Crispy Cheesy Potato Puffs

These mashed potato cheese puffs transform humble leftover mashed potatoes into a crowd-pleasing treat that disappears faster than you can make them. I created these when trying to reimagine holiday leftovers, and they've since become our family's most requested appetizer for game days and casual gatherings.

I first made these during a particularly brutal winter storm when we couldn't leave the house and needed comfort food. My teenagers now request these regularly, claiming they're better than any restaurant appetizer they've tried.

Ingredients

• Leftover mashed potatoes: give these puffs their creamy texture and are the perfect way to repurpose holiday extras
• Shredded cheddar cheese: adds rich flavor and creates those irresistible cheese pulls when warm
• Large eggs: bind everything together and help create structure
• All-purpose flour: provides stability so the puffs hold their shape
• Salt and black pepper: enhance the savory profile
• Garlic powder: adds depth without overwhelming the other flavors
• Breadcrumbs: create that perfect golden crispy exterior everyone fights over

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven:

Turn your oven to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the mixture. This high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a creamy center.

Mix the base:

Combine your mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until you have a cohesive mixture without streaks of flour. The texture should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped.

Shape the puffs:

Using either your hands or an ice cream scoop for consistency, form golf ball sized portions of the mixture. Roll each between your palms to create smooth, even balls that will cook uniformly.

Coat in breadcrumbs:

Roll each potato ball in breadcrumbs until completely covered. Press gently to help the crumbs adhere. This coating is what transforms into that irresistible crispy shell during baking.

Bake to perfection:

Arrange the coated puffs on a parchment lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each one to allow for proper air circulation. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden brown color and crispy exterior.

Rest before serving:

Allow the puffs to cool for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps them set up properly and prevents burned mouths from the molten cheese interior.

Save

The garlic powder is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance after making a batch without it that lacked depth. Now I sometimes roast whole garlic cloves and fold them into the mashed potatoes before making these puffs for an even more pronounced flavor that makes guests ask for my secret.

Make-Ahead Options

These puffs are perfect for preparing in advance when entertaining. You can shape the puffs and coat them in breadcrumbs up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply store them covered in the refrigerator on the baking sheet. When ready to serve, you might need to add 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time since they'll be cold from the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked puffs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 5 to 7 minutes to the cooking time.

Creative Variations

The basic recipe is wonderful, but consider these delicious variations to keep things interesting. Try mixing in chopped crispy bacon or ham for a smoky flavor profile. For a vegetable boost, incorporate finely chopped spinach, broccoli, or caramelized onions. You can also experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack for heat, smoked gouda for depth, or blue cheese for tanginess. My family particularly loves when I add a small cube of cheese to the center of each puff for an extra gooey surprise when you bite into them.

Serving Suggestions

While these puffs are delicious on their own, they reach new heights when paired with complementary dipping sauces. Serve with ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, or marinara sauce for classic options. For something more elevated, try a horseradish cream, truffle aioli, or spicy honey mustard. These puffs make an excellent starter before a roast dinner or as part of a game day spread alongside other finger foods. For a complete appetizer platter, pair them with fresh vegetable crudités to balance the richness.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these potato cheese puffs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the puffs up to the coating stage and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also fully bake them, cool completely, and refrigerate for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

→ What dipping sauces work best with these cheese puffs?

These puffs pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces including sour cream, sriracha mayo, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a honey mustard. Choose based on your preference for creamy, spicy, or tangy accompaniments.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar provides a classic flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness, pepper jack for heat, or gruyere for a nutty flavor. You can even use a combination of cheeses for more complex flavor profiles.

→ How do I ensure my potato puffs stay crispy?

For maximum crispiness, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F before baking. Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - leave space between each puff for hot air circulation. If your mashed potatoes are very moist, you may need to add a bit more flour to the mixture.

→ Can I freeze these potato cheese puffs?

Yes, these freeze beautifully! Freeze them after baking and cooling completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To serve, place frozen puffs on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until heated through and crispy.

→ Are there any variations I can try with this basic recipe?

Try adding chopped herbs like chives or parsley, bacon bits, caramelized onions, or even jalapeños for heat. You can also experiment with different seasonings like Italian herbs, cajun spice mix, or smoked paprika for varied flavor profiles.