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Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

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  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
  2. 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.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Prepare the mini muffin tin by greasing each cup or using a nonstick spray so puffs release easily.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full and smoothing the tops lightly.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed.
  6. Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and immediately brush the tops with 1 tablespoon melted butter for shine and extra crispness.
  7. 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