Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile: Serve them as a party appetizer, a side dish at dinner, or a savory snack.
• Resourceful: An inventive method to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with various cheeses, herbs, or add-ins to suit your taste preferences.
• Simple Preparation: Requires minimal ingredients and effort, yet yields impressive results.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack), divided
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or butter, for greasing
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
2. Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese, and chopped chives. Mix until well incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Fill the Muffin Tin: Using a spoon or small scoop, distribute the potato mixture evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin cups, filling each nearly to the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over the tops of the puffs.
4. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are set and lightly golden on top.
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the puffs to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, gently remove them using a butter knife or offset spatula. Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional chives and a dollop of sour cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 24 mini puffs, serving about 6 people as an appetizer or side dish.
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Variations

• Herb-Infused Puffs: Add a blend of fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to introduce some heat.
• Vegetable Medley: Fold in finely chopped, sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the baked and cooled puffs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For refrigerated puffs, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. For frozen puffs, reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until hot and crispy.

FAQs

What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy nature, which yields fluffy mashed potatoes perfect for puffs.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be used; however, ensure they are thick and not overly creamy to maintain the proper texture.

How can I make the puffs gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided that all ingredients, such as the mashed potatoes and any additional mix-ins, do not contain gluten.

Can I prepare the mixture in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the potato mixture up to 2 days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan to suit your taste preferences.

How do I prevent the puffs from sticking to the muffin tin?

Ensure the muffin tin is well-greased with cooking spray or butter before adding the potato mixture.

Can I make larger puffs using a standard muffin tin?

Yes, you can use a standard muffin tin; however, you may need to increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes.

What dipping sauces pair well with these puffs?

Sour cream, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli are excellent choices for dipping.

How can I add a crunchy topping?

Sprinkling panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking can add a delightful crunch.

Conclusion

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a versatile and delectable way to enjoy mashed potatoes in a new form. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they are the perfect snack or side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re using leftover mashed potatoes or preparing them from scratch, these puffs will quickly become a family favorite.