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To make these tasty puffs, you need some simple ingredients. Here’s the list: - 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 egg, beaten - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) These ingredients work together to create a cheesy, fluffy center with a crispy outer layer. You can add extra ingredients to make your puffs even better. Try these options: - Chopped herbs like parsley or chives - Cooked bacon bits for a smoky taste - Crumbled feta cheese for a tangy twist - A sprinkle of cayenne pepper for heat These flavors make your cheese puffs unique and exciting. If you have dietary needs, there are easy swaps. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour. You can also replace egg with flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan option. Dairy-free cheese works well for those avoiding dairy. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients fit your diet. By adjusting these ingredients, you can enjoy Irresistible Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs no matter your dietary needs. For complete preparation details, please refer to the Full Recipe. To make the perfect mashed potato cheese puffs, start by mixing your ingredients. In a big bowl, add 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes. Then, toss in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This blend gives the puffs a great cheesy flavor. Next, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions for a fresh taste. Crack in 1 beaten egg to help bind everything together. Now, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. These spices add depth to the flavor. Finally, season with salt and pepper. Mix it all well until the mixture is smooth and holds together tightly. After mixing, it’s time to shape the puffs. Take a small amount of the mixture in your hands. Aim for balls about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. This size ensures even cooking. Place each shaped ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Making all the puffs uniform helps them cook evenly. Try to keep your hands slightly damp to prevent the mixture from sticking to you. Now, let’s fry those tasty puffs. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of the mixture into the oil. If it sizzles, you’re good to go. Carefully place a few potato cheese balls into the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the puffs and drain them on paper towels. Repeat this process until all the puffs are cooked. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy your crunchy, cheesy treats! To get that perfect crunch, you need the right oil. I like using vegetable or canola oil. Heat the oil to medium heat. Test it by dropping a small piece of the mixture in. If it sizzles, you are ready! Frying in small batches helps keep the temperature steady. If you add too many puffs at once, they will steam instead of fry. That will ruin the crunch! A few common mistakes can ruin your cheese puffs. First, don't skip the flour. It helps bind the mixture and adds structure. Second, don’t overcrowd the pan. This can lead to soggy puffs. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough. If it is not hot, the puffs will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Lastly, remember to drain the puffs on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve your mashed potato cheese puffs warm for the best taste. I recommend placing them on a nice platter. You can add a side of sour cream or a spicy dipping sauce for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions to make them pop. Enjoy the crunch with family or friends for a fun treat. For the full recipe, check out the section above! {{image_2}} You can make your cheese puffs even more tasty by adding herbs and spices. Try mixing in fresh parsley, chives, or dill. These herbs add bright flavors. You could also use spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. Just sprinkle in a teaspoon or two to change the taste. You can create different puffs every time you make them. You have two great choices for cooking these puffs: frying or baking. Frying gives you that crispy outside that many love. If you prefer a healthier option, try baking. To bake, place the formed puffs on a lined baking sheet. Spray them lightly with oil. Bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until golden. Both methods work well, but they give different textures. If you need a gluten-free option, it's easy to adapt. Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. You can also use almond flour or chickpea flour. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats. Just be sure to check your cheese labels too, as some may contain gluten. There are many ways to enjoy your cheese puffs while meeting dietary needs. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your mashed potato cheese puffs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel at the bottom. This helps absorb moisture and keeps the puffs crispy. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. If you want to enjoy their crunch, eat them within that time. You can freeze leftover cheese puffs for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. They will stay good for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat frozen puffs, don’t microwave them. Instead, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the puffs on a baking sheet. Heat for 10 to 15 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy and delicious. Yes, you can use fresh mashed potatoes. Just make sure they are not too wet. They need to be thick enough to hold their shape. If you make fresh mashed potatoes, let them cool a bit before mixing. This will help them blend well with the cheeses. To make these puffs healthier, consider baking instead of frying. You can also use less cheese or choose low-fat versions. Adding more green onions or herbs boosts flavor without adding calories. Another idea is to swap regular flour for whole wheat or almond flour for a healthier option. Cheese puffs pair well with many sauces. Sour cream is a classic choice. You can also serve them with ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or a tangy aioli. For a twist, try a honey mustard sauce. Each of these dips adds a fun flavor to the crispy puffs. Explore different sauces to find your perfect match! Mashed potato cheese puffs are simple and tasty. We covered key ingredients and options to boost flavors. I provided clear steps, tips for a great texture, and common mistakes to avoid. You can also explore variations to fit your diet and preferences. Don’t forget about storage and reheating tips to enjoy them later. These puffs are fun to make and share. Experiment with flavors and cooking methods. Each bite can bring joy and satisfaction. Enjoy your cooking journey with these delightful treats!

Irresistible Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Discover the ultimate comfort food with these irresistible mashed potato cheese puffs! Made from leftover mashed potatoes and loaded with gooey cheddar and Parmesan cheese, these crispy bites are perfect as a snack or party appetizer. With simple ingredients and an easy frying method, you'll have a delicious treat ready in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this cheesy delight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.

    Stir in the chopped green onions, beaten egg, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the mixture is smooth and holds together.

      Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls or mounds, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

        Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of the mixture into the oil; if it sizzles, it's ready.

          Carefully place a few potato cheese balls into the hot oil, frying them in batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

            Remove the puffs with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.

              Repeat the process until all the potato cheese puffs are cooked.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the cheese puffs warm on a platter with a side of sour cream or a spicy dipping sauce. Garnish with additional green onions for color. Enjoy the crispy exterior and cheesy center!