Light, fluffy, and oh-so-cheesy, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a fun and irresistible twist on traditional mashed potatoes. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be a permanent addition to your recipe rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Perfect for leftovers: A creative way to use up extra mashed potatoes.
- Easy to make: Minimal prep, and the oven does most of the work.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves these crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bites.
- Customizable: Add your favorite cheeses, herbs, or seasonings to make them your own.
Ingredients
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll need to make these potato puffs (full list of ingredients below):
- Mashed potatoes
- Eggs
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped herbs
For the full ingredient list and exact measurements, check out the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, shredded cheese, chopped herbs, and seasonings. Stir until well blended.
- Portion into muffin tin: Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and slightly crispy.
- Cool and serve: Let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use leftover mashed potatoes: This recipe works best with thick, well-seasoned mashed potatoes.
- Grease the muffin tin well: To prevent sticking, spray generously with cooking spray or use parchment liners.
- Add texture: Fold in crumbled bacon or diced vegetables for an extra bite.
- Test doneness: The tops should be golden, and the puffs should feel firm to the touch when done.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap cheeses: Use Gruyère, Parmesan, or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Go gluten-free: Ensure your mashed potatoes and any add-ins are gluten-free.
- Add protein: Mix in shredded chicken or chopped ham for a heartier snack.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a versatile side dish that pairs well with roasted meats, grilled fish, or a hearty stew. Serve them as an appetizer with sour cream, ranch, or a spicy aioli for dipping. They also make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze baked puffs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen for 10-15 minutes in a 350°F oven.
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving. - Do I need to add flour or breadcrumbs?
Not usually! The eggs and cheese act as binders, but if your mashed potatoes are very soft, you can mix in a tablespoon of flour or breadcrumbs for stability. - Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and mashed potatoes made with plant-based milk and butter. - Can I make these in an air fryer?
Definitely! Use silicone muffin cups and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Conclusion
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the perfect way to elevate simple mashed potatoes into something truly special. With their crispy tops, gooey cheese, and soft centers, they’re impossible to resist. Try them out, and don’t be surprised when they disappear in minutes—everyone will be asking for more!
Print
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 potato puffs 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the perfect way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious snack or side dish. These golden, cheesy bites are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
- 1/4 cup milk (or as needed for consistency)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray or melted butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray or melted butter.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed. Add milk as needed to achieve a slightly thick but scoopable consistency.
- Portion into Muffin Tin: Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the edges are crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the puffs to cool slightly in the tin before carefully removing them. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.
Notes
- You can add extra mix-ins like cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, or diced bell peppers for additional flavor.
- If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can form small patties and bake them on a greased baking sheet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 80-100 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 120-160mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg