These light and fluffy mashed potato puffs are the ultimate festive treat for your Christmas dinner table. Made with creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheese, and a hint of holiday spice, they’re golden on the outside and irresistibly tender on the inside. Perfect as a side dish or an appetizer, these puffs are a crowd-pleaser that will make your holiday spread even more magical.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Festive Flair: Perfectly portioned and dressed up for the holidays.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for saving time on a busy Christmas morning.
- Cheesy Goodness: A great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes while making them shine.
- Customizable: Add herbs or your favorite cheese to make it your own.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need to make these potato puffs:
- Mashed potatoes (leftovers work wonderfully)
- Shredded cheese for melty goodness
- Eggs to help bind everything together
- A dash of nutmeg for that holiday warmth
Find the full list of ingredients with precise measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat your oven and prepare a muffin tin with non-stick spray or parchment liners.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheese, eggs, and seasonings until smooth.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top.
- Bake until golden and slightly puffed, about 25 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Get the texture right: If your mashed potatoes are too soft, add a tablespoon of flour or breadcrumbs to help them hold their shape.
- For extra puffiness: Whisk the eggs separately before folding them into the mixture.
- Don’t skip the cheese: A sharp cheese like cheddar or Gruyère adds the best flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cheese swap: Try Parmesan, mozzarella, or even a smoky gouda.
- Herb it up: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, or chives for a festive touch.
- Spice lovers: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Main Dish Pairings: These potato puffs pair beautifully with roast turkey, glazed ham, or a holiday beef tenderloin.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with sour cream, cranberry chutney, or a garlic aioli for dipping.
- Appetizer Style: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for a party-friendly snack.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Place leftover puffs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or pop them in an air fryer for crispier edges.
- Freezing: Freeze after baking; reheat directly from frozen at 375°F until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the batter a day ahead and bake them fresh on Christmas Day.
2. What can I use if I don’t have a muffin tin?
Scoop the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet for a more rustic look.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs if your mashed potatoes need thickening.
4. What’s the best way to mash the potatoes for this recipe?
A ricer or food mill ensures a smooth texture, but a regular masher works just fine too!
Conclusion
Festive Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the perfect combination of comfort food and holiday elegance. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or as a tasty party bite, they’ll be a highlight of your Christmas dinner. Whip up a batch, watch them disappear, and spread the holiday cheer!
Check the recipe card below for all the details. Happy Holidays!
Print
Festive Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini puffs 1x
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These light and fluffy mashed potato puffs are the ultimate side dish for your Christmas dinner. Packed with cheese and festive seasonings, they are baked until golden and crisp on the outside while staying creamy on the inside. Perfect for a holiday gathering, these puffs are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers work great!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing muffin tins
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chopped chives. Mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the mixture into the greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Allow the puffs to cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Use a small spatula or knife to gently release them.
- Garnish with extra chopped chives and serve warm.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
- Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair these puffs with roast turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib for a complete holiday meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 puffs
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg