I have always loved creating recipes that bring my family together around the table, and these Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are no exception. From the moment I first tried making them, I knew they would become a favorite in our household. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and a perfectly crisp exterior is simply irresistible. Every bite is a little piece of comfort, and watching my family reach for seconds never gets old.
You will love this recipe because it is a perfect blend of comfort food and snackable delight. The exterior has a satisfying crunch, while the inside remains soft and cheesy. They are incredibly versatile, making them suitable as a party appetizer, a side dish for dinner, or even a fun snack to enjoy while watching a movie. What’s even better is how simple they are to prepare without sacrificing flavor.
These cheese puffs are also surprisingly affordable. With common kitchen staples like potatoes, cheese, and a few seasonings, you can create a treat that feels indulgent yet doesn’t break the budget. The ingredients are easy to find in any grocery store, and you likely already have most of them on hand. By using turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon and chicken ham for added flavor, you can elevate these puffs while keeping them budget-friendly.
Ingredients for Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs:
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2 cups of mashed potatoes (prepared from about 4 medium potatoes)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon, finely chopped
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1/2 cup cooked chicken ham, diced
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1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
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1 large egg, beaten
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
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2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
These ingredients come together to create a deliciously crunchy outside and a soft, cheesy center that everyone will love. By customizing the cheese or adding extra herbs, you can make this recipe your own.
How to Prepare Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Making these Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs is straightforward, and with a few simple steps, you’ll have a snack that everyone will adore. The process is quick, easy, and customizable to suit your family’s tastes.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the puffs bake evenly and don’t stick.
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Prepare the mashed potatoes if you haven’t done so already. Peel and boil medium-sized potatoes until tender, then mash them with a small amount of butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Make sure the mashed potatoes are smooth and slightly cooled before using.
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Mix the ingredients in a large bowl. Combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped turkey bacon, diced chicken ham, and green onions. Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula to fold everything together until well incorporated.
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Add the egg and mix thoroughly. The egg will help bind the mixture, ensuring the puffs hold their shape while baking.
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Form the puffs by scooping about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and rolling it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used. Make sure each ball is uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
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Coat the puffs by rolling them in breadcrumbs. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This allows hot air to circulate, making the exterior extra crispy.
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Brush with melted butter for an added golden finish. This also enhances the crunch and flavor of the outer layer.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and crisp on the outside. Check halfway through and rotate the baking sheet for even baking.
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Cool slightly before serving. Let the puffs rest for about 5 minutes on a wire rack. This ensures they hold their shape and the cheese inside remains melty without spilling.
Quick and Easy Tips
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You can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance to save time.
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Substitute cheddar with mozzarella, gouda, or a combination for a different flavor profile.
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For extra crunch, sprinkle a few more breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Customizable Variations
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Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives for freshness.
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Mix in cooked vegetables such as corn or peas for added texture.
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Adjust the level of seasoning to suit your taste.
Popular with Many People
These puffs are perfect for gatherings, kids’ snacks, or a cozy family dinner. The crispy outside and cheesy inside make them irresistible, and they disappear quickly because they are both filling and flavorful. Many people love that they can prepare these in advance and bake them just before serving, making them convenient and versatile.
PrintCrispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Your Family Will Crave
These Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs combine creamy mashed potatoes with melted cheese, turkey bacon, and chicken ham for a snack that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect as a party appetizer, side dish, or fun snack, they are easy to make, versatile, and loved by both kids and adults.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (from about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken ham, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel, boil, and mash potatoes until smooth; season with butter, salt, and pepper. Allow to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, chopped turkey bacon, diced chicken ham, and green onions. Mix well.
- Add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and beaten egg. Fold until thoroughly combined.
- Scoop 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Repeat for all mixture, ensuring uniform size.
- Roll each ball in breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Brush each puff with melted butter for extra crispiness.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
- Let the puffs cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving to set the filling.
Notes
You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time.
For extra flavor, experiment with different cheeses or add herbs like parsley or chives.
To make gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
FAQs for Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Q: Can I make these puffs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the puffs in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them unbaked for up to a month.
Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?
A: Absolutely. Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes produces a perfectly crispy exterior without the need for frying.
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, gouda, or a combination of cheeses. Just make sure the cheese melts well for the gooey center.
Q: Are these puffs gluten-free?
A: To make them gluten-free, replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Q: How can I make them extra crispy?
A: Brushing the puffs with melted butter before baking and ensuring they are evenly spaced on the baking sheet helps create a crunchier exterior.
Q: Can I add vegetables or herbs?
A: Yes, finely chopped vegetables like corn, peas, or bell peppers can be added. Fresh herbs such as parsley or chives also enhance the flavor.