Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites are crispy, golden puff pastry pockets filled with smooth, creamy mashed potatoes and gooey melted cheese. These bite-sized treats offer the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and warm, cheesy centers, making them ideal for snacks, appetizers, or cozy comfort food anytime.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bite-sized puff bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free puff pastry)
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (smooth and creamy)
- 1 to 1 ½ cups melty cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar), cut into small cubes or shredded
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for brushing)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
- Optional: finely diced sautéed mushrooms or spinach (for vegetarian boost)
- Prepare Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash them smoothly with butter, salt, and pepper. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to room temperature for easier handling during assembly.
- Cut and Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut into approximately 2 to 3 inch squares to create the shells for the bites.
- Assemble the Puff Bites: Place a spoonful of mashed potatoes in the center of each pastry square. Add a small cube or generous sprinkle of cheese on top. Fold or pinch the pastry edges carefully to seal the filling inside, creating neat little pockets.
- Brush with Butter and Bake: Lightly brush each puff bite with melted butter to encourage golden browning. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until puffed and golden.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly until easy to handle. Serve warm to enjoy the melty cheese and crispy pastry experience.
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry and keep it chilled until usage to ensure the best puff during baking.
- Do not overfill the pastry squares to avoid bursting during baking.
- Choose cheeses that melt well such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère for best gooey centers.
- Taste and season mashed potatoes well before assembling to balance flavors.
- For extra shine and an appealing golden color, brush puff pastries with beaten egg instead of butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites, comfort snack, puff pastry, cheesy bites, appetizer, party snack, mashed potato recipe, gooey cheese, crispy bites