This delicious Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs comes together in about 30 minutes and is made with minimal cleanup for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the cheese or add herbs to suit your taste, or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of any leftover mashed potatoes lounging around. Trust me, these cheesy bites are sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your house!
Ingredient Breakdown
Mashed Potatoes
You’ll need about 2 cups of mashed potatoes for this recipe, and you can use freshly made or leftovers, whatever works for you! I prefer to make my mashed potatoes creamy and buttery with a pinch of salt. But if you’ve got some lonely leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge, this recipe is a great way to give them new life! Just make sure they aren’t too thin; firmer mashed potatoes work best for shaping!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese is the secret to making these cheese puffs ooze with flavor! I love cheddar for its nutty and sharp profile, which pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the cheddar for mozzarella for a melted, gooey texture or even pepper jack for a slight kick!
Eggs
You’ll need 2 large eggs to help bind the ingredients together. This is critical for keeping the puffs from falling apart as they fry or bake. I usually use large eggs because they add just the right amount of moisture. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option!
All-Purpose Flour
For this recipe, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour is perfect for achieving that crispy outside and fluffy inside! This helps absorb excess moisture. If you’re avoiding gluten, feel free to use a gluten-free flour blend, it will work just as well!
Salt and Pepper
Typically, 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of black pepper will do the trick, but feel free to adjust per taste. I like to add a couple of pinches of garlic powder or even onion powder for an added flavor bomb!
Cooking Oil or Spray
Finally, you’ll need oil (or cooking spray) for frying (or if you choose to bake them, but honestly, frying gives the best results!) I usually opt for canola oil, but you can use olive oil or any neutral oil you have on hand.
How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff, making these cheesy wonders! Prepare your ingredients by gathering everything in one place for convenience.
Cook the Potatoes (if necessary): If you’re using fresh potatoes, peel, chop, and boil them in salted water until fork-tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Drain and then mash them with butter and cream until smooth. If you’re using leftovers, just reheat them until they’re warm.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the warm mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined about 2 minutes, so the cheese is evenly distributed.
Shape the Puffs: Scoop out golf ball-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls (don’t worry about making them perfect!). You should have about 12-16 puffs enough to pass around like your favorite snack!
Heat the Oil: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat oil in a deep fryer to around 350°F (175°C). If baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cook the Puffs: Bake for 20-25 minutes or fry them for about 4-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy! The smell will be heavenly!
Serve Warm: This is the best part let them cool slightly before digging in. The cheesy flavor is at its peak just after cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I want to whip up something quick, and honestly? It’s such a crowd-pleaser! My family can’t get enough of these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, and they disappear like magic! I’m a real sucker for comfort food, and these have that perfect blend of cheesy, fluffy, and warm. And the best part is, there are endless ways to customize! You could throw in whatever cheese you have on hand or even add in bacon bits or veggies. Trust me, you can use whatever you’ve got lying around!
If you loved this Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, be sure to check out my Easy Bacon Potato Frittata, my Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls, or my Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can easily have a wholesome meal ready in no time, and who doesn’t appreciate that?
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor and creamy goodness, these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are pure comfort! The warm, gooey cheese enveloped in soft potato is like a warm hug, just what you want after a long day!
Customizable
One of the best things about these cheese puffs is how versatile they are! You can add in spices like smoked paprika or herbs like chives or parsley. They’re great for using up leftover odds and ends!
Crowd-Pleaser
These little bites elicit smiles seriously, I’ve seen my kids go from “I’m not hungry” to “MORE, PLEASE!” in seconds. The whole family will love them, and they’re an excellent party snack too!
Make-Ahead Friendly
If you want to get a jump on prepping for a busy week, you can make the mixture ahead of time. Just chill it in the fridge for up to 48 hours, then fry or bake before serving. Perfect for meal prep!
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy puffs are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways! Here’s how you can enjoy them:
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve them with ketchup, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for a fun twist!
- As a Side Dish: Pair them with my Garlic Butter Steak Bites for a fabulous dinner.
- Snack Attack: Great for after-school snacks or parties, these puffs are sure to be a hit!
Storage
These puffs keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container, though they are best enjoyed fresh! To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to revive that crispy exterior.
Are They Freezer Friendly?
Yes! These puffs are freezer-friendly! You can freeze them before cooking. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake or fry from frozen!
Final Thoughts
Honestly, these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are something everyone should try at least once! They’re quick and easy, loaded with flavor, and bring a smile to the table every time. They remind me of those cozy family dinners when comfort food just hits the spot. So gather your kids, have them help in the kitchen (they’ll love rolling the balls!), and enjoy this recipe that warms both the belly and the heart! Happy cooking!
Note: Make sure to check out my post on different variations of potato recipes after all, potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients around!
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Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Ingredients
Method
- If using fresh potatoes, peel, chop, and boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and cream until smooth. If using leftovers, reheat until warm.
- In a large bowl, mix warm mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Scoop out golf ball-sized portions of the mixture and roll into balls, making about 12-16 puffs.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat oil in a deep fryer to around 350°F (175°C). If baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or fry for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Let puffs cool slightly before serving to enjoy the cheesy flavor at its peak.