Give your mashed potatoes the extra special Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff treatment! Yes, a really crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside, cheese-filled puff! Whether it be as a side dish, an appetizer, or a snack, these Chunky Potato Puffs can work wonders if you just happen to have some leftover mashed potatoes or had made fresh mashed potatoes. These potato puffs turn out great, are pretty versatile, and all-time crowd favorites.
Jump right into the step-by-step recipe guide and enjoy some cheesey-eyy goodness!!!
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Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
- Cooking spray or melted butter, for greasing the muffin tin
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, green onions or chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Breadcrumbs (Optional): If you want extra crispiness, add 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs to the mixture and stir to combine. This will give the potato puffs a slightly crunchy texture.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Scoop the Mixture: Use a spoon or a cookie scoop to fill each muffin cup with the mashed potato mixture. Fill them about 3/4 full, and use the back of the spoon to smooth the tops.
- Top with Extra Cheese (Optional): For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle a little additional shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top of each potato puff.
Step 4: Bake the Potato Puffs
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potato puffs are golden brown on the edges and set in the middle.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the puffs to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes to set before removing them.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from Muffin Tin: Carefully run a knife around the edges of each puff to loosen them and gently lift them out of the muffin tin.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra chopped chives or green onions, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy these crispy, cheesy potato puffs as a side dish or appetizer!
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite main courses like grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables. They also make a great appetizer or snack on their own.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Helpful Notes:
Cheese Options: You can replace cheddar cheese with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Swiss, gouda, or pepper jack to give the Cheese puffs an exotic taste.
Texture Variations: For a smoother Cheese puff, use creamy mashed potatoes, and if you desire texture, then leave the potato chunks in the mashed potatoes.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the mashed potato mixture a bit early and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Easily fill the muffin tin and prepare as directed for baking.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
Gordon Ramsay: They suggest adding a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
Ina Garten: One should use Yukon Gold potatoes because of their buttery and creamy texture to the mashed potatoes.
Martha Stewart: Martha suggests topping the puffs with a mix of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan for a crispy, golden crust.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can use them if you wish; however, homemade mashed potatoes are recommended for the best taste and texture.
Can potato puffs be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Use plain gluten-free crumbs and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add other ingredients in the mixture?
Yes! You may add crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, or even diced ham to the mixture to enhance the flavor of the potato puffs.
Can these potato puffs be frozen?
Yes, they may well be frozen after baking. After you freeze the baked puffs, lay them on a baking sheet to stiffen and transfer them to a freezable bag. Reheat them using a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
How may I avoid the puffs from sticking inside the muffin tin?
Make sure to spray the muffin tin generously with cooking spray; there is also the option to use silicone muffin liners to prevent sticking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Certainly! Especially if the cheese and milk are dairy-free; that will also make this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet.
Which condiments do you suggest serving with potato puffs?
Serves greatly alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or as a fun appetizer with a sour cream, ranch, or aioli—sharing area, a small one-bite with loads of flavor.
Can I make these with a mini muffin tray?
Yes, go ahead with a mini-muffin tray for bite-size puff. Decrease the baking time to 12-15 min or until golden brown and set.
How do I keep the puffs crisp?
Serve the puff immediately after baking to keep them the crispmess. When warming them up, use the oven instead of the microwave to keep the puff crispy.
Do you recommend using fresh herbs in the mixture?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme will give a great burstiness of flavor to the potato puff.
Conclusion:
The Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a greatelered and appetizing recipe to restructure leftover mashed potatoes. Great with those crispy rims on the outside, gooey interior and ingredients that can be altered for family and friend appreciation. Easy to make and versatile enough to match with other foods, the roll of these shredded-mashed potato puffs in the meal just could not be any wrong. Savor the good flavors in a snack!
