Introduction
Hey there! Have you ever found yourself with a surplus of mashed potatoes after a big family dinner or holiday feast? Well, I’ve got the perfect solution for you – Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs! These delightful little snacks are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and incredibly easy to make. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for giving those leftovers a delicious makeover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I make these Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs when I want to add a little excitement to my leftover mashed potatoes. They are a fantastic way to transform a simple side dish into a tasty snack that everyone will enjoy. My family goes crazy for these because they combine the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes with the irresistible cheesiness of a savory puff. Plus, they’re bite-sized, making them perfect for parties or a quick bite on the go.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
Now, let’s get cooking!
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
2. Take about a tablespoon of the mashed potato mixture and roll it into a small ball using your hands. Repeat this process until all the mixture has been used.
3. Place the all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs into separate shallow bowls. Dip each mashed potato ball into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure each ball is evenly coated.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the coated mashed potato balls into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
5. Once the cheese puffs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve the Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs warm and enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even as a side dish. They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara or ranch.
Notes
I’ve found that using freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives these puffs an extra burst of flavor, but if you only have pre-packaged grated Parmesan, that works too! Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gouda or mozzarella can be great alternatives or additions to the cheddar cheese.
Variations
If you want to add a little twist to your Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, here are a couple of variations you can try:
1. Bacon Lovers: Crumble some cooked bacon into the mashed potato mixture before rolling them into balls. The crispy bacon bits will add a smoky and savory touch to these puffs.
2. Veggie Delight: Finely chop some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, and mix them into the mashed potato mixture. This will add a pop of color and extra flavor to the puffs.
Storage Information
Though honestly, in my house, these Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs never last more than a day! But if you do happen to have some leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these cheese puffs as an appetizer at parties or family gatherings. They always disappear within minutes! For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Pro Tips
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned from making these Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs:
– Don’t skip the step of rolling the mashed potato mixture into balls. It helps the puffs cook evenly and gives them their signature shape.
– If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought mashed potatoes instead of leftover ones. Just make sure they’re plain and don’t have any added seasonings.
– To make these cheese puffs even more indulgent, you can stuff them with a small cube of your favorite cheese before rolling them into balls. The ooey-gooey surprise inside is absolutely divine!
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze these Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?
A: Absolutely! Once the puffs have cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes?
A: Yes, you can! Sweet potatoes will give these puffs a slightly different flavor profile, but they’ll still be delicious. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A: While frying gives these puffs their irresistible crispy texture, you can definitely bake them if you prefer a healthier option. Simply place the coated mashed potato balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Alright, now that you have all the secrets to making these irresistible Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, it’s time to get cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy snacking!
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Transform your surplus mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy puffs that are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or as a side dish. These Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful combination of creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar and Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs, coated in breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
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Roll the mixture into small balls.
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Coat each ball in flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
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Fry the coated balls in hot oil until golden and crispy.
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Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
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Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.