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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

The Perfect Way to Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes!

Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into these irresistible, golden-brown puffs! With a crispy Parmesan exterior and a fluffy, cheesy center, they're the ultimate comforting snack or elegant side dish that's surprisingly easy to make.

Yields: About 18-24 puffs
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups cold mashed potatoes

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup chopped fresh chives

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for coating

• Ghee, butter, or non-stick cooking spray, for greasing

Instructions

1. Prep for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a mini muffin tin with ghee, butter, or cooking spray. This ensures a beautifully crispy exterior and easy release.

2. Create the Potato Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, beaten egg, shredded cheddar, chives, flour, and garlic powder. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture holds together.

3. Form & Coat the Puffs:
Place the grated Parmesan cheese in a separate shallow bowl. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the potato mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the Parmesan cheese, pressing gently to ensure an even, generous coating.

4. Bake to Perfection:
Place each coated ball into a well of the prepared mini muffin tin, pressing down lightly to form a neat cup shape. This helps them hold their form and creates more surface area for browning.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are firm, the edges are deeply golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly.

5. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the puffs cool in the tin for 5 minutes before carefully removing them with a small offset spatula or spoon. This resting period helps them set. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

Chef's Tips for the Best Puffs:

• Texture is Key: Using cold mashed potatoes is crucial, as they are firmer and easier to shape than room-temperature ones.

• Get Creative: Feel free to customize! Add cooked, crumbled bacon, swap the cheddar for Gruyère, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the puffs, place them in the muffin tin, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.