The moment you pop one of these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs in your mouth, you’ll be greeted by a cloud of cheesy goodness that melts into fluffy potato perfection. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy exterior only to be enveloped by the creamy warmth of mashed potatoes and gooey cheese. pumpkin pasta bake fried goat cheese balls twice baked sweet potatoes It’s like winning the snack lottery every time! For more inspiration, check out this potato quesadillas recipe recipe.
I remember the first time I made these delightful puffs; my kitchen smelled like a cozy diner on a rainy day, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. They were devoured faster than I could say “Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs,” leaving behind nothing but crumbs and happy faces. Perfect for game nights or as a surprise side dish at dinner, these little bites promise to deliver joy with every bite.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are easy to make, making them perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of crispy outside and creamy inside creates a flavor explosion. Visually appealing, they bring a fun twist to any dinner table. Versatile enough for appetizers or snacks, they are sure to impress guests! [/info_box]
My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious these puffs were at our last get-together; it felt great to win the unofficial “best appetizer” award!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes for convenience, but freshly made has that extra creaminess we all love.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella works best; choose your favorite cheese for a personal touch. For more inspiration, check out this cheddar and bacon melt recipe.
Eggs: These help bind everything together and give the puffs their fluffy texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal here; it keeps the mixture from being too wet while adding structure.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and any herbs you fancy will elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Oil for Frying: Use vegetable oil or canola oil for frying; it should be hot enough to sizzle when you drop in the puffs.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Mashed Potatoes: If you’re starting with raw potatoes, peel and cut them into chunks. Boil until tender and mash until smooth; let cool slightly before using.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended; it should feel thick yet manageable.
Scoop and Shape the Puffs: Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture. Roll each portion into a ball about the size of golf balls; this helps create that perfect puff shape.
Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. To test if it’s ready, drop in a small bit of batter—if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully add several puffs into the hot oil without crowding them. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crisp; keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
Drain and Serve Hot!: Remove puffs from oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot—trust me; you’ll want these fresh from the fryer!
These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are not just food; they’re little morsels of happiness that can brighten up any gathering or even just your Tuesday night dinner! Enjoy!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are not just a side; they’re an experience! The fluffy texture combined with cheesy goodness makes them irresistible. Serve them hot, and watch everyone’s faces light up as they melt in their mouths. Perfect for parties or cozy family dinners. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the ultimate Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, start by boiling your potatoes until fork-tender, then mash them smoothly before mixing in cheese and seasonings. silky mashed potatoes pairing Fry them until golden to create that delightful crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Add herbs like chives or parsley for freshness, and get creative with spices to elevate the flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain that crispy exterior.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use starchy potatoes like Russets for creamier texture; they hold together well. Avoid over-mixing the potato mixture to keep the puffs light and airy. Experiment with dipping sauces; a zesty aioli or tangy ketchup pairs wonderfully! [/info_box]
When I first served these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs at a family gathering, laughter filled the room as my uncle declared he was “officially addicted.” It was a hit, and I knew I had struck culinary gold!
FAQ
What type of potatoes work best for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchiness and creamy texture when mashed.
Can I prepare Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day before and fry them just before serving.
What dipping sauces pair well with these cheese puffs?
Zesty aioli or classic ketchup enhances flavor and adds a fun twist to your dish.
Delicious Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 puffs 1x
Description
Indulge in these golden, crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs that deliver a delightful burst of cheesy goodness with every bite. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they combine the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with gooey cheese, making them an irresistible treat for any gathering. Easy to prepare and versatile, these puffs will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes by boiling peeled and cut potatoes until tender. Mash until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Scoop the mixture into golf ball-sized portions and roll into balls.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry the puffs in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff (30g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
