Here’s a delicious way to use up leftover mashed potatoes—Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs! These cheesy, crispy bites are the perfect snack or side dish and are so easy to make. Plus, they’re a great way to repurpose leftovers into something new and exciting!
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs (preferably seasoned)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying (or you can bake them)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, flour, bread crumbs, and the egg.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick but still sticky enough to form into balls.
2. Form the Puffs:
- Using your hands, shape the mashed potato mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. If the mixture is too sticky, you can lightly grease your hands with a little oil to help shape them.
3. Fry or Bake:
- For frying:
- Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, gently drop the potato balls into the skillet, cooking in batches so they aren’t overcrowded.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful when flipping them, as they can be delicate.
- Remove the cheese puffs from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- For baking:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the mashed potato balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spray the puffs lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for a crispy finish.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through for even browning.
4. Serve:
- Serve the Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs hot with your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch, sour cream, or ketchup).
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color (optional).
Tips:
- Cheese options: You can use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan or even add some cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Add-ins: If you want to jazz them up, add crispy bacon bits, green onions, or herbs to the mashed potato mixture for extra flavor.
- Make them in advance: You can shape the puffs and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before frying or baking, which can save you time when you’re ready to cook.
These Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside—perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes and turning them into something everyone will love. Enjoy!