Description
Transform your leftovers into delicious Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. Discover a new way to enjoy mashed potatoes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for pan-frying
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for coating)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Mashed Potatoes Remove your cold leftover mashed potatoes from the refrigerator and place them in a large mixing bowl. Break up any large clumps with a fork to ensure even mixing. If your mashed potatoes are very stiff, you may need to add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to loosen them slightly, but be careful not to make them too soft.
- Step 2: Mix Your Base Add the beaten eggs to your mashed potatoes and mix until well combined. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and fold it in gently until incorporated. The flour helps bind the puffs and creates a better exterior texture, but overmixing can make them dense, so use a light hand.
- Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters Now for the magic! Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, minced garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that your mashed potatoes may already contain some seasoning. The combination of sharp cheese and aromatic seasonings transforms simple potatoes into something extraordinary.
- Step 4: Shape Your Puffs Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll into balls approximately 1½ inches in diameter. If the mixture is too sticky to handle, lightly dust your hands with flour or refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to firm it up. For an extra crispy coating, roll the balls in grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding, add the potato puffs and flatten them slightly with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Alternatively, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden all around.
- Step 6: Serve Warm Arrange your beautiful Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs on a serving plate while still warm. Garnish with additional chopped chives and serve with a side of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce. Watch them disappear before your eyes!
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg