These bites are squares of puff pastry folded around a filling of mashed potatoes, cheddar, Parmesan, sour cream and green onions, then brushed with egg and baked until golden and flaky. Leftover mashed potatoes work well here, as long as they have cooled to room temperature. The recipe makes 12 bites, takes 40 minutes in total, and bakes at 400°F.
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Each bite is a small pocket, crisp on the outside with a creamy cheesy center.
What Goes Into the Filling
The card has the full amounts. A short rundown of the ingredients:
- Mashed potatoes (2 cups): the base. Use them cooled, prepared ahead or left over.
- Cheddar (1 cup) and Parmesan (1/2 cup): cheddar for a rich cheesy flavor and Parmesan for a nutty note.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): adds creaminess and a little tang.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped): a mild onion flavor and some color.
- Egg (1 large): binds the filling so the bites hold their shape.
- Garlic powder and onion powder (1/2 teaspoon each), black pepper (1/4 teaspoon) and salt (1/4 teaspoon): the seasoning.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed) and 1 more egg: the pastry, and the egg for brushing on top.
Getting the Pastry Right
Two things make the biggest difference. First, let the mashed potatoes cool to room temperature. Warm potatoes become too runny, and the bites are hard to form. Second, make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed. If it is still partly frozen it will not roll out properly, and you lose the flaky texture. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Mix the potatoes, cheeses, sour cream, green onions, egg and seasonings until well combined. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pastry sheet just enough to smooth out creases, then cut it into 3-inch squares. Put about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each square, fold the corners over to make a pocket and pinch the edges to seal.
Set the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush the tops with the beaten egg and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and flaky. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Spice and Filling Swaps
- Cheese: mozzarella in place of the cheddar for a gooier bite, or sharp blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Heat: 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the potato mixture, or some smoked paprika.
- Herbs: chopped parsley or chives.
- Meat: cooked bacon or diced ham stirred into the filling.
What to Serve With the Bites
Ranch dressing or garlic aioli work well for dipping, and so does a quick avocado dip. A mixed greens salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes and a tangy vinaigrette gives a crisp contrast to the rich bites. Sparkling water with lemon or lime and herbal tea are easy drink options.
Make Ahead, Store and Freeze
You can assemble the bites ahead of time, keep them in the refrigerator and bake them when you are ready. Baked leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and a few minutes in the oven brings the crispness back.
To freeze, place the assembled bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then move them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them straight from frozen with a few extra minutes in the oven.
Nutrition per Bite
Each bite has approximately 150 calories, 10 grams of fat (4 grams saturated), 10 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, 4 grams of protein and 200 milligrams of sodium. These are estimates.
FAQ
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, once they have cooled to room temperature.
What can you substitute for puff pastry?
Phyllo dough or a low-carb tortilla. The texture will differ slightly.
How long do they take to bake?
About 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F, until golden brown and flaky.
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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites you must try today!
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth out creases. Cut the pastry into 3-inch squares.
Place about 1 tablespoon of the mashed potato mixture in the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a pocket and pinch to seal.
Place the filled puff bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat the additional egg and brush it over the tops of the puff bites for a golden finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture.
You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 puff bite |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 calories |
| Sugar Content | 1g |
| Sodium Content | 200mg |
| Fat Content | 10g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 4g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 6g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 10g |
| Fiber Content | 1g |
| Protein Content | 4g |
| Cholesterol Content | 40mg |