Name: Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups; 1 cup; 1/4 cup; 2 large; 1/4 cup; 2 tablespoons; 1/2 teaspoon; 1/4 teaspoon; 1/4 teaspoon; for greasing

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If you’re on the hunt for a crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible way to use up leftover potatoes, Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are your new best friend. Imagine golden, savory bites with a gooey cheddar center and crispy edges that make it impossible to stop at just one. They’re perfect as a party snack, kid-friendly appetizer, or anytime you want comfort food in one delicious pop! Not only are they easy to whip up, but they also deliver big on flavor and flair, all with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple cast of ingredients that make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs shine. Each one plays an important role, from adding creaminess and tang to turning the edges beautifully crisp and golden.

Cold Mashed Potatoes (2 cups): Using cold, leftover mashed potatoes not only makes this a speedy recipe but also helps the mixture hold its shape during baking.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Rich, melty cheddar packs the puffs with gooey, comforting flavor in every bite.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a boost of tang and a slightly nutty, crispy top to each little puff.
Large Eggs (2): Eggs bind everything together, giving you airy puffs that won’t fall apart.
All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Helps create a tender structure so each bite is delightfully fluffy, not dense.
Chopped Chives or Green Onions (2 tablespoons): Lends a fresh pop of flavor and color that livens up the whole dish.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): For that subtle savory warmth that makes these bites extra inviting.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the richness of the cheeses.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle hint of spice that ties everything together.
Nonstick Cooking Spray or Melted Butter (for greasing): Ensures the puffs pop right out of the pan with perfectly crisp edges.

How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grab a mini muffin tin and give it a generous coat of nonstick spray or brush with melted butter. This step is crucial for getting that coveted crispy bottom and making sure your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs release effortlessly once they’re golden and done.

Step 2: Mix Up the Magic

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, flour, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are fully integrated and the mixture is smooth. You’ll want it to be thick yet scoopable, holding together easily.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the mashed potato mix evenly into each cup of your prepared mini muffin tin. Fill each cup all the way to the top and smooth out the surfaces for even baking. The more tightly you pack them in, the crispier the edges will get!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the tray into your hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for deeply golden tops and edges that are beautifully crisped. The aroma of melted cheese and savory potato will tip you off that it’s almost time to dig in.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the puffs cool in the tin for about five minutes. This helps them firm up so you can lift them out easily. Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs warm, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “cheesy goodness!”

How to Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped chives or green onions over hot Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs brings a lively burst of color and a fresh, oniony bite. For a touch of extra indulgence, dust with more Parmesan while still warm.

Side Dishes

These puffs make a perfect partner for a crisp green salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or even alongside barbecue chicken for a comfort-packed meal. They effortlessly upgrade any dinner plate to a whole new level of fun and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs on a platter with toothpicks and an array of dips—think sour cream, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. They’re a total crowd-pleaser for parties and potlucks, guaranteed to be the first appetizer to vanish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the puffs completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to three days, perfect for impromptu snacks or a side for tomorrow’s lunch.

Freezing

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs freeze beautifully. Lay cooled puffs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—just reheat straight from the freezer when needed.

Reheating

To revive the puffs’ signature crisp edges, reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes until hot and golden. A quick zap in the microwave works too, though the texture will be softer.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of homemade?

Yes! Instant mashed potatoes will work as long as they’re thick and not too runny; just let them cool completely before mixing with the other ingredients for best results.

What cheeses can I substitute for cheddar or Parmesan?

You can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a spicy kick, and try Asiago or Romano instead of Parmesan for an extra-nutty, salty flavor twist.

Do Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs work in regular muffin tins?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time (add 3 to 5 extra minutes) and remember that the larger size makes these great as a hearty side dish rather than a bite-sized snack.

How do I make them gluten-free?

Simply use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour—your puffs will taste just as fantastic and everyone can enjoy them.

Can kids help with this recipe?

This is a super family-friendly recipe! Kids love stirring the mixture and scooping it into the muffin tin—just be sure grown-ups handle the oven part.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, you’re in for a cheesy, comforting treat that transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. I can’t wait for you and your loved ones to experience just how quickly these little puffs disappear—don’t be surprised if they become a new tradition in your kitchen!

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 mini puffs 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful combination of creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese baked into bite-sized puffs. Perfect for snacking, appetizers, or a tasty side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cold Mashed Potatoes:

2 cups

Shredded Cheddar Cheese:

1 cup

Grated Parmesan Cheese:

1/4 cup

Eggs:

2 large

All-Purpose Flour:

1/4 cup

Chives or Green Onions, chopped:

2 tablespoons

Garlic Powder:

1/2 teaspoon

Salt:

1/4 teaspoon

Black Pepper:

1/4 teaspoon

Nonstick Cooking Spray or Melted Butter:

for greasing

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or melted butter.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, eggs, flour, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Fill muffin tin: Spoon the mixture into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.