If you have a love for all things crispy, cheesy, and downright comforting, then get ready to fall head over heels for this Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe. Imagine golden, crunchy exteriors giving way to irresistibly cheesy mashed potato centers that melt in your mouth with every bite. These puffs are an absolute crowd-pleaser, blending simple ingredients into a snack that’s as fun to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re whipping them up for game day, a party, or just because, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table—richness, flavor, texture, and that perfect golden color. From creamy mashed potatoes to savory cheeses and crispy breadcrumbs, these components come together effortlessly to create magic.
- Cold mashed potatoes: Using cold potatoes helps in shaping the puffs and keeps the mixture firm.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and depth of flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides that awesome stretchy, melty texture inside each puff.
- Eggs: Lightly beaten to bind everything together without making the mix too wet.
- All-purpose flour: Helps to give structure to the puffs, ensuring they hold their shape when frying.
- Garlic powder: Brings a subtle savory kick that lifts the overall taste.
- Onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
- Black pepper: For a touch of warmth and spiciness that balances the richness.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in every bite.
- Breadcrumbs or panko: Creates the irresistible crispy coating that gives the puffs their signature crunch.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to golden perfection.
How to Make Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
In a large bowl, bring together the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, lightly beaten eggs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything until you get a uniform, sticky mixture that’s easy to scoop but holds together well—this is the foundation of your puffs.
Step 2: Shape Your Cheese Puffs
Using about one tablespoon of the mixture per puff, roll the mixture into little balls. It’s satisfying work, and the size is just perfect for bite-sized indulgence that everyone will love.
Step 3: Coat with Breadcrumbs
Roll each ball evenly in the breadcrumbs or panko. This coating is the secret to getting that tantalizing crunch, so don’t be shy with your breadcrumbs. Make sure each puff is fully covered for maximum crispiness.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F. Fry the puffs in batches, allowing 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they’re a beautiful golden brown and crispy all over. Use a slotted spoon to transfer each batch to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
How to Serve Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
These puffs are fantastic on their own, but a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note. You could also dust a little bit of smoked paprika over the top for an extra burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe pairs wonderfully with a tangy dipping sauce like a garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or even a cool ranch dressing. Serve alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables if you want to keep things balanced and light.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your puffs on a platter with mini skewers and serve with an assortment of dips in small bowls for a playful appetizer spread. They also make fantastic party snacks when presented in decorative cups or on a tiered serving tray, turning simple bites into something special and shareable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but it happens), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the puffs fresh and the texture intact until you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Freezing
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe freezes beautifully. After shaping and coating the puffs but before frying, place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 1 month, ready to fry straight from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the puffs in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep that crunch intact and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly, especially if they’ve been refrigerated overnight—they hold together better and make shaping much easier.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
Yes, for a lighter option, bake your puffs in a 400°F oven for around 20 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be as oily but will still have great texture and flavor.
Can I add other ingredients for extra flavor?
Definitely! Try stirring in cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, or chopped green onions to give your puffs a delicious twist that’s all your own.
What type of cheese works best?
A combination of cheddar and mozzarella is ideal here—cheddar for sharpness and flavor, and mozzarella for that wonderful gooey stretch. Feel free to experiment with your favorites as well.
How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
The oil should be heated to about 350°F; if you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small piece of the mixture into the oil—it should bubble and rise to the surface quickly without browning too fast.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe is pure comfort food at its best—a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped in a satisfyingly crunchy shell. Whether you’re serving up a quick snack or impressing guests with something homemade and unforgettable, these puffs deliver on flavor and fun every time. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into the deliciousness that’s waiting for you in every crispy bite.
Print
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 puffs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are golden, crunchy bites packed with cheesy goodness and seasoned mashed potatoes. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they combine the creaminess of cheddar and mozzarella with a crispy breadcrumb exterior, fried to perfection for a delightful treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Coating and Frying
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches depth)
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, lightly beaten eggs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully blended into a smooth, cohesive mixture.
- Form the puffs: Using about one tablespoon of the mixture at a time, scoop and shape it into a ball. Continue this process until the entire mixture is used up, ensuring all balls are roughly equal in size for even cooking.
- Coat the puffs: Roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs or panko until it is evenly and fully coated, which will contribute to their crispy exterior when fried.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan to a depth of about 2 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy to ensure proper frying.
- Fry the puffs: Fry the potato puffs in batches, carefully placing them in the hot oil. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and serve: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried puffs and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the puffs hot for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use cold mashed potatoes as they hold their shape better when forming the puffs.
- Add cooked bacon bits or chopped green onions into the potato mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- For a lighter alternative, bake the puffs at 400°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- The puffs are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an oven to restore their crispiness.
