Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Introduction
Have you ever found yourself with a big batch of leftover mashed potatoes and wondered what to do with them? Look no further! These leftover mashed potato cheese puffs are a delicious and creative way to repurpose those leftovers into a mouthwatering snack or side dish. With their crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior, these puffs are sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love these leftover mashed potato cheese puffs. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a plateful of piping hot puffs on the table in no time. Secondly, they are a fantastic way to use up any leftover mashed potatoes, reducing food waste and saving money. Lastly, these puffs are incredibly versatile. They make a great appetizer, side dish, or even a light lunch when served with a side salad.
Ingredients
To make these delicious leftover mashed potato cheese puffs, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your leftover mashed potato cheese puffs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh chives, all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mashed potato mixture and shape it into a ball using your hands. Flatten the ball slightly to form a small patty.
- Carefully place the mashed potato patty into the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the patty from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining mashed potato mixture.
- Serve the leftover mashed potato cheese puffs hot with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your leftover mashed potato cheese puffs turn out perfectly:
- Make sure your mashed potatoes are well-seasoned before using them in this recipe. If your mashed potatoes are bland, the puffs will lack flavor.
- For extra crispy puffs, you can double coat them by dipping them in beaten egg and then rolling them in breadcrumbs before frying.
- If you don’t have any chives on hand, you can substitute them with finely chopped green onions or parsley.
- For a healthier alternative, you can bake the puffs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your leftover mashed potato cheese puffs by trying out these variations:
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the mashed potato mixture for an extra savory twist.
- Swap out the cheddar cheese for your favorite cheese blend, such as mozzarella and Gruyere.
- If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
Serving Suggestions
These leftover mashed potato cheese puffs are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Pair them with a tangy and creamy dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or sour cream mixed with chives.
- Serve them as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak.
- Enjoy them as a light lunch with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these puffs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed potato mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply shape the mixture into puffs and fry them as directed.
Q: Can I freeze these puffs?
A: Yes, you can! Once the puffs have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Leftover mashed potato cheese puffs are not only a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes but also a delicious and versatile dish that the whole family will love. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, side dish, or light lunch, these crispy and cheesy puffs are sure to impress. So next time you find yourself with leftover mashed potatoes, give this recipe a try and enjoy a tasty treat that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
We hope you enjoy making and eating these leftover mashed potato cheese puffs as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any variations you try. Happy cooking!
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into delicious cheese puffs with a crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior. These puffs are easy to make, versatile, and perfect for reducing food waste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, chives, flour, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Shape 2 tablespoons of the mixture into a patty and fry in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
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Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with remaining mixture.
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Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
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Enjoy!