Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs – Crispy on the Outside, Cheesy in the Middle, and Totally Irresistible!
Every time we had leftover mashed potatoes, my mom had a clever way of turning them into something magical. These cheese puffs were her little secret—golden, crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or party appetizer, they’ll be gone in minutes. The best part? You can customize them endlessly with herbs, bacon bits, or even jalapeños.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- â…“ cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- Oil for frying or brushing if baking
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar, Parmesan, green onions, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir until combined and thick.
- Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls or flatten into small discs.
- Coat each puff lightly with extra breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry until golden brown on both sides, or bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with sour cream or ketchup.
Nutrition Facts (Per 2 Puffs Approx.)
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbs | 14 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Printable Recipe Summary
| Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs | |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Mashed potatoes, egg, cheese, breadcrumbs, seasonings |
| Instructions | Mix, shape, coat with crumbs, fry or bake until crispy |
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, as long as they’re thick and chilled before mixing.
Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely! Just spray or brush with oil and bake for a crisp finish.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Q: What other cheese works well in this?
Mozzarella, pepper jack, or crumbled feta give fun twists in flavor.
