Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs

Name: Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups mashed potatoes; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1/4 cup chopped green onions; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs, beaten; 2 cups breadcrumbs; Oil for frying

Highlighted under: Warm Bowl Creations

Discover the delightful fusion of flavors with these Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, these puffs are a hit for any gathering!

Created by

Tom

Last updated on 2025-12-05T18:26:21.371Z

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs are a creative twist on traditional comfort food. Combining the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes with flavorful meatballs, they are sure to please everyone at the table!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Crispy exterior with a gooey, cheesy center
Perfect for appetizers or main dishes
Great way to use leftover mashed potatoes

      

A Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, making them perfect for parties, game nights, or family gatherings. Their unique combination of flavors and textures ensures that they will be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Imagine the delight on your guests' faces as they bite into the crispy exterior, revealing the cheesy, savory meatball hidden inside.

These puffs are also incredibly versatile. You can serve them as appetizers to kick off a meal or make them the star of your dinner table alongside a fresh salad. You can even customize the fillings and toppings to suit your taste, allowing you to create a dish that reflects your culinary style.

Using Leftover Mashed Potatoes

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its practicality. If you have leftover mashed potatoes from a previous meal, this dish is a fantastic way to repurpose them. Not only does it reduce food waste, but it also transforms ordinary leftovers into something extraordinary. Your family will love the transformation, and you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of creating a new meal from what you already have.

Incorporating leftover mashed potatoes into this recipe not only saves time but also adds a creamy texture that enhances the flavor profile. Additionally, you can experiment with different kinds of cheeses or herbs in your mashed potatoes, giving each batch a unique twist.

Tips for Perfect Puffs

To achieve the perfect Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs, ensure that your oil is at the right temperature before frying. If the oil is too hot, the puffs will burn on the outside while remaining uncooked inside. Conversely, if the oil is not hot enough, the puffs will absorb too much oil, resulting in a greasy texture. A good rule of thumb is to maintain oil at around 350°F (175°C).

Additionally, don’t overcrowd the frying pot. Frying in batches allows the puffs to cook evenly and achieve that delightful, golden-brown color. Once cooked, draining them on paper towels will help remove any excess oil, ensuring a crisp, delicious finish.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious puffs:

For the Meatball Filling

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Mixture

2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Puff Coating

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups breadcrumbs
Oil for frying

Make sure to have everything ready before you begin cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs:

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs until browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Potato Mixture

In another bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, green onions, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Puffs

Take a spoonful of the mashed potato mixture, flatten it in your palm, and place a meatball in the center. Gently wrap the potato mixture around the meatball to form a ball. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Coat the Puffs

Dip each ball in flour, then beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

Fry the Puffs

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium heat. Fry the potato meatball puffs in batches until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Serve

Serve hot as an appetizer or main dish. Enjoy!

Make sure to allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs can be served with a variety of dipping sauces to elevate your dining experience. Consider pairing them with marinara sauce for a classic Italian touch, or a spicy aioli for those who enjoy a little heat. You can also provide a selection of sauces, allowing guests to choose their favorite.

For a complete meal, serve the puffs alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. This adds a nutritious element to your meal and balances the rich flavors of the puffs, making for a well-rounded dining experience.

Storing and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, storing your Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs is simple. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispy texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing the puffs before frying. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, simply fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs offers a delightful mix of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. The ground beef provides a hearty source of protein, while the mashed potatoes and cheese add carbohydrates and fats, making this dish both filling and satisfying.

While it’s important to enjoy these puffs in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet when paired with vegetables or a side salad. If you're looking to make a healthier version, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken, and opt for low-fat cheese options.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe.

→ Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

→ What dipping sauces go well with these puffs?

They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli.

→ Can I freeze the puffs?

Yes, you can freeze them before frying. Just ensure they are fully thawed before frying.