Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
These crispy, cheesy puffs are the perfect way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a fun and satisfying snack or appetizer. Packed with melty cheese and savory seasonings, they’re baked until golden and deliciously crispy. Great for dipping or enjoying on their own.
Ingredients
For the Puffs:
2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (cooled)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, Monterey Jack)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Coating:
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for crispiness)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, egg, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully blended.
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Continue shaping until all the mixture is used.
Set up a breading station. In one bowl, beat the egg. In another, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
Dip each potato ball into the beaten egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Notes
You can customize these puffs by adding chopped herbs, bacon bits, or even small bits of cooked veggies. These also work well in an air fryer for an extra crisp finish. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven to maintain their crunch.
Find it online: https://richspoon.com/leftover-mashed-potato-cheese-puffs/