Description
Golden, cheesy puffs made from leftover mashed potatoes, perfect as a snack or appetizer. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, these versatile bites are customizable, freezer-friendly, and can be baked, air-fried, or pan-fried.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold or room temperature leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs (optional for coating)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for coating)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Optional add-ins: cooked crumbled bacon, jalapeños or chili flakes, minced sautéed onions or caramelized shallots, shredded cooked chicken
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, parsley, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and egg until well combined. Add flour or breadcrumbs if too sticky.
- Scoop and roll mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Flatten slightly for crispier texture and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for 20 minutes if breading.
- Optional: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumb mixture (breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, oregano). Coat each puff in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- For air frying: Preheat to 375°F (190°C), spray puffs and basket with oil, cook in batches for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C), place puffs on lined tray, spray with oil, bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For pan-frying: Heat 1/4 inch of oil over medium heat, fry puffs until golden brown on both sides, then drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Use cold mashed potatoes for better texture.
- Add flour or breadcrumbs if mixture is too wet.
- Customize with add-ins like bacon, jalapeños, or herbs.
- Double coat in breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Freeze before or after cooking for easy reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer, Oven, or Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
