Imagine creamy mashed potatoes, golden and crisp at the edges, oozing with melty cheese and packed with savory flavor in every bite — that’s the irresistible magic of Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. This recipe packs all the comfort you crave from classic mashed potatoes into bite-sized treats that are perfect as a side dish, a party snack, or even a lunchbox surprise. Whether you want to bring new life to leftover mashed potatoes or you’re just in the mood for a cheesy indulgence, these puffs deliver on taste, texture, and fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs is how they transform simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each ingredient plays a key role, adding creaminess, lift, flavor, or crunch — so gather your basics and get ready for some delicious kitchen magic.
- Mashed potatoes: Cold or leftover, these are the perfect base for binding and creating a fluffy interior.
- Eggs: Act as the glue, helping everything hold together while adding a bit of lightness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers rich, gooey cheesiness that melts right into the potatoes.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts the savory flavor and brings a hint of sharp, nutty bite.
- Chopped green onions: Brighten the puffs with a touch of freshness and subtle onion zing.
- Garlic powder: Lends gentle garlicky warmth, making each bite more complex.
- Salt: Balances out all the flavors — don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds just enough kick without overpowering the cheesy goodness.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure for puffs that hold their shape and crisp at the edges.
- Butter or nonstick spray: Essential for greasing the pan so your puffs pop out perfectly (and get a little extra tasty).
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by firing up your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven gets toasty, grab a 12-cup muffin tin and grease each cup thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray. This step helps the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs release with crispy, golden sides instead of sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Use a large mixing bowl and combine the cold mashed potatoes, eggs, shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and flour. Stir until you have a smooth, evenly blended mix with specks of cheese and green onions throughout. You’re aiming for a thick, spoonable batter.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the potato mixture evenly among the greased muffin cups, filling each one nearly to the top. Gently press down or smooth the tops with the back of a spoon — this helps them bake up into gorgeous, rounded puffs.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Pop the tin into your hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for deep golden brown color along the edges and a little bubbling cheese on top — that’s when you know your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are ready!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let your puffs cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. This brief pause lets them firm up just enough to pop out whole (and avoids burnt fingertips!). Run a small knife gently around the edges if needed, and serve warm for maximum cheesy satisfaction.
How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Garnishes
Try scattering fresh green onion slices, a sprinkling of chopped parsley, or a dusting of extra Parmesan over the hot Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs just before serving. For a party-ready finish, a tiny dollop of sour cream or a swirl of sriracha adds flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
These puffs pair perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a crisp green salad. They also hold their own alongside hearty soups or chili, making them a flexible addition to almost any meal. Their cheesy, fluffy texture is a natural fit with anything saucy or a little spicy.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs stacked on a platter as finger food for game day, or tucked into lunchboxes as a fun surprise. Try mini versions baked in mini muffin pans for party bites, or nestle them alongside brunch favorites for a twist on hash browns.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick snack or lunch the next day.
Freezing
These puffs freeze surprisingly well! Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until firm. Then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and reheat beautifully.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, reheat Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F until hot and crispy. You can also use a regular oven or give them a short zap in the microwave, though the latter won’t crisp them up quite as much.
FAQs
Can I use freshly made mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! Fresh mashed potatoes work wonderfully as long as they aren’t too warm (let them cool down first to avoid making the batter too loose). This is a great use for any extra mashed potatoes you might have on hand.
What other cheeses can I use for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs?
Feel free to swap in mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for the cheddar, or mix a few together if you’re feeling adventurous. Each cheese brings a different flavor and texture, so you can customize the puffs to suit your cravings.
How do I make these gluten-free?
An easy gluten-free swap is to substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or potato starch. This way, everyone can enjoy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs without worry.
Can I add extra ingredients for flavor?
Definitely! Mix in some crisp bacon bits, chopped cooked ham, or a few diced jalapeños for a burst of extra flavor. Even a handful of frozen peas or sweetcorn will add a fun twist.
What’s the best way to prevent sticking?
Greasing your muffin tin generously with either softened butter or a reliable nonstick spray makes all the difference. If you want to play it extra safe, you can line the muffin cups with parchment paper circles as well.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re looking to reinvent leftovers or impress your guests with something easy yet outrageously delicious. Give these a try and see how quickly they disappear — you might just start making extra mashed potatoes on purpose!
Print
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delightful way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes. With a crispy exterior and a cheesy, fluffy interior, these savory bites make a perfect side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Puffs:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cold or leftover)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and flour.
- Fill muffin tin: Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup nearly to the top. Smooth the tops.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
- Serve: Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda.
- Add cooked bacon bits or chopped jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Reheats well in a toaster oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
