Name: Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cold Mashed PotatoesUse proper, classic mashed potatoes—avoid watery or overly thin mash. They must be cold, as cold potatoes hold their shape better when forming the puffs.; Sharp Cheddar CheeseFreshly grated cheddar melts beautifully and provides the essential tangy, savory note. Avoid pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.; All-Purpose FlourThis acts as the necessary binder, helping the mixture stick together and ensuring the puffs maintain their form during the crucial high-heat baking process.; Large EggThe egg helps emulsify the mixture, adding richness and acting as a secondary binder alongside the flour to create a light, yet stable interior structure.; Fresh ChivesFinely chopped fresh chives provide a delicate onion flavor and a pop of green color, enhancing the visual appeal and adding aromatic depth.; Unsalted ButterA small amount of melted butter adds richness and moisture to the cold potato mixture, ensuring the final product remains creamy rather than dry.; Garlic Powder and Onion PowderThese pantry staples amplify the savory flavor of the potatoes without adding excess moisture, creating a deeper, more rounded taste profile.; Salt and Black PepperEssential seasonings to lift the overall flavor of the potatoes; adjust quantities based on how well your original mashed potatoes were seasoned.

Ingredients

Cold Mashed PotatoesUse proper, classic mashed potatoes—avoid watery or overly thin mash. They must be cold, as cold potatoes hold their shape better when forming the puffs.
Sharp Cheddar CheeseFreshly grated cheddar melts beautifully and provides the essential tangy, savory note. Avoid pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
All-Purpose FlourThis acts as the necessary binder, helping the mixture stick together and ensuring the puffs maintain their form during the crucial high-heat baking process.
Large EggThe egg helps emulsify the mixture, adding richness and acting as a secondary binder alongside the flour to create a light, yet stable interior structure.
Fresh ChivesFinely chopped fresh chives provide a delicate onion flavor and a pop of green color, enhancing the visual appeal and adding aromatic depth.
Unsalted ButterA small amount of melted butter adds richness and moisture to the cold potato mixture, ensuring the final product remains creamy rather than dry.
Garlic Powder and Onion PowderThese pantry staples amplify the savory flavor of the potatoes without adding excess moisture, creating a deeper, more rounded taste profile.
Salt and Black PepperEssential seasonings to lift the overall flavor of the potatoes; adjust quantities based on how well your original mashed potatoes were seasoned.

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Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Potato Mixture
Step 2: Shaping the Bites
Step 3: The Crucial Chill Time
Step 4: Baking to Golden Perfection

Notes

For the best texture and melt, always grate the sharp cheddar yourself; pre-shredded cheese includes starches that can make the potato mixture gummy instead of creamy.
To restore maximum crispness, reheat the bites on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes, rather than using a microwave which can soften the crust.
Serve these cheesy bites immediately after baking alongside a simple sour cream and finely chopped chive dip, or use them as an unexpected savory appetizer dipped in warm marinara sauce.
Store any cooled leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking them.

Author: Kelly Deitz
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

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