Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful blend of comfort and indulgence, perfect for satisfying those savory cravings. They feature a crispy exterior, which hides a soft, cheesy, and buttery interior that melts in your mouth. This recipe is not only a hit among kids but also a crowd-pleaser for adults, making it ideal for gatherings, snacking, or even as a side dish. You’re bound to cherish the satisfaction that comes from making these little bites of heavenly goodness. Follow this step-by-step guide to whip up a batch that will leave your friends and family begging for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs is a joy to create, boasting an easy prep process that hardly takes any time at all. With minimal ingredients, you’ll find yourself quickly throwing these together, making them an excellent choice for unexpected guests. Since they are family-friendly, even the little ones will enjoy helping out in the kitchen. This dish manages to strike a balance between comfort and convenience, offering a delicious experience without extravagant preparations or elaborate cooking techniques.
Ingredients for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- 2 cups mashed potatoes: The creamy backbone of the dish, providing both texture and flavor.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a delightful sharpness and rich depth to the blend.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the binding agent, helping hold everything together.
- 2 eggs: Offers richness and helps to create a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a hint of spice that complements the dish wonderfully.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Introduces a fresh, oniony crunch for added flavor.
- Oil for frying: Ensures a golden and crispy exterior.
Step-by-Step Directions for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
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In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, flour, eggs, salt, pepper, and green onions. Mix until you achieve a uniform consistency, ensuring that all the ingredients are well distributed.
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Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles upon contact.
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Using a spoon or your hands, form small balls of the potato mixture. Aim for about 1-2 inches in diameter for even cooking.
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Carefully place the balls in the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. This will vary slightly based on your stove and pot.
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Remove the puffs from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. Serve them hot for the best texture and taste!
Tips & Tricks for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
To make these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs even more delightful, consider the following tips:
- Herbs and Spices: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the mixture. A dash of cayenne pepper can give these puffs a delightful kick.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with other cheese types like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavors.
- Baking Alternative: If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can bake these puffs instead of frying. Place them on a greased baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the potato mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Just fry them when you’re ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
For an engaging presentation, serve your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs on a platter with a selection of dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo. Pair them with a light salad to balance out the flavors or offer them as a side dish with grilled meats or a warm soup. For a fun twist, serve them in mini taco shells or lettuce cups for a fusion experience.
Nutritional Information
While these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are comforting and delicious, moderation is key! Each serving (about four puffs) comes in at roughly 180-220 calories, depending on how much oil is absorbed during frying. They provide a hearty dose of carbohydrates from the potatoes and protein from the cheese and eggs.
Storing Tips & Variations for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the puffs before frying. Simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be fried directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. For a healthier swap, consider using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes or replacing some flour with chickpea flour for added protein.
Conclusion for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are not only easy to prepare, but they’re also a memorable treat that everyone will adore. As comfort food goes, these puffs are a top contender; crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, they’re perfect for any occasion! Don’t wait any longer – gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and delight in the scrumptiousness of these delightful bites today!
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes are perfect for this recipe and can save time in the kitchen.
2. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
A good test is to drop a small piece of the batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
3. How can I make these puffs gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch instead.
4. What dipping sauces pair well with these cheese puffs?
Garlic aioli, ranch dressing, and spicy mayo are all great choices that complement the flavors well.
5. Can I bake these puffs instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative! Just be sure to check for crispiness and adjust the baking time as needed.
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful bites of Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs featuring a crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy interior, perfect for gatherings or as a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, flour, eggs, salt, pepper, and green onions. Mix until you achieve a uniform consistency.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Form small balls of the potato mixture, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Carefully place the balls in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Remove the puffs from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
Notes
Consider adding herbs or spices for extra flavor. Cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack can be used. For a healthier option, bake instead of frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
