Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to fluffy, cheesy mashed potato goodness. The aroma wafts through the air, making everyone in the house perk up and wonder what’s cooking. Crispy mashed potato cheese puffs are not just a treat; they are the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly day.
I remember the first time I made these delightful bites for my friends. We were gathered for a movie night, and with each puff that disappeared, so did my worries about impressing them. These crispy delights became the star of the evening, sparking laughter and joy with every cheesy bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy mashed potato cheese puffs are fun to make and even more fun to eat.
- With a perfect blend of flavors, they create an unforgettable taste experience.
- They look fantastic on any plate, adding an impressive touch to your dining table.
- Enjoy them as a snack for movie night or as an appetizer at parties; their versatility knows no bounds.
The reactions from my friends were priceless; they devoured every last crumb and begged for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes if you have them; they add great flavor and save time.
Shredded Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives the best melty texture.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, so don’t skip this essential ingredient.
Breadcrumbs: Opt for panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness when frying.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add fresh flavor and color.
Salt and Pepper: Always season to taste; it makes all the difference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Prepare your kitchen by gathering all ingredients and tools you will need. This includes bowls for mixing, a frying pan for cooking, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your leftover mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, eggs, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Forming the Puffs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, take portions of the mixture and shape them into small balls or patties. Don’t worry about perfection; some rustic charm adds character.
Coating with Breadcrumbs: Roll each puff in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. This step ensures that delightful crunch we all crave when biting into these cheesy bites.
Frying Them Up: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place each puff in the pan without overcrowding. Fry them until they turn golden brown on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side should do it.
Draining Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer your crispy puffs onto paper towels to drain any excess oil before serving. This keeps them delightfully crunchy rather than greasy.
Enjoy these crispy mashed potato cheese puffs while they’re still warm—trust me; you won’t want to share!
Content
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful snack that’s easy to whip up. Here are three key tips to elevate your experience:
Use cold mashed potatoes: Cold potatoes hold their shape better when frying. I learned this the hard way after a potato explosion that left my kitchen resembling a mashed potato war zone.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying in batches ensures each puff gets crispy perfection. Trust me, it’s not worth the soggy puffs that try to huddle together for warmth.
Experiment with cheese: Different cheeses can bring unique flavors. I once tried blue cheese and scared my friends away with just one whiff!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by forming your cheese puffs and chilling them for at least 30 minutes. This helps them maintain shape while frying, leading to crispy goodness that’s impossible to resist.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses or add herbs like chives and parsley for fresh flavor. A dash of garlic powder can also elevate these cheesy delights from ordinary to extraordinary.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for that fresh, crispy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal results, use day-old mashed potatoes—this helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Ensure your oil is hot enough to avoid greasy puffs.
- Don’t forget to season generously; bland cheese puffs are a tragedy!
I remember making these at a family gathering; everyone devoured them before I could even take a picture. The laughter and joy were palpable, proving that food creates memories.
FAQ
Can I make Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs ahead of time?
You can prepare and freeze them before frying for later enjoyment.
What type of cheese works best in the recipe?
Cheddar and mozzarella create a delightful blend of flavor and texture.
How do I know when they are done frying?
They should be golden brown and float to the top of the oil when cooked properly.
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the ultimate comfort food, combining a golden, crispy exterior with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes inside. Perfect for movie nights or gatherings, these delightful bites are easy to make and will have everyone asking for more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings (24 puffs) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, green onions, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
- Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the puffs in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil before serving warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 puffs (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Use cold mashed potatoes for better shape retention while frying. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Experiment with different cheeses or add herbs like chives for extra flavor.
