These cheesy puffs are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! With a crispy outside and a gooey cheese center, they’re perfect for a tasty snack or side dish.
Who knew leftovers could be this fun? I love whipping these up when I have some mashed potatoes hanging around. They’re an easy treat that disappears fast—so be quick to grab one! 🥔🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. If you don’t have any, you can make mashed potatoes fresh or use instant mashed potatoes—just prepare them according to package instructions.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice for this dish, but feel free to switch it up! Mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack can add a tasty twist. I love mixing different cheeses for extra flavor!
All-Purpose Flour: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Each will give your puffs a slightly different taste and texture, but they’ll still be delicious.
Eggs: The eggs are crucial for binding the mixture. If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1/2 a mashed banana for each egg. Just keep in mind that it may change the flavor a bit.
Garlic and Onion Powder: These spices add nice flavor, but you can substitute them with fresh minced garlic and onion if you prefer. One clove of garlic or a tablespoon of finely chopped onion can work, just be careful not to add too much moisture!
How Do I Get the Perfect Consistency for My Mixture?
The texture of your potato mixture is key to getting fluffy cheese puffs. Here’s how to achieve that perfect consistency:
- Start with your leftover mashed potatoes; make sure they are smooth, without lumps. If they’re too thick, adding milk helps soften them.
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl thoroughly—this is where you can adjust thickness. If it feels too thick to scoop, gradually add more milk until you have a smooth but scoopable mixture.
- Remember, it should hold its shape but be soft enough to easily spoon into the baking dish. A good test is to scoop a spoonful; it should plop down without falling apart.
Taking this extra time to get the consistency right will make sure your cheese puffs bake perfectly and don’t turn out too dry or dense!
How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potato Mixture:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup grated cheese for topping
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes before enjoying these tasty puffs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, grab a baking dish and grease it with cooking spray or butter, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, flour, eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. If the mixture seems too thick, don’t worry! Just add a bit more milk until it’s scoopable.
3. Spoon and Spread:
Spoon the potato mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Make sure it’s nice and flat so it cooks evenly.
4. Add Extra Cheese (If Desired):
If you love cheese, sprinkle the top with the grated cheese for an extra delicious crust. It will give your cheese puffs a delightful golden topping!
5. Bake and Enjoy:
Now, pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the tops to be golden brown and fluffy. Once they’re ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares.
6. Serve Warm:
Enjoy your delicious Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs warm as a snack or appetizer. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix different types of cheese to suit your taste. Mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blue cheese can add a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly if using a cheese that is very soft or moist.
What If I Don’t Have Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
No problem! You can make fresh mashed potatoes specifically for this recipe. Just peel and boil about 2-3 medium potatoes, then mash them with a little butter and milk until smooth. Allow them to cool slightly before using in the recipe.
How Can I Store Leftover Cheese Puffs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps to keep the puffs nice and crispy!
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time! Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature before popping it in the oven. This helps with even baking.
