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- Leftover Mashed Potatoes: These are the star of the dish. They add creaminess and flavor. You can use any type you have on hand. - Cheeses and Their Roles: We use two types of cheese: sharp cheddar and Parmesan. The cheddar gives a strong flavor and melty texture. Parmesan adds a nice saltiness and helps bind everything together. - Seasoning Essentials: For the best taste, we add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These seasonings boost the flavor without overpowering the cheese and potatoes. With these ingredients ready, you're on your way to making crispy and delicious leftover mashed potato cheese puffs! For the full recipe, check out the steps I laid out above. Mixing the Base Ingredients Start by gathering your leftover mashed potatoes. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of mashed potatoes with 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. Use a spatula to mix everything well. You want all the ingredients to blend into a smooth base. Incorporating the Egg Next, crack 1 large egg into a separate bowl. Beat it lightly with a fork. Once it’s mixed, add the egg to your potato mixture. Stir until it's evenly combined. This step helps bind the mixture and gives the puffs a nice texture. Forming the Dough Now, it’s time to add more flavor. Gradually sprinkle in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, along with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until a thick, sticky dough forms. Make sure there are no dry bits of flour left. This dough will be the heart of your cheese puffs. Heating the Oil In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature. Aim for 350°F (175°C) to get your puffs crispy. Shaping the Puffs With clean hands, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the potato mixture. Roll them into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. This size helps them cook evenly and stay crispy. Frying to Perfection Carefully drop the potato balls into the hot oil. Fry them in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. Once they are done, use a slotted spoon to remove the puffs from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This step will help absorb any extra oil. Let them cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy your delicious cheese puffs! For the full recipe, check out Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. Ensuring Crispiness To get that nice, crispy bite, focus on oil temperature. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). A thermometer helps here. If the oil is too cool, the cheese puffs can soak up oil and become soggy. Fry in small batches to keep the heat consistent. Avoiding Greasiness Use a slotted spoon to lift the puffs from the oil. This helps drain extra oil. After frying, place them on paper towels. This step absorbs any leftover oil, keeping your bites light and tasty. Flavor Enhancements For a flavor boost, add herbs or spices. Chives, dill, or smoked paprika work great. You can also mix in garlic or onion powder. These little additions make a big difference in taste. Presentation Ideas Serve the cheese puffs warm on a colorful platter. Garnish with fresh green onions for a pop of color. This makes your dish look inviting and fun. A simple touch can make a meal special. Recommended Dipping Sauces Pair the puffs with tasty dips. Sour cream is a classic choice. You can also try ranch dressing or spicy mayo. These dips add a creamy contrast to the crispy puffs. Enjoy exploring different flavors with your leftovers! {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your cheese puffs by adding herbs and spices. Try mixing in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives. These add a fresh taste that brightens the dish. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for a warm flavor. Each choice brings a new twist to your cheese puffs. While sharp cheddar is great, you can swap cheeses to fit your taste. Use mozzarella for a milder flavor. Feta adds a salty kick, while Gruyère gives a nutty taste. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment! You can make these cheese puffs in two main ways: baking or frying. Frying gives a crispy outer layer with a soft inside. However, baking is a healthier option. To bake, shape your puffs and place them on a lined baking sheet. Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, until golden. Both methods yield delicious results, so choose what works best for you. Using an air fryer is another great way to cook these cheese puffs. It gives you a crispy texture with less oil. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the puffs in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. You’ll enjoy a lighter version of this tasty treat. For the full recipe, check out the details provided. Refrigeration Tips Once you make these cheese puffs, let them cool completely. You can store them in an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Freezing for Future Use To freeze, place the cooled cheese puffs on a baking sheet. Make sure they do not touch each other. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. This method helps keep their shape, so they won’t stick together. Recrisping Options To make the puffs crispy again, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the puffs on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm and crisp again. This method keeps them tasty and crunchy. Microwave Techniques If you are short on time, you can use the microwave. Place the puffs on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them for 30 seconds at a time. Check them often to avoid making them too soft. While this method is quick, it may not make them as crispy as the oven. For more delicious ways to use leftover mashed potatoes, check out the Full Recipe for Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. Can I use fresh mashed potatoes? Yes, you can use fresh mashed potatoes. They will work well in this recipe. Just make sure they are smooth and creamy. If they are too dry, add a touch of milk or butter for moisture. How do I make them gluten-free? To make these cheese puffs gluten-free, simply swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many brands offer good results. Also, check the labels on your cheese and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. What can I serve with cheese puffs? Cheese puffs pair great with many dips. You can serve them with sour cream, ranch, or a spicy aioli. They also make a fun snack at parties, or a side dish for soups and salads. Enjoy them hot for the best flavor! For a full recipe, check the section above on how to prepare these delightful bites. In this post, we explored how to make delicious cheese puffs using leftover mashed potatoes. We covered ingredients, preparation steps, frying tips, and variations to elevate the dish. Remember, the right texture matters for a perfect bite. Experiment with flavors and cooking methods to suit your taste. Store extras properly for later enjoyment. With these tips, you can create a dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy making your cheese puffs!

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious snack with these easy leftover mashed potato cheese puffs! This simple recipe combines creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan for a crispy treat everyone will love. Perfect for using up leftovers, these cheese puffs are quick to make and ideal for any occasion. Click to explore the full recipe and discover a tasty way to enjoy your leftovers today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1 large egg

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped green onions. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly integrated.

    In a separate bowl, crack the large egg and beat it lightly with a fork. Add the beaten egg to the potato mixture and stir until evenly combined.

      Gradually sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until a thick, sticky dough forms, ensuring there are no dry flour bits remaining.

        In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. Use a thermometer to verify the oil temperature reaches 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.

          With clean hands, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the potato mixture and roll them into small balls, approximately the size of a ping pong ball.

            Carefully drop the potato balls into the hot oil in small batches, being mindful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden brown color and crispy texture.

              Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese puffs from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

                Allow the cheese puffs to cool slightly for a minute or two before serving to ensure they are safe to eat and to enhance their flavor.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the cheese puffs warm on a platter, garnished with additional chopped green onions for a pop of color, alongside a small bowl of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful finish.