Spud Nuts
Spud Nuts are soft, sweet yeast-raised doughnuts flavored with mashed potatoes, offering a tender crumb and subtle richness, perfect for breakfast or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar and melted shortening with mashed potatoes and warm milk.
- Dissolve yeast in warm water and add to the mixture.
- Add eggs and salt, then combine all ingredients except flour.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and roll out.
- Cut into desired shapes.
- Let the cut doughnuts rise for 25 minutes.
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown on each side.
- Drain and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your mashed potatoes are smooth and lump-free. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. For a hint of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the dough. Don't rush the rising times; they are crucial for achieving the right fluffiness in your Spud Nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Spud Nuts warm, dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra sweetness. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of ice cream for dessert. For a delightful twist, try serving them alongside Frosty Coffee Float for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Spud Nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make them dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spud Nuts contains roughly 447 calories, with 7g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 956mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant mashed potatoes in this recipe?
While fresh mashed potatoes are preferred for the best texture, you can use instant mashed potatoes if necessary. Just ensure they are prepared according to the package instructions and cooled before adding to the dough.
What type of flour should I use for Spud Nuts?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, providing the right balance of structure and tenderness. If you want a slightly denser doughnut, you can mix in some whole wheat flour, but keep in mind it may alter the final texture.
How can I tell when the dough is properly risen?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels airy to the touch. You can also perform the 'poke test' – gently poke the dough; if the indentation springs back slowly, it's time to shape it. If it doesn't spring back, let it rise a little longer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).