Petite Parsley Potato Puffs
Oh, my lovelies, this recipe is a cozy little bite-sized treat inspired by one of my favorite comfort foods—potatoes! Petite Parsley Potato Puffs are fluffy, hamster-sized snacks made with simple, healthy ingredients. These tiny, baked puffs combine mashed potato, parsley, and a sprinkle of oat flour for a snack that’s gentle on tiny tummies and delightful to chew. Perfect for special occasions or a mid-week treat, these puffs are rich in vitamins and easy to nibble, making them a wonderful addition to your hamster’s snack rotation. And don’t worry, they’re baked to ensure everything is soft, safe, and ready for tiny paws!
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Fork
- Mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Teaspoon or small scoop
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 small potato peeled and diced
- 1 tsp parsley finely chopped
- 2 tsp oat flour hamster-safe, finely ground oats
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 pinch sweet potato chopped
- 1 pinch unsweetened apple puree
Instructions
- Cook the Potato. Start by peeling and dicing your potato into small cubes (the smaller they are, the faster they’ll cook). Add the cubes to a small saucepan of boiling water and let them cook until they’re soft—this should take about 8–10 minutes. Drain and let the potato cool for a few minutes before mashing.
- Mash the Potato. Using a fork, mash the cooked potato into a smooth paste. Make sure there are no lumps (hamsters prefer smooth textures), but don’t add any butter, salt, or spices—just plain mashed potato is all we need for this recipe!
- Mix the Ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mashed potato, finely chopped parsley, and 1 teaspoon of oat flour. The oat flour helps bind the mixture, so if it’s still too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour until you can roll the mixture into soft little balls.
- Shape the Puffs.Using a teaspoon or your hands, scoop out small amounts of the potato mixture and roll them into tiny hamster-sized balls (about the size of a marble). Place each ball on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Puffs.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pop the tray into the oven and bake the puffs for about 12–15 minutes, or until they’re firm but still soft enough for your hamster to bite into easily.
- Cool Completely. Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool completely before serving. This is VERY important to ensure your hamster doesn’t nibble on something too hot!
- Serve with Love. Place one puff in your hamster’s feeding area or hold it gently in your hand to encourage bonding. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days (though they’re best fresh!).