Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs – Crispy Cheesy Appetizer, Easy Party Snack
Introduction
Indulge in the irresistible charm of mashed potato cheese puffs, a delightful fusion of comfort and sophistication. These golden, crispy bites are the perfect way to elevate your appetizer game or breathe new life into leftover mashed potatoes. With a creamy, cheesy interior and a satisfyingly crunchy exterior, these puffs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
Why is it Perfect for You?
These quick crispy mashed potato cheese snacks are a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. They’re ideal for:
◾ Transforming leftovers into gourmet appetizers
◾ Impressing guests with minimal effort
◾ Adding a touch of elegance to casual gatherings
◾ Satisfying cheese lovers and potato enthusiasts alike
◾ Providing a delicious alternative to traditional side dishes
Ingredients List
◾ 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
◾ 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
◾ 2 large eggs, beaten
◾ 1/4 cup finely chopped chives
◾ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
◾ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
◾ 1/4 teaspoon paprika
◾ Salt and pepper to taste
◾ 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
◾ Vegetable oil for frying
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 24 puffs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, beaten eggs, and chopped chives. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The cold potatoes will help maintain the structure of the puffs during frying.
Step 2: Season and Shape
Add the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the potato mixture. Stir until you achieve a uniform consistency. Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 3: Coat with Breadcrumbs
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re evenly coated. This will give your mashed potato cheese puffs their signature crispy exterior.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the coated potato balls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, turning them gently to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Remove the puffs from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve your mashed potato cheese puffs hot, garnished with additional chopped chives if desired.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (2 puffs):
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a lighter version of these indulgent mashed potato cheese puffs, consider these modifications:
◾ Bake instead of fry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes
◾ Use whole wheat flour and whole wheat panko for added fiber
◾ Substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cheese to reduce fat content
◾ Incorporate mashed cauliflower into the potato mixture for added nutrients
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your mashed potato cheese puffs with these serving ideas:
◾ Pair with a zesty sriracha mayo or garlic aioli for dipping
◾ Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal
◾ Present as part of a varied appetizer platter at parties
◾ Use as a unique topping for hearty soups or stews
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these pitfalls to ensure perfect puffs every time:
◾ Using warm mashed potatoes, which can lead to a gummy texture
◾ Overmixing the batter, resulting in dense puffs
◾ Frying at too low a temperature, causing oil-soaked puffs
◾ Making the puffs too large, which can lead to undercooked centers
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To maintain the quality of your mashed potato cheese puffs:
◾ Store cooled puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
◾ Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness
◾ Freeze uncooked, breaded puffs for up to 1 month; fry from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time
FAQs
Can I make these mashed potato cheese puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture and shape the puffs in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before coating and frying.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal for creating a smooth, creamy texture in your puffs.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Gouda, or even blue cheese for unique variations.
Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these mashed potato cheese puffs are vegetarian-friendly. Ensure all your ingredients, including the cheese, are vegetarian if that’s a concern.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Conclusion
Mashed potato cheese puffs are a testament to the magic that can happen when simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, use up leftovers, or simply indulge in a comforting snack, these crispy, cheesy bites are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So go ahead, whip up a batch and watch them disappear!
Contact Us
Contact us at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
