Leftover Mashed Potato Puffs

This creamy, cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs recipe transforms yesterday's side dish into today's irresistible appetizer. With a golden crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, these little bites prove that leftovers can become the star of your next meal.

I created these cheese puffs after a particularly ambitious Thanksgiving when we had mountains of mashed potatoes leftover. My family now deliberately makes extra mashed potatoes just so we can enjoy these crispy treats the next day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes: cold leftovers work best as they hold shape better
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: choose sharp cheddar for more pronounced flavor
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: adds a salty umami bite that elevates the whole dish
• 2 green onions: finely chopped provides a mild onion flavor and pretty flecks of color
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour: helps bind the mixture and create structure
• 1 large egg: beaten works as the essential binder that holds everything together
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: adds depth without overwhelming the other flavors
• Salt and pepper to taste: remember your mashed potatoes may already be seasoned
• Bread crumbs for coating: optional but creates an extra crispy exterior
• Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing: prevents sticking and helps with browning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures the outside gets crispy while the inside stays soft and cheesy. Thoroughly grease your baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent any sticking and help develop that golden exterior.

Combine Ingredients:

Place your cold leftover mashed potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add both cheeses while they're still cold from the refrigerator for easier mixing. Incorporate the green onions, flour, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until you achieve a consistent texture throughout. Take care not to overmix, which can make the mixture gummy.

Shape Puffs:

With clean hands or a cookie scoop, portion the mixture into balls about 2 tablespoons each. Roll between your palms to create smooth spheres, or flatten slightly for more patty like shapes. If using bread crumbs, place them in a shallow dish and gently roll each puff to coat evenly. Arrange the puffs on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each one to allow for proper air circulation.

Bake:

Place the baking sheet in the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning. Watch for a golden brown exterior with little cheese bubbles forming around the edges. This visual cue indicates they're perfectly done.

Serve:

Allow the puffs to rest on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes after removing from the oven. This brief cooling period helps them set up and makes them easier to handle. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy while still warm when the cheese is at its most gooey and delicious.

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The green onions are truly the unsung hero in this recipe. Their subtle onion flavor and bright color transform what could be a heavy dish into something fresh and appealing. My grandmother always insisted on adding them, and after trying these puffs without them once, I never made that mistake again.

Make Ahead Options

These cheese puffs offer excellent make ahead potential for busy households. You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The chilling time actually improves the texture, making the puffs easier to shape. Alternatively, you can form the puffs and freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding about 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.

Creative Variations

The basic recipe provides a perfect canvas for customization based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try adding cooked crumbled bacon or diced ham for a meaty twist. Herb lovers can incorporate fresh chopped chives, parsley, or dill. For a spicy kick, mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella for stretch, pepper jack for heat, or smoked gouda for depth.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile puffs pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them alongside a simple green salad for a light lunch, or as part of a brunch spread with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. For appetizer servings, offer dipping options like sour cream, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo. They also make excellent companions to soup, turning a simple bowl into a more substantial meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make the potato puffs extra crispy?

To make the potato puffs extra crispy, roll them in breadcrumbs before baking or fry them in a skillet instead of baking.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or a mix for unique flavors.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the puffs ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until ready to bake or fry.

→ What other ingredients can I add for variety?

Feel free to add cooked bacon bits, diced ham, chopped herbs like parsley or chives, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.

→ What is the best way to serve these potato puffs?

These potato puffs are best served warm, as a snack, appetizer, or side dish alongside dips like sour cream or aioli.