Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Mashed potato cheese puffs: Prepare to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into something truly extraordinary! Imagine biting into a golden-brown, crispy exterior that gives way to a warm, fluffy, cheesy center. These aren’t your average potato puffs; they’re a delightful explosion of flavor and texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

While the exact origins of cheesy potato puffs are a bit hazy, the concept of transforming humble potatoes into something special has been around for centuries. Potatoes, once a staple food for many cultures, have been elevated in countless ways, and this recipe is a testament to that culinary creativity. Think of them as a sophisticated cousin to the classic potato croquette, with an added cheesy twist that takes them to the next level.

What makes these mashed potato cheese puffs so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. The creamy, familiar taste of mashed potatoes is enhanced by the sharp, savory flavor of cheese, all encased in a satisfyingly crispy shell. They’re incredibly versatile, too! Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a fun side dish, or even a satisfying snack. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, making them both delicious and economical. Get ready to experience a potato dish like never before!

Ingredients:

• For the Mashed Potato Base:
• 4 cups cooked and mashed potatoes (russet or Yukon gold work best), cooled
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup milk (whole milk is preferred for richness)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Cheese Filling:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• For the Breadcrumb Coating:
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For Frying:
• Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying (about 3-4 cups)

Preparing the Mashed Potato Base:

1. Cool the Mashed Potatoes: It’s crucial that your mashed potatoes are completely cooled before you start. Warm potatoes will make the mixture too soft and difficult to handle. If you’ve just made them, spread them out on a baking sheet to cool down faster.
2. Combine the Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, melted butter, beaten egg, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Season to Perfection: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, the potatoes are the base flavor, so don’t be shy with the seasoning. Taste and adjust as needed.
4. Mix Thoroughly: Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and form a smooth, cohesive mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
5. Chill the Potato Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mashed potato mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour. This chilling time is essential because it allows the mixture to firm up, making it much easier to form the cheese puffs.

Preparing the Cheese Filling:

1. Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will ensure that it blends smoothly with the other cheeses. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
2. Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded provolone cheese, chopped chives (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Mix Until Smooth: Use a fork or spoon to mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and form a smooth, creamy mixture.
4. Chill the Cheese Filling (Optional): While not strictly necessary, chilling the cheese filling for a few minutes can make it slightly easier to work with.

Forming the Cheese Puffs:

1. Prepare Your Work Station: Set up your work station with the chilled mashed potato mixture, the cheese filling, the breadcrumb coating, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Scoop the Potato Mixture: Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to scoop out portions of the chilled mashed potato mixture. Each portion should be about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons in size.
3. Flatten the Potato Portion: Gently flatten each potato portion in the palm of your hand to create a small disc.
4. Add the Cheese Filling: Place a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of the cheese filling in the center of the flattened potato disc.
5. Enclose the Filling: Carefully bring the edges of the potato disc up and around the cheese filling, pinching them together to completely enclose the filling. Roll the formed puff gently in your hands to create a smooth, round shape. Make sure there are no cracks or openings where the cheese filling can escape during frying.
6. Repeat the Process: Repeat steps 2-5 until all of the mashed potato mixture and cheese filling have been used. Place the formed cheese puffs on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Chill the Formed Puffs (Optional): For even better results, you can chill the formed cheese puffs in the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes before coating them in breadcrumbs. This will help them hold their shape during frying.

Preparing the Breadcrumb Coating:

1. Combine the Coating Ingredients: In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Mix Well: Use a fork or spoon to mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.

Coating the Cheese Puffs:

1. Coat Each Puff: Take each formed cheese puff and gently roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat it completely on all sides. Press the breadcrumbs lightly into the puff to help them adhere.
2. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the coated cheese puffs back on the prepared baking sheet.

Frying the Cheese Puffs:

1. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil or canola oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven until it is about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. It’s crucial to maintain a consistent temperature for even cooking.
2. Fry in Batches: Carefully add the coated cheese puffs to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy cheese puffs. Aim for about 4-5 puffs per batch, depending on the size of your pot.
3. Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the cheese puffs for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider to carefully turn them over during frying to ensure even cooking.
4. Remove and Drain: Once the cheese puffs are golden brown, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon or spider and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
5. Repeat the Process: Repeat steps 2-4 until all of the cheese puffs have been fried.

Serving:

1. Serve Immediately: Mashed potato cheese puffs are best served immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
2. Optional Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy aioli.
3. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These mashed potato cheese puffs are truly a revelation. They’re the perfect way to breathe new life into leftover mashed potatoes, transforming them from a simple side dish into a delightful appetizer or snack that everyone will adore. But more than just being resourceful, these puffs are simply delicious. The creamy, comforting interior of mashed potatoes, combined with the sharp, savory cheddar cheese and the satisfying crunch of the golden-brown exterior, creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for more.

I know what you might be thinking: “Another recipe? Do I really need it?” And to that, I say, absolutely! These aren’t just any cheese puffs; they’re mashed potato cheese puffs. That single ingredient elevates them to a whole new level of comfort food perfection. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients (most of which you probably already have on hand), and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Seriously, I’ve yet to meet someone who hasn’t fallen in love with these little bites of happiness.

But the best part? They’re incredibly versatile! Serve them as a fun appetizer at your next party, alongside a creamy dipping sauce like ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. They’re also fantastic as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. And for a truly decadent treat, try topping them with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives.

Looking for variations? Get creative! Swap out the cheddar cheese for Gruyere, Parmesan, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. Add some crumbled bacon or diced ham to the mashed potato mixture for a heartier flavor. Or, for a vegetarian option, incorporate some finely chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. The possibilities are endless! You could even experiment with different herbs and spices, like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika, to customize the flavor to your liking.

These mashed potato cheese puffs are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to get creative in the kitchen and have some fun. They’re a reminder that even the simplest ingredients can be transformed into something truly special. And they’re a guaranteed way to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these incredible puffs. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And once you’ve tried them, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What dipping sauce did you use? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I’m always eager to see how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking! I am sure you will love this mashed potato cheese puffs recipe.

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