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Comfort food holds a special place in our hearts and kitchens, offering warmth and satisfaction that can brighten even the dreariest of days. Among the myriad comfort foods, mashed potatoes stand out as a timeless favorite, cherished for their creamy texture and versatility. They can be enjoyed in their classic form, paired alongside roasted meats, or transformed into delightful variations that pique our culinary curiosity. One such creative twist on the traditional mashed potato is the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff—a dish that elevates the humble potato into a crispy, golden-brown delight with a gooey, cheesy interior.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs recipe! These delightful bites feature a crispy golden exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior that will keep everyone coming back for more. Perfect for parties, snacks, or as a hearty side dish, you'll love their crispy texture and creamy flavor. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to create these mouthwatering puffs and impress your family and friends with this fun twist on traditional mashed potatoes!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought, preferably chilled)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

1 large egg

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Mix until well combined and creamy.

    Add the egg, flour, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the potato mixture. Stir until fully incorporated. The mixture should hold together well; if it feels too wet, add a little more flour.

      Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form small balls (about 1-2 inches in diameter) from the potato mixture and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

        Once all the potato balls are formed, roll each one in the breadcrumbs to coat them evenly.

          Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of the mashed potato mixture; if it sizzles and rises, the oil is hot enough.

            Carefully add a few potato puffs at a time to the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.

              Use a slotted spoon to remove the puffs from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

                Repeat the frying process with the remaining potato puffs.

                  Serve the cheesy mashed potato puffs warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, sour cream, or a spicy aioli.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 6-8 servings