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### Instructions for Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. **Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture**:
In a large bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes with the shredded cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky, but easy to shape.
3. **Shape the Puffs**:
Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mashed potato mixture and shape it into a small ball or oval. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used up, spacing the puffs evenly on the sheet.
4. **Brush with Butter**:
Drizzle or brush the shaped cheese puffs with the melted butter to help them get golden and crispy in the oven.
5. **Bake**:
Bake the puffs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may want to flip them halfway through for an even golden color.
6. **Serve and Enjoy**:
Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These cheesy, crispy bites are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce or enjoying as they are!
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### Tips for the Best Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
– **Use Cold Mashed Potatoes**: Cold or room temperature mashed potatoes hold their shape better than fresh mashed potatoes, making them easier to work with when forming the puffs.
– **Customize the Cheese**: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese can elevate the flavor.
– **Spice It Up**: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the mixture if you want a bit of heat or extra flavor.
– **Make Them Mini**: For bite-sized snacks, shape the puffs smaller. They’ll cook faster and be perfect for parties or snack time.
– **Make-Ahead Option**: If you have extra mashed potatoes, you can form the puffs and freeze them. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a storage container. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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### How to Serve Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
These cheese puffs are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
– **As an Appetizer**: Serve them with a side of ranch dressing, marinara, or garlic butter for dipping.
– **As a Side Dish**: Pair them with a hearty main dish like steak, chicken, or a fresh salad.
– **As a Snack**: Enjoy them on their own as a savory snack, perfect for movie nights or after-school munchies.
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### Conclusion
**Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs** are the perfect solution to turn your leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, cheesy, and delightful treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform what would have been a boring leftover into a crowd-pleasing snack. Whether you’re using them as a side dish for dinner, a fun appetizer for a party, or just a tasty snack, these puffs are sure to satisfy every craving!
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