Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and packed with melty cheese in every bite. These golden, bite-sized puffs are a delicious way to use leftover mashed potatoes and make the perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish.
I first made these when I had extra mashed potatoes and wanted to turn them into something fun and crispy. The combination of creamy potatoes, gooey cheese, and a lightly crisped exterior made them absolutely irresistible. They disappeared from the plate in minutes!
What’s great about Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs is how easy they are to customize. You can mix in beef bacon bits, green onions, or even a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor. Whether you serve them with sour cream, ranch, or a spicy dipping sauce, these puffs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Perfect for:
- Holiday feasts
- Game day snacks
- Family dinners
- Potluck gatherings
- Cheese and potato lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs will become your new favorite comfort food:
- Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy on the Inside: A contrast of textures that makes each bite irresistible.
- Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with melted cheese for an indulgent, savory flavor.
- Perfect for Leftover Potatoes: A creative way to repurpose mashed potatoes.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick prep make this an effortless recipe.
- Baked, Not Fried: Enjoy crispy potato bites without deep-frying.
- Versatile Flavor: Customize with different cheeses, herbs, or even bacon bits.
- Great for All Occasions: Whether as a side dish or snack, they fit any meal.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and tasty way to get kids to enjoy potatoes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and bake when needed.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at parties and gatherings.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 puffs
- Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 7g
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
- Non-stick cooking spray
Ingredient Highlights
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy base for these fluffy puffs.
- Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth of flavor.
- Eggs: Help bind the mixture and create a light texture.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: Enhance the savory, umami taste.
- Fresh Chives: Offer a mild onion flavor and bright color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Batter:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add Chives: Gently fold in fresh chives, if using.
Bake the Potato Puffs:
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the mixture into the greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let the puffs cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tin.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with extra chives and serve warm with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs:
- As a Party Appetizer: Serve with ranch or marinara sauce for dipping.
- With Breakfast: Pair with eggs and beef bacon for a savory morning treat.
- On the Side: A great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
- With Soup: Serve alongside tomato soup or creamy chowder.
- Topped with Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream enhances the flavor.
- Stuffed with Extra Cheese: Add a cheese cube in the center for a molten core.
- With Herbs: Garnish with parsley, rosemary, or thyme for extra freshness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Wrapped in Beef Bacon: Wrap each puff in beef bacon before baking for extra indulgence.
- For Lunchboxes: A great snack for kids and adults alike.
Additional Tips
- Use Starchy Potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for a fluffy, creamy texture.
- Let the Mashed Potatoes Cool – Chilling the mashed potatoes before mixing helps the puffs hold their shape.
- Don’t Overmix – Gently fold in the cheese and other ingredients to avoid a dense texture.
- Choose the Right Cheese – Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan add the best flavor and melt beautifully.
- Add a Crispy Coating – Lightly coat the puffs with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Use a Muffin Tin – This helps the puffs hold their shape and develop golden, crispy edges.
- Grease the Pan Well – Prevent sticking by brushing the muffin tin with melted butter or oil.
- Spice It Up – Add paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor.
- Bake at High Heat – A hot oven (around 400°F/200°C) ensures a crispy exterior and soft center.
- Serve Immediately – Enjoy while hot for the best gooey, cheesy goodness!
Recipe Variations
- Beef Bacon & Cheddar Bites – Stir crispy beef bacon bits and shredded cheddar into the mashed potatoes for a smoky, savory kick.
- Garlic Herb Parmesan – Mix in roasted garlic, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan for an aromatic, Italian-inspired twist.
- Buffalo Ranch Puffs – Add a splash of buffalo sauce and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for a tangy, spicy treat.
- Jalapeño Pepper Jack – Fold in diced jalapeños and melty Pepper Jack cheese for a spicy, cheesy boost.
- Loaded Baked Potato Puffs – Incorporate sour cream, green onions, and a touch of crumbled bacon for a classic loaded potato flavor.
- Truffle & Gouda Delights – Mix in truffle oil and shredded smoked Gouda for a rich and earthy gourmet upgrade.
- Spinach & Feta Puffs – Stir in sautéed spinach and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
- BBQ Cheddar Ranch – Add a drizzle of barbecue sauce and a hint of ranch seasoning for a sweet, smoky, and tangy bite.
- Mushroom & Swiss Bites – Mix in finely chopped sautéed mushrooms and shredded Swiss cheese for a deep, umami flavor.
- Everything Bagel Puffs – Sprinkle in everything bagel seasoning and a bit of cream cheese for a uniquely flavorful twist.
Special Equipment
- Muffin Tin – To shape and bake the puffs evenly.
- Mixing Bowls – For combining the mashed potatoes with cheese, eggs, and seasonings.
- Potato Masher – To ensure smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes.
- Whisk – To properly blend eggs and seasonings into the mixture.
- Cheese Grater – For freshly grating cheese to enhance texture and flavor.
- Piping Bag (Optional) – For a more decorative and uniform look when filling the muffin tin.
- Pastry Brush – To lightly grease the muffin tin or brush melted butter on the puffs.
- Rubber Spatula – For scraping and folding ingredients together efficiently.
- Oven Thermometer – To ensure accurate baking temperature.
- Cooling Rack – For letting the puffs cool slightly before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
FAQ Section
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mashed potato mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I freeze Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. - What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère work great for a melty, flavorful bite. Feel free to mix cheeses for extra richness. - Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly. Just make sure they’re not too runny, or the puffs may not hold their shape. - Do I need to grease the muffin tin?
Yes, lightly grease the muffin tin or use silicone molds to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal. - How do I make them crispier?
Bake them a little longer until golden brown, or broil for the last 1–2 minutes for extra crisp edges. - Can I add extra ingredients?
Definitely! Try adding crispy beef bacon, chives, caramelized onions, or a dash of paprika for extra flavor. - What’s the best dipping sauce?
Sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo pair wonderfully with these puffs. - Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure any added ingredients (like breadcrumbs) are gluten-free, or omit them altogether. - How long do they stay fresh?
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Conclusion
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a crispy, golden, and irresistible way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a fun and delicious snack or side dish. These fluffy puffs are loaded with melty cheese, buttery mashed potatoes, and a touch of seasoning, then baked to perfection for a light and airy texture with a crispy exterior.
This recipe is easy to customize—add crumbled beef bacon for a smoky twist, mix in chopped green onions for extra flavor, or sprinkle with Parmesan for a cheesy crust. Serve them with sour cream, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate bite-sized comfort food.
I can’t wait to see how your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!