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- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup grated aged Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh green onions, finely chopped - 1 large egg, beaten - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) When making Irresistible Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, I love using leftover mashed potatoes. This saves time and adds flavor. The recipe needs sharp cheddar and aged Parmesan for a rich taste. Fresh green onions add a nice crunch and color. I beat an egg to help bind the mixture. All-purpose flour thickens and gives structure to the puffs. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth to their flavor. For frying, I recommend vegetable or canola oil. These oils have high smoke points, making them perfect for frying. - Additional cheese varieties - Spices for extra flavor - Fresh herbs for garnish You can personalize these cheese puffs. Try mixing in mozzarella or gouda for different flavors. Add spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can freshen the dish. Explore these options and make the recipe your own! Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for more details on crafting these delightful bites. - Combine 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated aged Parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl. - Mix everything until smooth and cohesive. This step is key. You want the flavors to blend well. - Use your hands to form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. - Arrange these balls on a lined baking sheet. This will help keep them from sticking. - Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. - To test the oil, drop a small piece of the mixture in. If it sizzles, it’s ready. - Fry the balls in batches. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. Turn them to get golden brown all over. - Once done, remove them with a slotted spoon. Let them drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil. This method ensures you get crispy, delicious cheese puffs every time. Enjoy making your Irresistible Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs with this full recipe! To make perfect Irresistible Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, you need the right frying temperature. Heat the oil to about 350°F. You can test this by dropping a small ball of the mixture into the oil. If it sizzles and rises, you’re ready to fry! For the best crispiness, fry each puff for about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn them gently to get an even golden color. Keep an eye on them while they fry, ensuring they do not burn. Pair these cheese puffs with some great dipping sauces. Tangy sour cream and zesty spicy sauce work well together. You can also try a creamy ranch or a smooth cheese dip for fun flavors. For a beautiful presentation, serve the puffs warm on a nice platter. Garnish them with extra chopped green onions. This adds a nice touch of color and freshness to your dish. One common mistake is overcrowding the frying pan. This can lower the oil temperature and make the puffs soggy. Fry in small batches to keep them crispy. Another mistake is underseasoning the mixture. Taste your mashed potatoes before shaping them into puffs. Adjust the salt and pepper to ensure every bite is flavorful. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese for different tastes. Try using mozzarella for a gooey texture. Gouda adds a rich, smoky flavor. Mixing in cream cheese makes the puffs even creamier. It gives a lovely mouthfeel that pairs well with the crispy outside. Want to spice things up? Add cooked bacon bits for a savory crunch. The crispy bacon enhances the flavor and adds a nice texture. You can also incorporate jalapeños to give your puffs a kick. The heat balances well with the creamy cheese. If you prefer a lighter version, try baking these cheese puffs. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the shaped puffs on a baking sheet and lightly spray them with oil. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Air frying is another great option. It gives you that crispy texture without deep frying. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. For the full recipe, check the details above. To keep your cheese puffs fresh, store them properly. First, let them cool completely. This prevents moisture buildup. Place the cheese puffs in an airtight container. You can use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. This keeps them from drying out and losing flavor. Layer parchment paper between puffs if needed. This stops them from sticking together. For reheating, the best method is using an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cheese puffs on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. This helps them regain their crispy texture. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it makes them soggy. To maintain flavor, check for even heating. If they are cold in the center, leave them longer. Enjoy your leftover Irresistible Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs warm! Yes, you can use fresh mashed potatoes. However, using leftovers is better. Leftover mashed potatoes have a thicker texture. This thickness helps the puffs hold their shape better. Fresh mashed potatoes can be too watery, which makes frying tricky. To keep your puffs intact, binding is key. Make sure to mix the ingredients well. The egg acts as a binder, so don’t skip it. Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes before shaping. This will help it firm up. Finally, avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Fry them in small batches for best results. These cheese puffs pair great with many dips. A tangy sour cream dip works well. You can also try a spicy ranch or a zesty salsa. For a meal, serve them with a fresh salad or alongside grilled chicken. They make great appetizers at parties too! You can store these cheese puffs in the fridge for up to three days. Keep them in an airtight container. To reheat, use the oven for best results. This keeps them crispy. If you want to enjoy them longer, freeze them. They can last for up to a month in the freezer. Just make sure to thaw them before frying again. This blog post provided a step-by-step guide to making Irresistible Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. We covered the full list of ingredients, cooking methods, and tips to perfect your dish. Remember to avoid common mistakes, like overcrowding the pan. These cheese puffs are versatile with flavors and cooking methods. Enjoy them fresh, or store them for later. Try different cheeses and add-ins to make them your own. With these tips, you will create a delicious treat every time. Happy cooking!

Irresistible Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Indulge in irresistible mashed potato cheese puffs that are perfect for any occasion! Made with creamy leftover mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar, and aged Parmesan, these golden delights are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this tasty treat in no time. Click to explore the full recipe and treat your taste buds to this cheesy goodness!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated aged Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh green onions, finely chopped

1 large egg, beaten

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and grated aged Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly blended.

    Next, add the finely chopped green onions, beaten egg, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until you achieve a smooth, cohesive mixture that holds together well.

      Using your hands, carefully shape the mixture into small balls or mounds, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

        In a deep frying pan, heat about an inch of oil over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of the potato mixture into the oil; if it sizzles instantly, the oil is at the right temperature.

          Gently place a few potato cheese balls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy all over.

            Once cooked, carefully remove the puffs using a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

              Continue the process until all the potato cheese puffs are fried to perfection.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 Minutes | 30 Minutes | 4 Servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the cheese puffs warm on a beautiful platter alongside a bowl of tangy sour cream or a zesty spicy dipping sauce. For an extra pop of color, garnish with additional chopped green onions. Delight in the contrast of the crispy exterior and the gooey, cheesy center!