Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites Recipe

Ben Carraoli

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites Recipe

I stumbled upon this recipe when I had a mountain of leftover mashed potatoes and wanted to create something new. These little puffs came out of the oven golden and crispy, with a wonderfully soft, cheesy center.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4

Course: Dessert

Calories: 60

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

2 cups mashed potatoes - Leftovers are perfect for this but make sure they are cold.
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese - Grating your own cheese from a block provides a better melt.
1 large egg - This acts as a binder holding all the ingredients together.
½ cup bread crumbs - Plain or Italian-style bread crumbs work well to create a crispy exterior.
2 tbsp chopped green onions - Fresh green onions add a mild bright flavor.
2 tbsp butter melted - This adds richness and helps the puffs brown nicely.
1 tsp garlic powder - For a savory kick that pairs wonderfully with potato and cheese.
½ tsp salt - Adjust to your taste especially if your mashed potatoes are already seasoned.
¼ tsp black pepper - Freshly ground pepper offers the best flavor.
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese optional - A sprinkle on top adds a salty, nutty finish.

Method

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature to cook the puffs evenly and make them crispy. While it’s heating, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light greasing. This small step is crucial to prevent the puffs from sticking.
In a large bowl, it's time to bring everything together. Combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, bread crumbs, chopped green onions, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated and you have a consistent mixture.
Now for the fun part! Scoop about one to two tablespoons of the potato mixture. You can use a small cookie scoop for uniform size. Roll the mixture into a ball between your palms, then gently flatten it into a small, disc-like puff shape. Place each puff on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Once all your puffs are formed and arranged, you can give them an extra cheesy boost. If you're using it, sprinkle a little grated parmesan cheese over the top of each puff. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You'll know they're ready when they are a beautiful golden-brown color and look crispy on the outside.
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. I always let the puffs cool for a few minutes directly on the sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. This helps them firm up a bit so they don't fall apart. Serve them warm and enjoy the delicious, cheesy goodness!