Golden Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Introduction
Did you know that comfort food can be both indulgent and healthy? Golden Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs combine the creaminess of mashed potatoes with a delightful crispy exterior, making them a perfect treat that challenges the traditional notion of guilty pleasures. With festive gatherings just around the corner, knowing how to whip up a batch of these delightful puffs is essential!
These puffs are not only delicious but also an easy way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Let’s dive into the world of flavor and texture with this mouth-watering recipe!
Ingredients List
To create these golden delicacies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups of mashed potatoes (preferably leftover, for convenience)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- Cooking spray or oil for frying
Feel free to swap in different cheeses like mozzarella or add spices to cater to your taste preferences!
Timing
This recipe is wonderfully efficient, taking approximately 90 minutes in total. Here’s the breakdown:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60 minutes
This is about 20% less time than the average recipe for similar snacks, allowing you to enjoy these cheesy delights even on a busy day!
Step 1: Prepare Your Mashed Potatoes
If you’re starting with fresh potatoes, peel and chop them into chunks and boil until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash them well, stirring in salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using leftovers, simply reheat them to ensure the mixture is warm and easy to mold.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the warm mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Aim for a creamy consistency!
Step 3: Form Your Puffs
Using your hands, take a small portion of the mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and roll it into a ball. Then, flatten it slightly to form a puff shape. Repeat until all the mixture is shaped.
Step 4: Coat and Cook
Dip each puff into the breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re fully coated for that extra crunch. Next, you have two cooking options:
- Frying: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and pan-fry the puffs for about 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the puffs from the heat and place them on a cooling rack for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (approximately 3 puffs):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking to lighten things up a bit? Consider these swaps:
- Use Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream in your mashed potatoes for extra protein.
- Opt for whole grain breadcrumbs instead of traditional ones for added fiber.
- Experiment with vegetable alternatives by adding spinach or kale into the puff mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Golden Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs can be served in various delightful ways:
- As an appetizer: Pair with a zesty dipping sauce, such as ranch or honey mustard.
- In a meal: Serve alongside grilled chicken or a fresh salad for a complete dish.
- As a snack: Enjoy them on their own for a satisfying bite at any time of the day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too Much Moisture: Ensure your mashed potatoes aren’t overly wet; excess moisture can lead to puffs that fall apart. If needed, dry them out in a pan on low heat before mixing.
- Neglecting to Cool: Allow the puffs to cool slightly after frying or baking for best texture.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, reheat them in an oven rather than a microwave. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked puffs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight bag. They can be baked directly from the freezer; simply add an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time!
Conclusion
Golden Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a must-try treat that combines flavors, textures, and nutrition for a delightful snacking experience! Make sure to try this recipe, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more delicious updates.
FAQs
Can I prepare these puffs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can form the puffs and store them in the fridge or freezer before cooking. If frozen, bake them straight out of the freezer by adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What kind of cheeses can I use?
While cheddar and Parmesan are fantastic, feel free to experiment with different cheese types! Mozzarella, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack can add unique flavors.
How do I make them vegan?
Substitute mashed potatoes with a vegan version, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of an egg, and choose vegan cheese alternatives.
Can these be baked instead of fried?
Yes, baking is a great alternative! The puffs will still be crispy if coated properly with breadcrumbs and light oil spray.
PrintIrresistible Golden Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Delight in this irresistible recipe for Golden Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Perfectly crispy outside and creamy inside a musttry dish
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 250 calories
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 8 grams