Cheesy Jalapeno Potato Poppers
Ingredients
- 6 cups leftover mashed potatoes
cold
- 1 beaten egg
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 fresh jalapeno pepper
stemmed then finely minced
- 4 green onions
trimmed of the root ends and finely minced
- 2 to 3 inches of canola or peanut oil in a heavy-bottomed
high-sided pan
- salt for sprinkling after frying
Directions
- 1
Mix together the mashed potatoes, beaten egg, grated cheese, flour, jalapeno pepper, and green onions until you have an even mixture. Set aside.
- 2
Heat the oil in the pan until shimmery or until it reaches 350°F on a deep-frying thermometer. Carefully drop spoonfuls or use a small cookie scoop to drop small rounds of the batter into the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the Cheesy Jalapeno Potato Poppers to a paper-towel lined plate to drain and immediately sprinkle with salt to taste. Repeat with the remaining potato mixture in as many batches as needed.
- 3
Serve hot, or chill the leftover, fried Cheesy Jalapeno Potato Poppers on a sheet pan, then freeze until solid and transfer to a resealable zipper top bag.
- 4
Place desired number of Cheesy Jalapeno Potato Poppers on a foil lined sheet pan in a preheated 400°F. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until hot all the way through.
Cheesy Jalapeno Potato Poppers
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About this Recipe
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into something truly spectacular with these irresistible Cheesy Jalapeno Potato Poppers. Forget boring sides; these golden, crispy bites are the ultimate comfort food upgrade.
The magic of these poppers lies in their ability to reinvent a humble ingredient. Cold mashed potatoes provide the perfect creamy base, combining with spicy jalapeno and savory cheese for a flavor explosion in every crunch. The blend of Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack ensures a gooey, satisfying melt.
Imagine a golden-brown exterior, satisfyingly crisp, giving way to a warm, fluffy interior packed with gooey melted cheese and a gentle kick from fresh jalapeno. The finely minced green onions add a fresh, subtle bite, balancing the richness. These poppers are utterly Golden-Brown-and-Delicious morsels of comfort food, proving the true power of the potato.
Want to adjust the heat? Dial back the jalapeno or remove its seeds for a milder flavor. For a different cheese profile, consider sharp cheddar or a smoky gouda for a unique twist. You could even add a pinch of garlic powder to the potato mixture for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Perfect for game day, a festive appetizer, or a fun twist on a weeknight side, these Cheesy Jalapeno Potato Poppers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable treat.