Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Ingredients:
2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (or freshly made)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (optional, for flavor)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or paper liners.
Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream (if using), eggs, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth but still thick. If it's too thick to mix easily, add a little extra sour cream or milk to loosen it up.
Form the Puffs:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop out a heaping tablespoon of the mashed potato mixture and gently roll it into a ball.
Roll each ball in the panko breadcrumbs, making sure they are fully coated.
Place in the Muffin Tin:
Place each breaded mashed potato ball into the prepared mini muffin tin. Gently press them down to form little puffs.
Bake:
Brush the tops of the puffs with the melted butter to help them crisp up.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve:
Let the cheesy mashed potato puffs cool for a few minutes before serving. These are perfect as a side dish, snack, or appetizer.