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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and filled with a gooey mozzarella cheese center. The ultimate way to use leftover mashed potatoes!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 bites
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Potato Mixture
  • 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes cold
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 0.5 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Filling & Frying
  • 6 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron
  • Spatula
  • Paper Towels

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, egg, flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper until a thick dough forms.
  2. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture, roll it into a ball, and flatten it into a disc in the palm of your hand.
  3. Place a mozzarella cube in the center of the disc. Fold the potato mixture around the cheese, sealing it completely, and gently flatten into a thick puck shape.
  4. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  5. Pan-fry the potato bites in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and crispy.
  6. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve immediately for the ultimate cheese pull.

Notes

Ensure your leftover mashed potatoes are completely cold before mixing; otherwise, the mixture will be too wet to form into bites. If your mix is too sticky, add a little more flour.