Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself with a bowl of yesterday’s mashed potatoes sitting in your fridge, let me introduce you to your new favorite game-changer: Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. These little golden beauties are outrageously cheesy on the inside, crispy at the edges, and full of comfort-food magic. With just a few everyday ingredients and almost zero fuss, you’ll transform leftovers into something you won’t be able to stop popping into your mouth. Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs make snack time, brunch, or even a simple side feel a whole lot more exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the basics is all it takes to whip up these puffy delights. Each ingredient has its own special job, adding to the final texture, flavor, and downright irresistible pull of Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs.
- Mashed potatoes (2 cups): The heart of the recipe! Smooth or chunky, homemade or store-bought, any leftover mashed potatoes will do.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup): Choose your favorite—cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for meltiness, or a mix for the best of both worlds.
- Flour (1/2 cup): Flour holds everything together and helps create that irresistible crispy outer shell.
- Large egg (1): The egg binds all the ingredients so your puffs bake up light and cohesive, not crumbly.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t skip seasoning—just a pinch brightens up all those mellow potato flavors.
- Optional herbs (chives or parsley): Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a fresh herby bite, totally worth it if you have them!
How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
Start by giving your workspace a quick tidy—this recipe comes together fast! In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, cheese, flour, egg, salt, pepper, and any fresh herbs you’re using. Mix everything together thoroughly. You want a sticky but easily handled mixture without any dry spots or visible streaks of flour.
Step 2: Shape the Puffs
Now the fun part! Grab a spoon or just use your hands (honestly, it’s the best way) and scoop small portions of the mixture—think about the size of a golf ball. Gently roll and flatten them into little puffs or rounds. Line them up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each room to breathe and crisp up.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so you get the ideal crispy edges. Slide the tray in and bake your Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch as they turn beautifully golden and the cheese bubbles at the edges. The smell alone will have you counting down the minutes!
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Give your freshly-baked cheese puffs a few minutes on the pan to set just enough for easy handling. Once they’re slightly cooled, serve them warm—this is when they’re meltiest and most tempting. Don’t be surprised if they vanish from the plate in minutes!
How to Serve Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dusting of Parmesan cheese, or even a quick grind of black pepper over your hot Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs takes them from humble to irresistible. The extra pop of color and flavor really makes them shine, so don’t skip the finishing touch!
Side Dishes
They’re amazing on their own but Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs go beautifully with a crisp green salad, a bowl of hearty tomato soup, or even as a sidekick to scrambled eggs for brunch. Their creamy, cheesy center pairs well with light and tangy flavors, so feel free to get creative.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your puffs on a pretty platter with toothpicks and a trio of dipping sauces—think herby yogurt, spicy Sriracha mayo, or simple ketchup. These puffs also shine as part of a festive appetizer board, tucked between crunchy veggies and charcuterie for a touch of homemade comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have any Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs left after serving, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, and they’re just as good as a cold snack as they are fresh from the oven.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked cheese puffs in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just the thing for those sudden snack cravings or last-minute guests.
Reheating
To bring your puffs back to life, simply reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This restores their crispy exterior and gooey cheese center perfectly. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it softens the lovely crust.
FAQs
Can I make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the regular flour for your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend, and you’ll still get crispy, cheesy results—no one will be able to tell the difference.
What types of cheese work best?
Cheddar delivers a sharp, classic flavor, while mozzarella gives glorious meltiness. Don’t hesitate to raid your cheese drawer—jack, gruyere, or even crumbled feta add unique twists to your Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs.
Can I prep the mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Then simply shape and bake when you’re ready for fresh, warm puffs.
What if my mashed potatoes are a bit runny?
No worries—just add a little extra flour or cheese to firm up the mixture. The key is a consistency you can easily shape into balls or patties without them falling apart.
Can kids help make these cheese puffs?
Absolutely! Shaping the mixture is hands-on fun, and little helpers will love creating their own puffs (just help them with the oven part). It’s a fantastic family kitchen activity.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to rescue those extra mashed potatoes or searching for a guaranteed crowd-pleasing snack, Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the answer. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for sharing—so definitely give them a try and let their crispy, cheesy charm win everyone over!
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Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 cheese puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delicious way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy bites. Perfect for a quick snack or a tasty side dish!
Ingredients
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: herbs like chives or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine your leftover mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, flour, egg, and your choice of seasonings. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Shape the Puffs: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cheese puffs for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best cheesy experience!
Notes
- You can customize these puffs by adding different herbs or spices to suit your taste.
- Feel free to serve them with a dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese puff
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Leftover mashed potatoes, cheese puffs, snack recipe, side dish, easy appetizer
