Description
These delicious Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a perfect way to reinvent your mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy, bite-sized snacks. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are easy to prepare and bake, making them ideal for breakfast, appetizers, or party snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 2 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Greasing
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for crisping the cheese puffs.
- Prepare the Muffin Pan: Generously grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent the puffs from sticking during baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cold leftover mashed potatoes, beaten egg, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped chives or green onions, garlic powder if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain the light texture.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the potato mixture into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for slight expansion during baking.
- Bake the Puffs: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the top.
- Cool and Remove: Allow the cheese puffs to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes so they set slightly, then gently remove them from the muffin pan.
- Serve: Serve the cheese puffs warm as a tasty appetizer or snack and enjoy their cheesy, crispy goodness.
Notes
- Make sure the mashed potatoes are cold to help the mixture hold together better.
- You can substitute cheddar with other types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for different flavors.
- Feel free to add extra herbs or spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick.
- These puffs are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Mini muffin pans can vary in size; adjust baking time slightly if using larger or smaller pans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: leftover mashed potatoes, cheese puffs, baked potato snacks, appetizer recipes, cheddar cheese puffs, easy snacks
