Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delightful and cheesy twist on classic mashed potatoes. These puffs are crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and perfect as a side dish or appetizer. Here’s a simple recipe to make them!

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably cooled)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin or baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

   • If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, cook and mash your potatoes as you normally would (with butter, milk, salt, and pepper). Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly if they’re still warm.

3. Mix the Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick but scoopable.

4. Shape the Puffs:

   • Using a spoon or your hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mashed potato mixture and form small balls. Place each ball into the muffin tin or on the prepared baking sheet. You can also shape them into little rounds for a more puffed-up look.

5. Bake the Puffs:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispy. If you want them extra crispy, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!

6. Serve:

   • Once baked, remove the cheesy mashed potato puffs from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of color.

Tips:

• Cheese Variations: You can swap the cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
• Add-ins: For more flavor, try adding cooked bacon, green onions, or sour cream to the mashed potato mixture.
• Make-Ahead: You can make the mashed potato mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake the puffs. Just bring the mixture to room temperature before baking.

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a fun, delicious way to use up mashed potatoes and are sure to be a hit at any dinner or party!