Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted cheesy mashed potato puffs? If not, get ready for a flavor explosion! These little bites are like a warm hug from the inside—crispy on the outside and creamy, cheesy goodness on the inside. I can’t resist them, especially when they come out of the fryer, and the cheese is still gooey and melty! They make the perfect snack for movie night or a delightful appetizer to impress your friends at parties. Trust me, once you start popping these puffs in your mouth, you won’t want to stop! Let’s dive into making these irresistible treats together!
Ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your cheesy mashed potato puffs. Trust me, they’re all easy to find, and you might even have some of them in your pantry already!
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and creamy—homemade or store-bought works great!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your choice! I love using cheddar, but feel free to mix it up with mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (this gives them that perfect crispy exterior)
- 2 large eggs (these help bind everything together)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for a fresh pop of flavor)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy—seasoning is key!)
- Pepper to taste (add a little extra zing!)
- Oil for frying (enough to coat the bottom of your frying pan)
Make sure you have everything ready, and let’s get cooking! You’re going to love how these come together!
How to Prepare Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making these cheesy mashed potato puffs! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a plate of crispy, cheesy goodness in no time. I promise, it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your puffs will finish cooking evenly and get that delicious golden crispiness. So, go ahead and turn that oven on while you prepare the rest!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your prepared mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. I like to use a sturdy spatula or even my hands (clean, of course!) to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want a nice, cohesive mixture that holds together but still has some cheesy goodness peeking through!
Step 3: Form the Puffs
Now it’s time to shape your mixture into small puffs or balls. I usually scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture; it’s the perfect size for even cooking! Roll them gently between your palms to form nice, round shapes. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—each puff will have its own personality!
Step 4: Fry the Puffs
Heat some oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, but not so much that they’re swimming. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the puffs in batches, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy all around. Yum!
Step 5: Bake for Crispiness
After frying, transfer the puffs to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step really helps to ensure they’re heated through and extra crispy! Pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes. Trust me, this little baking step makes all the difference!
Tips for Success with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Alright, let’s make sure your cheesy mashed potato puffs turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you along the way:
- Cheese Choices: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp blue cheese can add a unique twist to your puffs.
- Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They make a world of difference in texture!
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Frying Tips: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the puffs; if it’s not, they’ll soak up too much oil and lose that crispy texture. A good test is to drop in a small piece of the mixture—if it sizzles, you’re ready!
- Freezing Ahead: You can make these puffs ahead of time! Just shape them and freeze before frying. When you’re ready to cook, fry them straight from frozen, but give them a few extra minutes!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re set to create the most delicious cheesy mashed potato puffs that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time: You can whip these up in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute snacks or surprise guests!
- Crispy texture: The combination of frying and baking gives these puffs an irresistible crunch that you won’t be able to resist!
- Versatile cheese choices: Use your favorite cheese or mix it up—there’s no wrong way to make these puffs delicious!
- Great for gatherings: They’re the ultimate finger food for parties, and trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
- Vegetarian-friendly: These cheesy delights are perfect for veggie lovers, making them a hit at any gathering!
With all these fantastic reasons to love this recipe, you’ll find yourself making cheesy mashed potato puffs again and again! They’re just that good!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for these cheesy mashed potato puffs. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on the ingredients provided and can vary a bit depending on what you use.
- Serving Size: 3 puffs
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 5g
These little bites are not just tasty; they’re also a satisfying snack that won’t break the calorie bank! Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ about Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries about making these cheesy mashed potato puffs, and I’m happy to share my insights!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the puffs and shape them, then freeze them before frying. When you’re ready, just fry them straight from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time, and you’ll have fresh puffs in no time!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
If you happen to have any puffs left over (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get that crispy texture back!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to mix it up with any cheese you love. Cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack can add a delightful twist to your puffs. The possibilities are endless!
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
No breadcrumbs? No problem! You can use crushed cornflakes or even finely chopped nuts as a substitute. They’ll still give you that lovely crunch you’re looking for!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Just shape the mixture into puffs, place them on a baking sheet, and spray them lightly with oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. They won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a batch of these heavenly cheesy mashed potato puffs and somehow, there are leftovers? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Here’s how to store them and bring back that delightful crunch when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
First off, let your puffs cool completely before storing. This helps prevent them from getting soggy. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze them! Just lay the puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months!
When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of options. If you’re reheating from the fridge, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. For frozen puffs, you can either let them thaw in the fridge overnight or bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, and you’ll have them nice and warm in no time! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Imprimer
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs: 5 Irresistible Flavor Bombs
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Cheesy mashed potato puffs are a delicious and crispy snack that combines creamy mashed potatoes with melted cheese.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small puffs or balls.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the puffs until golden brown on all sides.
- Place the puffs on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 10 minutes to ensure they are heated through.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer.
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños.
- These can be made ahead and frozen before frying.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Snack
- Méthode: Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 3 puffs
- Calories: 180
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 250mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 22g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: cheesy mashed potato puffs
