If you love comfort food with a cheesy twist, the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe is going to become your new go-to snack or side dish. These golden, crispy little puffs bring together fluffy mashed potatoes and gooey Monterey Jack cheese into bite-sized morsels that practically melt in your mouth. With fresh chives adding a pop of color and subtle brightness, this recipe is effortlessly impressive and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you need a tasty party appetizer or a cozy snack to accompany dinner, these puffs deliver big on flavor and charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of fresh and simple ingredients, this recipe balances creaminess, cheesiness, and herbaceous notes perfectly. Each item plays its part to bring you irresistible potato puffs with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
- 3 eggs, beaten: Acts as the binding agent to hold the potato puffs together, making them nice and firm without being heavy.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes, at room temperature: The velvety base of the puffs; using room temperature mashed potatoes helps them combine smoothly.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided: Adds a creamy, mild cheesy goodness that melts beautifully inside and on top.
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives, plus extra for garnish: Brings a subtle onion-like freshness and a lovely green hue to brighten the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors perfectly.
- Sour cream, for serving (optional): A cool, tangy complement that pairs wonderfully with the warm, 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 to ensure your potato puffs don’t stick and come out perfectly crisp. This step helps get that golden crust we’re after.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix together your room-temperature mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, ¾ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and combined uniformly, ensuring every bite will be cheesy and flavorful.
Step 3: Shape the Potato Puffs
Use a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture into 12 equal-sized mounds. Place each one onto your prepared baking sheet. This step is fun because you get to create perfectly shaped little puffs ready for baking.
Step 4: Add More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the tops of each puff. This extra cheesy layer will melt and form a gorgeous, golden topping that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your puffs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy on the outside while still soft and cheesy inside.
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then sprinkle on some extra chopped fresh chives for a bright, fresh finish that contrasts perfectly with the warm, cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs hot or warm, with a dollop of sour cream if you like. The tanginess of the sour cream beautifully complements the creamy cheese and savory potatoes, making every bite a delight.
How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chives is classic, but you can also get creative with garnishes like crispy bacon bits, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even chopped green onions. Each adds a little something special and a pop of color that will enhance visual appeal and flavor.
Side Dishes
These puffs shine alongside a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken for a well-rounded meal. They also pair wonderfully with hearty soups, creating a comforting combination that’s hard to resist.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the puffs stacked on a platter with small bowls of various dips—think sour cream, garlic aioli, or spicy salsa—for a party-friendly setup. You could even turn them into mini sandwiches by sandwiching each puff between slices of ham or turkey for a fun finger-food twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a convenient snack or side later in the week.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled puffs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy cheesy comfort anytime without starting from scratch.
Reheating
Reheat the puffs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them a little soggy instead of delightfully crisp.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work wonderfully here, just make sure they are at room temperature so they mix well with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don’t have Monterey Jack, mild cheddar or mozzarella are great alternatives that will still give you that cheesy melt.
Can I make these gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your mashed potatoes and other ingredients do not contain any hidden gluten additives.
How do I make these extra crispy?
For a crispier exterior, you can lightly spray the puffs with cooking oil before baking or broil them for a minute or two at the end of baking.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to put your own spin on this versatile Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and joyous about biting into these cheesy, golden mashed potato puffs that makes every kitchen feel like home. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or stealing a few for yourself, the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe brings warmth and flavor in every single bite. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite that’s as easy as it is delicious!
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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously golden and crispy on the outside, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a perfect savory snack or side dish. Made with creamy mashed potatoes, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and fresh chives, they bake quickly to a delightful texture and are easy to prepare for any occasion.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups mashed potatoes, at room temperature
- ¾ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- ¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Extra chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Optional
- Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the room temperature mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, ¾ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Form Puffs: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, shape the mixture into 12 equal-sized puffs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the tops of each puff for a melty, crispy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puffs turn golden brown and have a crispy exterior.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow the puffs to cool slightly. Garnish with additional chopped fresh chives for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy mashed potato puffs warm, accompanied by sour cream if desired for added creaminess.
Notes
- For best results, use mashed potatoes that are at room temperature to help the mixture bind properly.
- The Monterey Jack cheese can be substituted with cheddar or another melting cheese of your choice.
- These puffs can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Adding additional herbs like parsley or dill can enhance the flavor.
- Sour cream adds a tangy contrast but is optional depending on your preference.
