Description
Leftover mashed potato cheese puffs elevate simple ingredients into crispy, golden delights that dance between comfort and gourmet. Crisp exterior and creamy interior promise a delectable bite perfect for savoring unexpected culinary magic.
Ingredients
Scale
main ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (240 milliliters / 8 ounces)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (120 milliliters / 4 ounces)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (60 milliliters / 2 ounces)
cheese and dairy:
- 1 beaten egg for egg wash
herbs and seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
- Transform leftover mashed potatoes into a smooth, workable mixture by incorporating eggs, shredded cheese, and finely chopped herbs until well combined.
- Create uniform potato mixture balls using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Roll each potato ball in breadcrumbs, gently coating the entire surface to create a crispy exterior that will provide delightful crunch.
- Arrange the coated potato puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow hot air circulation and promote even browning.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure golden-brown coloration on all sides.
- Remove the potato puffs from the oven when they develop a crisp, golden exterior and emit a tantalizing aroma of melted cheese and herbs.
- Allow the puffs to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps them set and prevents burning when handling.
- Serve immediately as a delectable appetizer or side dish, optionally accompanied by a complementary dipping sauce like sour cream or herb aioli.
Notes
- Elevate the texture by ensuring mashed potatoes are completely cooled and well-drained to prevent soggy cheese puffs.
- Transform this recipe into a gluten-free option by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour for binding.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles that complement the potatoes.
- Add crispy bacon bits or chopped chives for extra depth and a gourmet touch that will surprise and delight taste buds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg