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Golden-brown leftover mashed potato cheese puffs on a baking sheet

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

These delightful cheese puffs are a fantastic way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, savory snack or side dish. They are easy to make and can be baked or pan-fried.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes cold
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives minced (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil for pan-frying, if chosen

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Non-stick skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, egg, flour, baking powder, shredded cheese, chives (if using), and garlic powder (if using).
  2. Gently mix until just combined, then taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  3. Lightly flour your hands and roll the mixture into 1-1.5 inch balls, yielding about 18-24 puffs.
Cooking Method
  1. To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway until golden brown.
  2. To pan-fry, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, then cook potato balls in batches for 3-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Serving
  1. Remove the puffs from the oven or skillet and serve immediately.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the potato mixture to prevent tough puffs. For extra flavor, serve with a dipping sauce like sriracha aioli or sour cream.