If you adore comfort food that delivers a delightful burst of cheesy goodness with every bite, then the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These golden, fluffy puffs combine creamy mashed potatoes, gooey Monterey Jack cheese, and fresh chives for an irresistible snack or side dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, these puffs bring the ultimate cozy feel to your table and are sure to impress both family and guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the secret to this recipe’s charm. Each component plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that makes these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe stand out.
- 3 eggs, beaten: Acts as a binder to hold the puffs together while adding richness.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes, at room temperature: The creamy, smooth base that gives the puffs their tender inside.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided: Provides melty, mild cheese flavor with a great stretch, divided for mixing and topping.
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives, plus extra for garnish: Adds a fresh, mild onion-like brightness and lovely green flecks.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Sour cream, for serving (optional): A cool and tangy accompaniment that perfectly complements the cheesy puffs.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This ensures your puffs won’t stick and get that perfect crisp crust we all crave.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the room-temperature mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, ¾ cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped chives, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it becomes a smooth, uniform mixture. This is where all the tasty magic begins!
Step 3: Shape the Potato Puffs
Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into 12 equal-sized mounds and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t worry about making perfect spheres; their rustic charm is part of their appeal.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the tops of each puff. This extra layer of cheese will melt into golden, bubbly perfection in the oven, adding a crispy, cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Bake the puffs in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a wonderfully crisp outside while staying tender within.
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
Once baked to perfection, remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle additional chopped chives on top for a pop of green color and fresh flavor that makes each bite pop.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
These puffs are best served warm, with optional sour cream on the side for dipping. The creamy tang of sour cream complements the cheesy, savory flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chives are a classic and colorful garnish that brighten both the taste and appearance of these puffs. You can also consider a light sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of freshly cracked black pepper for an added layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance their richness. They also make an excellent accompaniment to grilled chicken, roasted meats, or a hearty soup for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these puffs as individual appetizers with a selection of dipping sauces like spicy aioli, ranch, or even a smoky barbecue sauce. You can also stack them on a platter with toothpicks for easy party snacking that everybody will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some puffs left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack or side for the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked puffs by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftover puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crunchy exterior.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, you can substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses to customize the taste to your liking.
What type of mashed potatoes works best?
For the best texture, use mashed potatoes that are smooth and creamy, preferably without too many lumps. Homemade or store-bought mashed potatoes at room temperature both work well.
Are these puffs gluten-free?
Yes! The Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe does not include any flour or wheat-based products, making it naturally gluten-free and suitable for people with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely. Feel free to experiment with herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary, and add spices such as garlic powder or paprika to give the puffs your personal touch.
How do I make these puffs crispier?
To achieve an extra crispy exterior, ensure your baking sheet is well-greased or use parchment paper, and avoid overcrowding the puffs during baking. A hot oven at 400°F helps create that perfect crisp crust.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe combine simplicity and flavor in such a heartwarming way that you’ll find yourself making them again and again. Whether served as comforting snacks, a fun party appetizer, or a side dish with family dinner, their golden, cheesy goodness never fails to please. So grab those potatoes and cheese and dive into this delightful recipe—you’re going to love every bite!
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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes mixed with Monterey Jack cheese, fresh chives, and eggs, baked to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they are perfect for entertaining or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Puffs
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups mashed potatoes, at room temperature
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided (¾ cup + ¼ cup)
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the room temperature mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, ¾ cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Form Puffs: Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, portion the mixture into 12 equal-sized puffs. Place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the tops of each potato puff to enhance cheesy flavor and create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puffs turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the puffs to cool slightly. Garnish with additional chopped fresh chives.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy mashed potato puffs warm. Offer sour cream on the side if desired for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure the mashed potatoes are at room temperature to help the mixture bind better.
- You can substitute Monterey Jack with cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor.
- To make the puffs extra crispy, broil for the last 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- These puffs can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- For a bit of extra flavor, mix in cooked bacon bits or garlic powder into the potato mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
