How to Make Delicious Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Looking for a savory and comforting snack that fits your Weight Watchers plan? These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delicious twist on the classic mashed potatoes, offering a light, fluffy, and cheesy bite-sized treat that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings. Packed with flavor and easy to make, these puffs make an ideal side dish, appetizer, or snack for any meal. They are simple to prepare, deliciously cheesy, and light on points, so you can indulge without guilt.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably leftover or pre-made, low-fat)
• 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
• Cooking spray (for greasing the muffin tin)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. You can also use silicone muffin cups if you prefer.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt, and the beaten egg. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Season the Mixture

1. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the mixture and stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can also add the chopped fresh chives or parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Form the Puffs

1. Spoon the mashed potato mixture evenly into the muffin tin cups, filling them about 3/4 of the way. Gently press the mixture down with the back of the spoon to make sure it’s packed in. You can use a muffin scoop to ensure uniform portions.

Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy. The edges should slightly pull away from the sides of the muffin cups when they are done. If you’d like extra crispiness, you can broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Once baked, let the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve them warm as a snack, side dish, or appetizer.

Nutritional Information

(Per Puff)

• Calories: ~60
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• WW Points: ~2 (varies by plan and specific ingredients)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Flavorful: These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a perfect blend of fluffy mashed potatoes and rich cheese, creating a satisfying bite. The addition of Greek yogurt helps keep them creamy while reducing fat and calories.
2. Light on Points: You can enjoy these cheesy, crispy delights without worrying about derailing your Weight Watchers plan. They are low in points and perfect for snacking or serving with a main dish.
3. Perfect for Leftovers: If you have leftover mashed potatoes from a previous meal, this is a great way to transform them into a new dish that’s exciting and full of flavor.
4. Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, these puffs come together quickly, making them a hassle-free dish you can whip up for any occasion.

Tips for Success

• Use Day-Old Mashed Potatoes: Leftover mashed potatoes work best for this recipe. If you’re making fresh mashed potatoes, be sure to let them cool down before using them in the recipe.
• Customize the Cheese: Feel free to use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor. Try adding mozzarella for a more stringy, melty texture or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the puffs ahead of time and store the uncooked mixture in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready, just spoon the mixture into the muffin tin and bake.
• Make Them Crispy: If you prefer your puffs extra crispy, you can spray the tops with a little cooking spray before baking or broil them at the end of baking for a golden finish.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Side Dish: These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs pair beautifully with your favorite main dishes like grilled chicken, steak, or a fresh salad.
• Perfect for Parties: Serve them as a savory appetizer at your next party or family gathering. They’re bite-sized and easy for guests to grab.
• Snack On-the-Go: These puffs are portable and can be packed in a lunchbox or taken along as a quick snack.
• Dip Them: Serve with a low-point dipping sauce like ranch dressing, ketchup, or a tangy mustard sauce for an added burst of flavor.

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the perfect combination of comfort and lightness, offering all the cheesy, fluffy goodness of mashed potatoes but in a low-point, bite-sized form. Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack, a side dish, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these puffs are sure to be a hit. Easy to make, full of flavor, and compatible with your Weight Watchers goals, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your rotation!