Cheese Puffs
Delicious golden bites made from leftover mashed potatoes, cheese, and simple ingredients, perfect for parties or snacks.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Puffs Base
- 2 cups mashed potatoes Leftovers work beautifully; smooth or a bit chunky is fine.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar is classic; try Monterey Jack or gruyère for different profiles.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour See substitutions below.
- 1 large egg For binding.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Oil for frying Use vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, mash the potatoes if needed. Add shredded cheese, flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture holds together when pressed. Adjust flour or breadcrumbs if necessary.
Shaping
- Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture. Roll gently into smooth balls about 1 to 1.25 inches in diameter.
- Place on a tray while you heat the oil.
Frying
- Pour oil into a deep pan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium until the oil reaches roughly 350–375°F (175–190°C).
- Carefully lower a few balls into the hot oil with a slotted spoon. Fry for about 3–4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil. Let rest 1–2 minutes.
Notes
These Cheese Puffs are great served hot with sauces like marinara or garlic aioli. You can freeze them shaped but uncooked, and fry from frozen.