Imagine biting into a fluffy cloud of mashed potatoes with crispy edges and a gooey, cheesy center. These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are an absolute game-changer! They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a creative side dish for your next meal. Whether you’re repurposing leftover mashed potatoes or making them fresh, these savory puffs are irresistibly good.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s comforting, easy, and guaranteed to please, this is it! Before we dive in, make sure to subscribe to receive more delicious recipes like this straight to your inbox.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Perfectly Crispy & Cheesy The golden-brown crust gives way to soft, creamy, and cheesy mashed potatoes with every bite.
Quick and Easy This recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Versatile They pair beautifully with a wide range of main dishes or stand alone as an appetizer. Plus, you can customize them with add-ins!
Great for Leftovers This recipe is the ultimate way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a whole new experience.
What Do Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Taste Like?
The flavor of these puffs is nothing short of divine. Think of the comforting creaminess of mashed potatoes combined with the bold, savory goodness of cheddar and Parmesan. The green onions add a subtle, fresh bite, while the garlic powder enhances the overall savory profile. The crispy edges from baking give them an extra layer of texture that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
To make about 12–16 puffs, you’ll need:
2 cups mashed potatoes: Freshly prepared or leftovers work equally well.
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch!
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds nutty depth and a touch of saltiness.
2 large eggs: Essential for binding the mixture.
1/4 cup milk: Keeps the mixture creamy and prevents it from drying out.
2 green onions, chopped: A hint of freshness with a mild onion flavor.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Adjust based on how seasoned your mashed potatoes are.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Elevates the savory profile.
Optional Add-Ins
Crispy bacon bits: Adds smoky indulgence.
Chopped fresh herbs: Parsley, thyme, or chives for extra flavor.
Paprika or cayenne pepper: For a hint of heat or smokiness.
Tools You’ll Need
A large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients.
A mini muffin tin (or standard muffin tin for larger puffs).
Cooking spray or butter to grease the tin.
A spoon or small ice cream scoop for portioning.
An oven preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or a standard muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
3. Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon or scoop the potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top. To ensure uniform baking, try to keep the portions even.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The tops should turn golden brown and develop a slightly crispy texture. For an extra cheesy twist, sprinkle a bit of cheddar or Parmesan on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
5. Cool and Serve
Let the puffs cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them with a fork or spatula. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
What to Serve with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
These puffs are incredibly versatile! Serve them with dips like sour cream, ranch, or even a spicy aioli. Pair them as a side dish with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or salmon. For a balanced meal, serve with a crisp, fresh green salad. They also make a great companion to a warm bowl of soup, such as tomato or butternut squash.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Season wisely. Taste your mashed potatoes first. If they’re already well-seasoned, you might need less salt.
Make them crispier. For extra crispiness, bake the puffs slightly longer or broil for the last 2 minutes.
Use nonstick spray. Greasing the muffin tin ensures the puffs release easily.
Customize freely. Experiment with add-ins like ham, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for fun variations.
How to Store Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze by laying the cooled puffs on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes? Yes! Sweet potatoes can add a touch of sweetness to the recipe.
What’s the best cheese to use? Sharp cheddar is ideal, but feel free to try Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a combination for variety.
Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely. Just ensure your mashed potatoes and any additional ingredients are gluten-free.
In Conclusion
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a simple, delicious way to elevate mashed potatoes into a crispy, cheesy treat. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
If you love this recipe, you’ll also want to try Crack Chicken Recipe: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness for another crowd-pleasing dish full of creamy, cheesy flavor.
Tried it? Share your photos on Pinterest and let us know how it went in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear about your creations!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per Puff)
Calories: 90
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs: A Crispy and Cheesy Treat
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are golden, crispy on the outside, and creamy on the inside. Made with simple ingredients like mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and green onions, they’re the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish. A fantastic way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into an irresistible treat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (freshly made or leftover)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, eggs, milk, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Let the puffs cool in the tin for 5 minutes before removing them with a fork or small spatula. Serve warm.
Notes
- For an extra crispy top, sprinkle a little more cheese on the puffs during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- These can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Optional add-ins include crispy bacon bits, chopped parsley, or a pinch of paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers, Side Dishes, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs, crispy mashed potato puffs, cheesy potato bites, potato recipes, leftover mashed potato recipes, easy appetizer ideas