined. Use your hands for an even mix without overworking the potatoes.
  4. Take about a tablespoon of the mixture for each puff and roll it gently between your palms to form neat, round balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
  5. If you're aiming for an extra crispy crust, roll each formed potato puff in the breadcrumbs, ensuring it's fully coated.
  6. Place the puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chilled potato puffs on a baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them.
  8. Lightly spray the tops of the puffs with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through for even browning.
  9. For frying, heat about 1 inch of neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat to about 350-375°F (175-190°C). Fry the puffs for 2-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Keywords: For gluten-free puffs, swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You can also use a flax egg as an egg substitute. Chilling the formed puffs before cooking is crucial for achieving the best texture.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/easy-mashed-potato-cheese-puffs-crispy-cheesy-perfection/