Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to transform your surplus mashed potatoes into a crispy, cheesy snack that’s perfect for any occasion. These puffs are golden on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Ideal as a cozy appetizer or a satisfying snack, they’ll have everyone coming back for more. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for using up those leftovers efficiently.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 220
- Protein: 8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 26 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Sodium: 400 mg
Why Make This Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
These cheese puffs are a game changer when it comes to reducing food waste and making delicious use of last night’s dinner. Not only do they give new life to bland leftovers, but the crispy exterior adds a satisfying crunch, while the inside remains soft and cheesy. Perfect for kids and adults alike, these puffs are a crowd-pleaser and an excellent party snack or game-day treat.
How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a bowl, mix the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Mixing
Ensure that all ingredients are mixed thoroughly so that the cheese and eggs are evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture. This step will enhance the texture of your cheese puffs.
Step 3: Cooking
Form the mixture into small puffs or balls. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the puffs into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the puffs until golden brown on all sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 4: Finishing
Once golden brown, remove the puffs from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve them warm and enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Serve Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
These cheese puffs are best served warm, paired with a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli. They make a great starter before a meal, a snack for kids after school, or a tasty treat during movie night. Feel free to garnish with some fresh herbs for an added touch of flavor.
How to Store Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined helps keep the puffs light and fluffy.
- Cheese variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
- Breadcrumb choice: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Oil temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding puffs; a drop of batter should sizzle immediately.
- Batch cooking: If you’re making a large quantity, keep cooked puffs warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while you fry the rest.
Delicious Variations
- Add herbs: Mix in fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or garlic for added flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the mix for a spicy version.
- Veggie loaded: Incorporate finely chopped cooked veggies like spinach or bell peppers into the mixture for added nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the formed cheese puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. -
Can I freeze these puffs?
Absolutely! Freeze the shaped but uncooked puffs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Fry or bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. -
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
While fresh mashed potatoes yield the best texture, instant mashed potatoes can work in a pinch. Just ensure they’re prepared without excess liquid. -
What dip goes well with these cheese puffs?
A creamy ranch dressing, zesty marinara, or tangy hot sauce complements these puffs wonderfully. -
How do I know when they’re done frying?
Look for a golden brown color. You can also break one open to check that it’s hot and the cheese is melted inside.
Conclusion
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are an excellent way to elevate your leftovers into something extraordinary. With their simple preparation and scrumptious taste, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household. Experiment with flavors and serve them fresh for a memorable snack that everyone will love. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this delicious way to repurpose mashed potatoes!
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Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Transform surplus mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy puffs that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Ensure that all ingredients are mixed thoroughly so that the cheese and eggs are evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture.
- Form the mixture into small puffs or balls. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the puffs into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the puffs until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Once golden brown, remove the puffs from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve them warm and enjoy!
Notes
Serve warm with a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli. Garnish with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
