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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
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Crispy, golden Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs filled with gooey melted cheese, perfect as a snack or side dish. These easy-to-make puffs combine fluffy mashed potatoes with rich cheese inside a crunchy breadcrumb coating, delivering comforting flavor great for parties, family dinners, or anytime cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 large starchy potatoes (Russets), peeled and boiled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Flavor Enhancers

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Garlic powder, to taste
  • Paprika, to taste
  • Chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper (for a spicy version)
  • Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives (for herb infusion)
  • Crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions (for loaded puffs)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Peel and boil the potatoes until tender. Drain well and mash with butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly to reduce moisture.
  2. Incorporate the Cheese and Egg: Fold the shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes, then mix in the beaten egg thoroughly to bind the mixture and help the puffs hold their shape when cooked.
  3. Form the Puffs: Using a spoon or your hands, scoop portions of the mixture and shape them into small balls or oval shapes about the size of a golf ball for even cooking and easy snacking.
  4. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each shaped puff gently in the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating to create a crispy exterior that contrasts nicely with the soft interior.
  5. Bake or Fry Until Golden: For baking, place the puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, fry the puffs in hot oil for 3-4 minutes per side until crisp and cooked through.

Notes

  • Use dry mashed potatoes by letting them cool slightly to reduce moisture for better puff consistency.
  • Handle the mixture gently to avoid dense or gluey puffs.
  • Baking is a healthier alternative to frying and still yields crispy results.
  • Choose cheeses with excellent melting qualities to get gooey pockets inside.
  • Make puffs uniform in size for even cooking.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • Reheat baked puffs in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving.
  • Leftover puffs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Freeze uncooked shaped puffs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months for convenient baking later.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy potato puffs, mashed potato bites, crispy potato snacks, cheesy appetizers, gluten free snacks

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/cheesy-mashed-potato-puffs/