If you love cozy comfort food with a cheesy twist, then you are going to absolutely adore this Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe. These golden, crispy little bites marry the creamy smoothness of mashed potatoes with the sharpness of cheddar and the subtle tang of Parmesan, all brought together with flavorful green onions and a hint of garlic. They’re unbelievably easy to make and perfect for any occasion—whether as a snack, appetizer, or a crowd-pleasing side dish. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll keep coming back for more of these irresistible puffs!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a key role: the cold mashed potatoes create the base that’s soft yet sturdy, cheeses add richness and melty goodness, while spices and green onions bring layers of flavor and a pop of color. Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delightful bites.
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes: Using cold potatoes helps the mixture firm up for shaping, plus it gives the puffs their silky interior.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar brings that classic sharp, melty cheese flavor you crave in every bite.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a nutty, savory depth that enhances the overall taste beautifully.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Fresh green onions add a mild, oniony brightness to balance the richness.
- 1 large egg: The egg acts as a binder to keep the puffs intact while baking or frying.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder infuses a subtle comforting aroma without overpowering the cheese.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough pepper to add a little warmth and spice to the mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional): Helps create a firmer, more handheld texture if you prefer your puffs less soft.
- Oil or nonstick spray: Essential for crisping the outside when baking, air frying, or frying.
How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re baking, or preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If frying, get your oil heated in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). This initial step ensures a perfectly crispy and evenly cooked puff with that golden crust on the outside.
Step 2: Mix All Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, green onions, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all that flavor-packed goodness. If the mixture feels too soft to shape, add the optional flour little by little until the dough holds its shape comfortably. This step is crucial for making those puffs easy to form and handle.
Step 3: Shape into Puffs
Grab about one to two tablespoons of the mixture with your hands and roll it into small balls or gently flatten them into discs if you like. Try to keep them all roughly the same size so they cook uniformly. This is the fun part where your hands get a little messy but the anticipation grows because deliciousness is just around the corner.
Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection
For baking, place your puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray them lightly with oil, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through to get that irresistible golden brown glow on all sides. If using an air fryer, arrange them in a single layer, spray with oil, and air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness. Frying them in hot oil gives the quickest cooking time—just 2 to 3 minutes per side until crunchy and gorgeously golden. After frying, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
These cheese puffs are charmingly simple, but a touch of garnish can elevate them dramatically. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or extra green onions on top for color and fresh flavor. A dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of garlic aioli can also take your presentation and taste to the next level without overpowering the main ingredients.
Side Dishes
Mashed potato cheese puffs work wonderfully alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of velvety tomato soup. If you want to serve them as part of a larger meal, roasted vegetables or grilled chicken pair beautifully, making for a comforting yet balanced dinner option that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these puffs as playful finger foods at a party by arranging them on a platter with colorful dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or spicy ketchup. You can also stuff them with tiny bits of cooked bacon or jalapeños before shaping for a delightful surprise inside. Another fun idea is to skewer several on toothpicks for easy grabbing and sharing—perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe treats, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Before storing, make sure they are completely cooled to avoid sogginess. When stored properly, they maintain their flavor and texture well.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your cheese puffs on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or container. This method keeps them from sticking together, allowing you to take out just what you need. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delicious quality.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly made crispiness, reheat your puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it tends to make them soggy. Proper reheating revives their golden crust and melty cheese goodness.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly in this Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe and can actually improve the texture, making the puffs creamier inside and easier to shape.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is the star for its flavor and meltiness, but feel free to experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack to tweak the taste according to your preferences.
Can I make these puffs gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix, which will help maintain structure without compromising flavor.
Is frying better than baking or air frying?
Frying gives the crispiest, most golden exterior quickly, but baking and air frying are excellent healthier alternatives that still deliver delicious results without the extra oil.
How spicy are these cheese puffs?
The recipe as is has a mild flavor, but you can easily add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring in some heat if you prefer a little kick in your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy snack that’s quick to make and irresistibly tasty, don’t hesitate to try this Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe. It’s a homey treat that feels fancy enough for guests yet cozy enough for a quiet night in. Once you enjoy that crispy outside paired with a soft, flavorful center, these puffs will surely become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
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Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
Description
These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are crispy, cheesy bites made from cold mashed potatoes mixed with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, green onions, and seasoning. They can be baked, air fried, or pan-fried to golden perfection, making a delicious appetizer or snack that’s easy to prepare in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for firmer texture)
Cooking Aids
- Oil or nonstick spray (for baking or air frying)
- Oil (for frying, if using skillet)
Instructions
- Preheat Cooking Appliance: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), or if using an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). If you prefer frying, heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C) for deep frying.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients. Optionally add the flour if the mixture feels too loose, so it holds its shape better.
- Shape Into Puffs: Using a spoon, scoop about 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into balls or flatten slightly into small discs with your hands or a spatula.
- Bake in Oven: Place the shaped puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray them with oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until they are golden and crispy on the outside.
- Air Fry Option: Arrange the puffs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil and air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking or turning them halfway through the cooking time for even crisping.
- Fry in Skillet: For frying, carefully place the puffs in hot oil in batches. Fry each side for 2–3 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove and let drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the cheese puffs hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as sour cream, ranch dressing, or ketchup. Enjoy as a savory snack or appetizer!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of flour to achieve your desired consistency; less flour makes for softer puffs, more flour yields firmer texture.
- These puffs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer to regain crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- If you want extra cheesy puffs, increase the cheddar cheese by 1/2 cup.
- Make sure to spray or oil the baking sheet or air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
