Here’s a tasty way to turn leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy puffs 🥔🧀 — perfect as a snack or side dish!
🥔🧀 Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Ingredients (Makes ~12 puffs)
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup flour (or more, if dough is too sticky)
- ½ tsp garlic powder or onion powder (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Oil for frying or cooking spray for baking
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the dough
- Mix mashed potatoes, cheese, egg, flour, and spices.
- The mixture should be soft but scoopable. Add a little more flour if too wet.
2️⃣ Shape the puffs
- Roll small spoonfuls into balls or small patties.
- Optional: press lightly for even cooking.
3️⃣ Cook the puffs
Option A: Frying
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry puffs 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
Option B: Baking
- Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
- Place puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly spray with oil.
- Bake 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Dip in ketchup, ranch, or sour cream
- Serve as a side with soups or salads
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or paprika)
💡 Tips
- Crispier puffs: Add 1–2 tbsp breadcrumbs to the mixture
- Extra cheesy: Stuff with small cubes of cheese before frying
- Make-ahead: Freeze shaped puffs raw, then bake or fry when needed
If you want, I can also give a low-carb version, a baked sheet-pan version for a crowd, or a spicy version with herbs and jalapeño.
Do you want me to do that?