Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Delight in the comforting combination of creamy mashed potatoes and savory meatballs wrapped in a flaky pastry. Perfect for parties or a cozy family dinner!
This dish combines the heartwarming flavors of mashed potatoes and meatballs, making it a perfect comfort food. The cheesy interior melts beautifully, while the golden puff pastry adds a satisfying crunch. Great for both casual gatherings and festive occasions!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously cheesy and comforting
- Crispy exterior with a soft interior
- A fun twist on traditional meatballs
- Great for sharing at parties or game nights
Perfect for Any Occasion
Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a game night, birthday party, or holiday celebration, these delightful puffs will quickly become a favorite among your guests. Their bite-sized nature means they’re perfect for easy snacking, allowing everyone to enjoy them without interrupting the fun.
Not only are these meatball puffs perfect for social occasions, but they also make for a comforting family dinner. Serve them with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love. Their cheesy, savory flavors are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Easy to Make
One of the best parts about making Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs is how simple the recipe is. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that looks and tastes gourmet. The combination of ground beef, mashed potatoes, and cheese ensures a rich flavor that’s both satisfying and delicious. Plus, using frozen puff pastry saves you time in the kitchen, allowing you to focus on the fun of entertaining.
The preparation process is straightforward: mix the filling, shape the meatballs, wrap them in pastry, and bake. This makes it easy for even novice cooks to impress their friends and family. It’s a fantastic way to build confidence in the kitchen while creating a dish that’s sure to impress.
Customize Your Filling
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. While the classic combination of beef, cheese, and potatoes is undeniably delicious, you can easily customize the filling to suit your taste. Consider adding herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh twist, or swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
If you're looking to incorporate more vegetables, finely chopped spinach, carrots, or peppers can be mixed into the meatball filling. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds nutritional value to your puffs. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Ingredients
For the Meatball Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Puff Pastry
- 1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Meatball Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into squares large enough to wrap around the meatballs.
Assemble the Puffs
Place a meatball in the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners over the meatball and seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the puffs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs can be served with a variety of dipping sauces to elevate your snacking experience. Try pairing them with marinara sauce for a classic Italian twist, or opt for a tangy barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. A creamy ranch dressing also makes an excellent accompaniment, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of zest.
For a more elegant presentation, consider serving the puffs on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of flavor that your guests will appreciate.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), storing your Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs is simple. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making them a great option for meal prep or quick snacks later in the week.
To reheat, simply place the puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help retain their crispy exterior while warming the filling. Avoid using a microwave, as it may make the pastry soggy.
Nutritional Information
While these Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs are undeniably delicious, it’s also important to consider their nutritional value. Each puff offers a satisfying mix of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and calcium from the cheese. This balanced combination makes them a fulfilling snack or meal option.
For those mindful of their dietary needs, adjusting the ingredients can make a difference. Opting for lean ground meat, using low-fat cheese, or incorporating whole grain breadcrumbs can enhance the nutritional profile without sacrificing taste. Enjoying these puffs in moderation can fit well within a balanced diet.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken works well in this recipe.
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them and freeze before baking.
→ What can I serve with these puffs?
They pair well with a side salad or dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Meatball Puffs
Delight in the comforting combination of creamy mashed potatoes and savory meatballs wrapped in a flaky pastry. Perfect for parties or a cozy family dinner!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Meatball Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Puff Pastry
- 1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into squares large enough to wrap around the meatballs.
Place a meatball in the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners over the meatball and seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the puffs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g