Description
Golden, crispy bites made from leftover mashed potatoes and melted cheddar, baked until puffed and irresistible. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side, these cheese puffs are budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and quick to make.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cold leftover mashed potatoes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix 2 cups cold mashed potatoes, 2 large eggs, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons chopped chives until just combined.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Prepare the mini muffin tin by greasing each cup or using a nonstick spray so puffs release easily.
- Assemble the Dish: Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full and smoothing the tops lightly.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and immediately brush the tops with 1 tablespoon melted butter for shine and extra crispness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let cool slightly, then serve warm while the centers are soft and the cheese is gooey.
Notes
- Use cold mashed potatoes for firmer structure and easier shaping.
- Shred the cheese finely to promote even melting throughout the puffs.
- Use a cookie scoop or mini ice cream scoop for uniform portions and less mess.
- For extra crisp, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on top before baking.
- To reheat and restore crispiness, warm in a preheated oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe (about 3-4 puffs)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg