There’s something magical about the combination of creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy golden puff. Imagine biting into one of these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs; the rich, buttery flavor dances on your tongue while the cheese pulls away in glorious strings. crispy potato pancakes You might find yourself questioning how something so simple can be so extraordinarily decadent.
Every time I make these delightful bites, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air. It was a place that welcomed laughter, stories, and of course, delicious food especially during family gatherings. chicken cobbler casserole These puffs are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy winter evening or a lively summer barbecue.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- Their cheesy flavor profile is irresistible and comforting for everyone
- The golden-brown exterior makes them visually appealing and perfect for parties
- Serve them as appetizers or snacks, making them versatile for any meal
I still remember the first time I served these at a family reunion; everyone devoured them within minutes!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes for convenience, or make fresh ones with butter and cream for extra richness.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella works best; choose your favorite for that melty goodness.
- Eggs: They help bind everything together while adding a lovely richness.
- Flour: A little flour will help give structure to your puffs without weighing them down.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance flavors; don’t skip these!
- Panko Breadcrumbs: For that irresistibly crunchy coating that makes each bite a joy.
- Oil for Frying: Canola or vegetable oil works great for frying these beauties until golden brown.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Mashed Potatoes: If you haven’t already made mashed potatoes, boil peeled potatoes until fork-tender. Mash with butter and cream until creamy and smooth.
Mix in the Goodies: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper until well incorporated. mac and cheese side.
Shape Your Puffs: Use your hands to scoop out small portions of the mixture. Roll them into balls before pressing slightly to flatten them into puffy disks.
Dredge in Panko Breadcrumbs: Coat each potato disk in panko breadcrumbs to ensure they have that crunchy crust we all love.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry each puff until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Drain and Serve Hot!: Remove puffs from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- The secret to perfect Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs lies in the texture
- Ensure your potatoes are creamy but not too wet, or they might lose their puffiness
- A light touch when mixing will keep them airy and delicious
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Cook your potatoes until fork-tender, then mix in cheese while warm for better melting. Shape puffs quickly to maintain a fluffy texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add herbs like chives or spices for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses for unique twists on this classic treat.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover puffs in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Achieving the perfect texture is essential; avoid over-mixing to keep them light and fluffy
- Use a potato ricer for smoother results and consider using aged cheese for deeper flavors
Sometimes I think my Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs have a life of their own! At my last family gathering, everyone kept asking for seconds; it felt like I was running a cheesy food truck out of my kitchen! cheesy ranch potatoes. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Sausage Egg Sliders recipe.
FAQ
What type of potatoes are best for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?
For more inspiration, check out this Smoked Mac and Cheese recipe.
Russet potatoes work wonderfully due to their starchy content, yielding fluffy puffs.
Can I freeze Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking; just bake from frozen when ready to serve.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to try Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavors.
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Experience the delightful crunch of Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, where creamy mashed potatoes meet gooey cheese in a crispy golden shell. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any gathering, evoking nostalgic memories of family kitchens filled with warmth and laughter. Easy to prepare, they make an irresistible appetizer or snack that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (approximately 2 cups)
Instructions
- If using fresh potatoes, boil peeled potatoes until fork-tender. Mash with butter and cream until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Scoop out small portions of the mixture and shape them into disks.
- Coat each disk in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat and fry each puff until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff (30g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
