Holiday dinners seem to generate lots of leftovers. Most of us make extra mashed potatoes because they are popular, and more often than not, they are one of the leftovers that need to be used up. They can be used on top of casseroles like cottage pie, or mixed with egg and flour and fried in butter for yummy pancakes. However, the following Leftover Mashed Potato Puffs are one of the best things to make, and no one will guess they are leftovers. These yummy little puffs make a great side dish and go well with any kind of meat, poultry, or fish, and they also make a great little brunch dish with eggs and fruit. If you also have ham left over, it can be added, or a vegetable version can also be made.

The potato mixture can be made ahead and chilled; scoop it into muffin cups about 30 minutes before serving. The end result is a soft, flavorful puffy potato dish with crisp edges and a gooey cheesy top. You'll find yourself making extra potatoes every time so that you can make these yummy puffs.

12 Servings

3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
3 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup crumbled bacon, or finely chopped ham (leave out for a vegetarian version)
3 small green onions, chopped
1 3/4 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco pepper sauce, or equivalent

Chopped green onion, for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan liberally with non-stick spray.
3. Combine the mashed potatoes, eggs, sour cream, bacon, green onions, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, the Parmesan cheese, and pepper sauce until well mixed.
4. Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin pan.
5. Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of the reserved cheese.
6. Bake 20-25 minutes or until puffed and golden.
7. Run a knife around each portion and remove and serve hot.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 169 Calories from Fat 93
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 55% Protein 21% Carb. 24%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 10 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Cholesterol 80 mg
Sodium 380 mg
Total Carbohydrate 10 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 9 g

Vitamin A 6% Vitamin C 6% Calcium 0% Iron 3%