Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's ready for those golden-brown puffs.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your leftover mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, and chopped green onions. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined, ensuring a uniform mixture.
Shape the Puffs: Using your hands or a scoop, take portions of the mixture and shape them into small puffs about the size of a golf ball.
Prepare for Baking: Place the formed puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
Serve Warm: Once done, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the delicious cheesy goodness!
What to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs With
Looking to elevate your meal? Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. To complement their cheesiness, consider serving them with a light dip such as ranch dressing or a homemade garlic aioli. They also work perfectly alongside grilled chicken or a hearty soup, offering an ideal balance of flavors and textures—indeed, a dinner on its own!
Top Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: If using leftovers, make sure your mashed potatoes are cold. This helps the mixture hold its shape when baking.
Experiment with Cheeses: Don’t hesitate to mix and match cheeses! Try adding mozzarella for extra stretch or even a hint of blue cheese for a gourmet twist.
Mind the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your puffs in the oven. Ovens can vary, and you don’t want them to overbake and dry out.
Pack Them Right: When forming your puffs, be sure to pack the mixture, so they hold their shape during baking. If they fall apart, you know they need more pressing!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs, let them cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. In the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them; simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy, typically around 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them for a quick fix, but the oven will ensure that they regain their crispy texture.
Give these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs a try, and you’ll find a new way to enjoy potatoes that everyone will love! Happy cooking!