Introduction:
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a fun and irresistible twist on traditional mashed potatoes. These golden, crispy puffs are packed with a creamy, cheesy center that’s both comforting and indulgent. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, they are great for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a delicious treat for any day of the week. With the perfect balance of texture – crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside – Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs will become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions:
Prepare the Potatoes:
Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot.
Make the Mashed Potatoes:
Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth. Add the butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue mashing until everything is well combined and creamy. Fold in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
Form the Puffs:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Take a tablespoon of the mashed potato mixture and form it into a ball or small puff shape using your hands. Place each puff onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the mashed potatoes are used.
Coat the Puffs:
Dip each puff into the beaten egg, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs to coat it evenly. This will give the puffs a nice crispy texture when baked.
Bake the Puffs:
Spray the puffs lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the puffs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot as a side dish or appetizer.
Description:
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delightful combination of smooth, creamy mashed potatoes and a crispy golden crust. These bite-sized puffs are filled with a cheesy center and topped with a crunchy panko breadcrumb coating. Each puff is packed with rich flavors from the cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or as a side dish, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal.
Correction (for unique homemade creation):
To customize or correct the recipe based on your preferences, consider the following options:
Different cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as mozzarella for extra stretchiness, or Gruyère for a more savory depth of flavor.
Add herbs or bacon: For added flavor, you can mix in fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley) or crumbled cooked bacon into the mashed potatoes before forming the puffs.
Gluten-free option: If you need a gluten-free version, replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Fried version: For an even crispier version, you can fry the puffs in hot oil rather than baking them, ensuring they turn golden and extra crunchy on the outside.
These variations allow you to personalize the puffs to suit your taste and dietary needs!