Savory Baked Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
These savory baked cheesy mashed potato puffs are a delicious and easy way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, cheesy snack or side dish. Perfect for any occasion, they come together quickly and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- Oven
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Large mixing bowl
- Shallow dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (cold)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives or green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, flour, chives/green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika; mix well.
Forming and Coating
- Take 1-2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and roll it into a golf-ball-sized puff.
- In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and olive oil/melted butter, then toss to coat the breadcrumbs evenly.
- Roll each potato puff in the seasoned panko until fully coated and arrange on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Baking and Serving
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, crispy, heated through, and cheesy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture. These puffs are best served warm, shortly after baking. Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven for crispness.