Description
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites are crispy, golden puff pastries filled with fluffy mashed potatoes and gooey melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a comforting snack or appetizer, these bites combine creamy interiors with crunchy exteriors, making them ideal for parties, game days, or cozy nights in. Easily customizable and kid-friendly, they bring simple ingredients together to create an irresistible indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes (cooled)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed, about 9x9 inches)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potato Filling: Start by making smooth, creamy mashed potatoes using your preferred method—either homemade or store-bought—and allow them to cool completely. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined to form a flavorful filling ready to be wrapped.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet until slightly thinner. Cut the pastry into even 3 to 4-inch squares to ensure uniform baking.
- Fill and Shape the Puff Bites: Place a generous spoonful of the cheesy mashed potato mixture in the center of each pastry square. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch the seams tightly to seal the bites, preventing any filling from leaking during baking.
- Bake Until Golden: Arrange the sealed puff bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops gently with melted butter to promote browning. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the puffs are fully risen and golden brown on all sides.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Remove the baked puff bites from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm to enjoy the perfect balance of gooey cheese centers and crispy puff pastry exteriors.
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry to ensure it puffs up nicely and doesn’t become soggy.
- Don’t overfill the pastry squares to avoid breakage or leakage while baking.
- Make sure the mashed potatoes are completely cooled before filling to prevent melting the pastry prematurely.
- For a shiny golden crust, you can brush the puff bites with an egg wash instead of melted butter before baking.
- Serve these bites fresh from the oven for optimal crispiness, though they can be reheated carefully to restore texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 puff bites
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg