Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs (Print Page)

Fluffy mashed potato and cheese puffs, baked until golden and crispy. A warm, comforting appetizer or snack.

# What You Need:

→ Mashed Potato Base

01 - 2 cups mashed potatoes prepared from approximately 3 medium potatoes
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - ¼ cup whole milk
04 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Cheese and Flavorings

05 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
09 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Baking Components

10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted for brushing

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
02 - If using fresh potatoes, peel and boil until tender. Drain thoroughly and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Allow to cool slightly before proceeding.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine prepared mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, chives, smoked paprika, and flour. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
04 - Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, form 12 equal dollops of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly to allow for expansion.
05 - Brush the tops of each puff with melted butter for enhanced golden color. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until puffs are golden brown and set throughout.
06 - Remove from oven and allow puffs to cool on baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes. Serve warm with sour cream if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Transforms leftover mashed potatoes into something that feels like a special treat instead of fridge cleanup
  • The exterior gets beautifully crisp while staying impossibly fluffy inside, like savory little clouds
02 -
  • The mixture should hold its shape when scooped, but if it feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking
  • Room temperature eggs prevent the mixture from seizing up and help everything incorporate smoothly
03 -
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizing, which helps them bake evenly and look professionally made
  • Let the scooped mixture sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking for better puffing

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