Mashed Potato Puffs are a delightful, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside treat made from mashed potatoes. They’re perfect as a side dish or appetizer and can be a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Here’s a detailed recipe to make these delicious puffs:
Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared in advance or freshly made)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup milk (adjust as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Puffs:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for coating)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional, for added flavor)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil) or cooking spray for baking
For the Coating (optional, if baking):
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- If making fresh mashed potatoes, peel and cut 4-5 medium potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain well.
- Mash the potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Allow them to cool slightly before using.
2. Prepare the Puffs Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, eggs, flour, baking powder, and chopped chives or parsley (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. The mixture should be thick and able to hold its shape.
3. Shape the Puffs:
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls or mounds, about 1-2 inches in diameter. If the mixture is too sticky, you can lightly coat your hands with flour to help shape the puffs.
4. Coat the Puffs (for baking):
- If you’re baking the puffs, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Gently roll each puff in the breadcrumb mixture to coat. Place the coated puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
5. Cooking the Puffs:
- Frying: Heat about 1-2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Fry the puffs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each puff until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through the baking time for even browning.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the mashed potato puffs warm. They make a great side dish or appetizer and can be enjoyed with dipping sauces like sour cream, ranch, or ketchup.
Tips:
- Consistency: Ensure that the mashed potatoes are not too runny. If they are, you might need to add a bit more flour to the mixture to help the puffs hold their shape.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients to the mixture, such as cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or different herbs and spices.
- Leftovers: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes. Just make sure they are seasoned well.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked puffs for later use. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Cook from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.
Mashed Potato Puffs are a fun and versatile dish that brings out the best of classic mashed potatoes with a crispy twist. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and serving them up at your next meal or gathering!