Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn humble leftovers into something irresistibly fun, Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are about to become your new go-to recipe! These golden, cheesy bites are everything you love about comfort food wrapped in a satisfyingly crisp exterior with a creamy, melty center. They’re perfect for making use of leftover mashed potatoes, but honestly, they’re so good, you might find yourself whipping up a fresh batch of potatoes just for an excuse to bake these puffs. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or the star of your brunch spread, Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are guaranteed to steal the spotlight and disappear in record time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather a handful of simple, everyday staples, and prepare to watch them work their magic. Every ingredient here plays a role in creating layers of flavor and texture, resulting in puffs that taste far more complex than the effort it takes to make them.

• Mashed Potatoes: For the best results, use chilled, starchy mashed potatoes—they help the puffs hold their shape and develop a fluffy interior.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and adds that classic sharpness, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses you love.
• Large Eggs, Lightly Beaten: Eggs act as the “glue” here, binding the mixture and giving the puffs their light, airy lift.
• Chopped Green Onions: They add a mild oniony kick and a pop of color to every bite.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan brings a salty, nutty depth and creates that irresistible golden crust.
• Garlic Powder: Just a hint infuses the puffs with subtle savory warmth without overpowering.
• Salt: A little balances and enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it—even if your mashed potatoes were already seasoned!
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a gentle, peppery bite in the background.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Grease the pan well for easy release and golden edges that make the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs so tempting.

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it heats, generously grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a pat of butter to ensure your puffs pop out effortlessly after baking. It’s a small step but makes a big difference for those crisp, golden edges.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cold mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, green onions, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated, taking care not to overmix—just blend until smooth and uniform. This is also a great opportunity to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Grab a spoon or small cookie scoop and fill each mini muffin cup about three-quarters full with the potato mixture. Press gently so there are no big air pockets, but don’t compact them too much; you want them to puff up nicely in the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the filled tin into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out—they’re done when the tops are deeply golden and they feel set to the touch. Your kitchen will smell like cheesy heaven when they’re ready!

Step 5: Cool, Release, and Serve

Allow the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs to cool for about 5 minutes in the tin before running a thin knife around the edges and gently lifting them out. Serve them warm and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Garnishes

Dress up your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs with a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions or even a dusting of smoked paprika for added flair. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of herby ranch dressing on the side can take things to delicious new heights.

Side Dishes

These puffs are perfectly flavorful on their own, but they also play well with others. Try serving them alongside a fresh, crisp salad or as a hearty companion to grilled meats, soups, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs to be the centerpiece, arrange them on a colorful platter, stack them up for dramatic effect, or skewer with decorative picks for passed appetizers at your next gathering. They’re eye-catching, bite-sized, and endlessly customizable for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If, by some miracle, you find yourself with leftover Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll stay wonderfully flavorful and can be revived with a quick reheat.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze fully cooled puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to two months, making them a convenient treat to pull out for a quick snack or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked magic, reheat the puffs in a hot oven (about 350°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until piping hot and crisp. The microwave works, but they’ll be soft—so the oven’s your best bet for restoring their irresistible texture.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! As long as your mashed potatoes are thick and not runny, instant works fine. If you’re starting with a runnier mash, add a bit more cheese to help the mixture hold together.

What other cheeses can I use in Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs?

Cheddar is classic, but you can swap in mozzarella for a milder, stringier interior, or spice things up with pepper jack or smoked gouda for different flavor profiles.

Do I need a mini muffin tin?

While a mini muffin tin gives you the perfect bite-sized puffs, you can use a standard muffin tin for larger servings—just add a few more minutes to the baking time and keep an eye on color and doneness.

Can I make them gluten free?

Great news—this recipe is naturally gluten free! There’s no flour or breadcrumbs, but always double-check your mashed potato ingredients if using a premade mix.

How do I prevent the puffs from sticking?

Be generous when greasing your pan, and let the puffs cool for a few minutes before removing. If any stubborn ones remain, run a thin knife around the edges to coax them out without tearing their gorgeous crust.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs—they’re clever, cozy, and absolutely delicious. Trust me, once you’ve tried these, you’ll find endless reasons to make another batch. Go ahead and give them a whirl; your taste buds (and everyone you share them with) will thank you!

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