Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs
Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Recipes
Delight in the irresistible combination of cheesy mashed potatoes and savory meatballs wrapped in a crispy golden puff. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in!
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs are a delightful twist on comfort food. The creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful meatballs are enveloped in a flaky pastry, making them perfect for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A fun twist on traditional comfort food
- Perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside
- Great for parties, snacks, or a family meal
Perfect for Any Occasion
Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a lively gathering with friends, preparing a cozy family dinner, or simply craving a comforting snack, these puffs are sure to impress. Their combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying bite that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
These delightful puffs can also be customized to suit your preferences. You can experiment with different types of cheeses or add herbs and spices to the meatball mixture for extra flavor. This flexibility allows you to adapt the recipe to your specific taste or dietary needs, ensuring that everyone at your table will enjoy them.
A Unique Twist on Comfort Food
Mashed potatoes and meatballs are classic comfort food staples, but by combining them and wrapping them in flaky puff pastry, you've created a unique dish that takes these familiar flavors to a new level. This recipe elevates traditional comfort food into an appealing finger food that’s perfect for parties or movie nights. The crispy exterior provides a delightful contrast to the creamy mashed potatoes and savory meatballs inside.
By incorporating cheese into the mashed potatoes, you enhance the flavor profile and add an extra layer of indulgence. The gooey cheddar blends perfectly with the meatballs, making each bite a delicious experience. This innovative approach will have your guests raving about your culinary creativity, and they won’t be able to resist going back for seconds.
Easy to Make Ahead
One of the best aspects of Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs is their make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the meatballs and mashed potatoes in advance, allowing you to assemble the puffs just before baking. This makes them a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when entertaining, as you can save time without sacrificing flavor.
If you have leftovers, these puffs reheat wonderfully in the oven, maintaining their crispy texture. You can also freeze the assembled puffs before baking for up to a month. Simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This means you can enjoy a delicious homemade snack anytime you have a craving!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs:
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
For the Puff Pastry
- 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Make sure to have everything ready before you start assembling your puffs!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs:
Prepare the Meatballs
In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash them with milk, butter, cheddar cheese, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Puffs
Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares. Place a spoonful of mashed potatoes and a meatball in the center of each square. Fold the pastry over to create a pocket and seal the edges with a fork. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake the Puffs
Bake the assembled puffs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Let the puffs cool slightly before serving. They are delicious with a side of marinara sauce for dipping!
Serving Suggestions
To enhance your Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs, consider serving them with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic marinara, creamy ranch, or zesty garlic aioli complement the flavors beautifully and add an exciting twist to each bite. These sauces can elevate your dish from simple to extraordinary, making them even more appealing to guests.
For a complete meal, pair the puffs with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables. This balance of textures and flavors will create a satisfying dining experience. Adding a side of steamed broccoli or a garden salad not only adds color to your plate but also contributes nutritional value to your meal.
Storage Tips
If you have leftover puffs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave. This method ensures that they regain their flaky texture and deliciously warm filling.
For longer storage, freeze the uncooked puffs. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can pull out as many as you need, bake them straight from the freezer, and enjoy fresh, homemade snacks anytime!
Nutritional Information
While Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs are undeniably delicious, it's also important to be mindful of their nutritional content. The combination of ground beef, cheese, and potatoes provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates, making them a hearty option. However, moderation is key, especially if you're watching your calorie intake.
You can lighten the recipe by using lean ground turkey or chicken in place of beef, and opting for low-fat cheese and milk in the mashed potatoes. This way, you can still enjoy the comforting flavors of the puffs while making healthier choices for you and your family.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the puffs and freeze them before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
→ What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
→ Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs
Delight in the irresistible combination of cheesy mashed potatoes and savory meatballs wrapped in a crispy golden puff. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Cozy Comfort Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
For the Puff Pastry
- 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash them with milk, butter, cheddar cheese, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares. Place a spoonful of mashed potatoes and a meatball in the center of each square. Fold the pastry over to create a pocket and seal the edges with a fork. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake the assembled puffs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 12g