Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting taste of mashed potatoes, but when you transform them into crispy, cheesy puffs, they become downright irresistible. These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are golden brown on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with cheesy goodness. They make a fantastic appetizer, snack, or side dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

I first made these puffs as a way to use up leftover mashed potatoes after a big holiday meal. What started as an experiment quickly became a family favorite. Now, I find myself making extra mashed potatoes just to have an excuse to whip up a batch of these delightful bites!

Why You'll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Get ready to fall in love with this delicious and versatile dish. Whether you're looking for a fun way to repurpose leftovers or a new go-to party snack, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are sure to hit the spot.

First off, they are incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a muffin tin, you can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes. No fancy techniques required!

They're also perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes. Instead of letting them sit in the fridge, you can turn them into something exciting and new, reducing food waste in a delicious way.

The crispy exterior and cheesy, fluffy interior create the perfect texture combination. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a creamy, savory center loaded with cheese and flavor.

Best of all, these puffs are highly customizable. You can switch up the cheese, add bacon, or mix in fresh herbs to create a flavor profile that suits your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs comes from simple ingredients working together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Mashed Potatoes form the base of these puffs. If using leftovers, make sure they're well-seasoned. If making fresh, add butter, salt, and a splash of milk for extra creaminess.

Cheese is the star of the show. I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but you can also try Parmesan, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little kick.

Eggs help bind everything together, giving the puffs structure while keeping them light and airy.

Breadcrumbs add a bit of texture and help the puffs hold their shape. You can use panko for extra crispiness or regular breadcrumbs for a softer bite.

Green Onions or Chives bring a hint of freshness and a mild oniony flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and potatoes beautifully.

You'll also need a muffin tin to bake these puffs to golden perfection. Greasing the tin well ensures easy removal.

How To Make These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Making these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs is as simple as mixing, scooping, and baking. Here's how to do it:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a mini muffin tin thoroughly. This will prevent sticking and help achieve a crispy exterior.

In a large bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Stir until everything is well incorporated. If the mixture feels too loose, add a little more breadcrumbs until it holds its shape.

Next, scoop spoonfuls of the mixture into the prepared muffin tin. Use the back of a spoon to gently press them down so they hold together while baking.

Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and slightly crispy. You'll notice the edges pulling away from the sides, making them easy to remove from the tin.

Once baked, let them cool for a couple of minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm and enjoy that perfect balance of crispiness and creamy, cheesy goodness.

Storage Options

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are just as good the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for an extra crispy texture.

For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of these puffs is their versatility. Here are a few fun ways to change them up:

• Bacon & Cheddar: Stir in crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat.
• Garlic Parmesan: Mix in roasted garlic and swap the cheddar for Parmesan for an Italian-inspired flavor.
• Loaded Puffs: Top each puff with sour cream and chopped green onions for a "loaded baked potato" feel.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and almond milk in the mashed potatoes to keep them plant-based.

No matter how you make them, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are bound to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab that leftover mashed potatoes and give them a delicious new life!

Print