If you’ve ever wondered how to turn humble leftovers into a showstopping appetizer or snack, Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are your answer. These golden, crispy bites are brimming with cheesy goodness and flecked with green onions, offering comfort food flavor in a perfectly poppable package. Whether you serve them at a cozy family gathering or as a fun addition to your brunch spread, Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs promise to win everyone over with their irresistible blend of creamy, crispy, and cheesy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to create addictive Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. Each ingredient has a starring role, lending flavor, texture, or that crave-worthy golden color. Don’t skip or substitute unless you want to put a fun twist on the classic!
- Cold Mashed Potatoes (2 cups): Using chilled mashed potatoes is key for texture and helps the puffs hold their shape as they bake.
- Large Egg (1): Acts as the binder, ensuring the puffs stay together and have a lovely, tender interior.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Brings that classic comfort-food meltiness and a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a nutty, salty punch and helps the puffs brown beautifully.
- Chopped Green Onions or Chives (1/4 cup): Brighten up each bite with a fresh, mildly sharp kick of flavor and a pop of color.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Provides structure, giving the puffs their signature lift.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with irresistible savory depth.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors and balancing the richness of the cheeses.
- Nonstick Spray or Butter (for greasing): Prevents sticking and gives the mini puffs those crispy, golden edges.
How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready to transform your mixture into crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter to ensure each puff pops right out and develops those tempting golden edges.
Step 2: Mix All the Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and combine those cold mashed potatoes, the egg, both cheeses, chopped green onions or chives, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly mixed—you’re aiming for a cohesive, thick batter, so don’t be shy about giving it a good, hearty mix. The mixture should look speckled with cheese and greens, promising loads of flavor.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the potato mixture into your prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This gives the puffs just enough room to rise a little while still getting that coveted golden crust on top and around the edges.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the tin in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Watch as your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs turn golden brown, with crispy edges that you’ll want to dive into immediately. Once they’re beautifully browned and slightly puffed, let them cool for about 5 minutes in the tin so they firm up and are easy to remove.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Warm
Gently lift the puffs out of the muffin tin—they should slide right out if you’ve greased the pan well. Arrange them on a platter and serve warm while the cheese is still gooey and the outside stays delightfully crisp. Get ready for these to disappear fast!
How to Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped chives or green onions over the top, or add a light dusting of Parmesan for even more savory appeal. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce makes a fun dip—both add creaminess or zing to contrast with the crispy, cheesy bites.
Side Dishes
Pair Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs with a crisp green salad for a lovely contrast in texture, or offer them alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. They’re also right at home with classic brunch dishes like scrambled eggs or as a side for soups and stews—basically, anywhere you need a touch of cheesy, potatoey comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these puffs on a wooden board with cocktail picks for easy party snacking, or pile them high on a platter with a trio of dips (think herbed yogurt, spicy ketchup, or garlic aioli). For a whimsical touch, pop them in small paper baking cups on a tiered stand, mimicking a savory tea party treat that’ll surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs left (which is rare!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’ll hold onto their flavor beautifully and are easy to reheat for a quick snack or lunchbox addition.
Freezing
Want to enjoy these on demand? Cool the puffs completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Freeze them in a single layer so they don’t stick together, making it easy to thaw just a few at a time.
Reheating
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are best reheated in the oven or air fryer to recapture their crispiness. Heat at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes from chilled, or a bit longer from frozen. The microwave works in a pinch, but the puffs will be softer; the oven is definitely worth it for that signature crunch!
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or just craving puffs on a whim, instant mashed potatoes will work. Just make sure they’re thick (not runny) and cooled down before mixing with the other ingredients.
What types of cheese can I substitute?
Cheddar and Parmesan bring big flavor, but feel free to try mozzarella for extra stretch, pepper jack for a little heat, or even smoked gouda for depth. Get creative, or use whatever cheese odds and ends you have on hand!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs turn out just as tasty and golden, making them perfect for gluten-sensitive guests.
Do I need a mini muffin tin?
Mini muffin tins help get the classic crisp-chewy edges, but you can use a standard muffin tin for larger puffs (just add a few minutes to the baking time), or shape the mixture into small patties and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Can I add extras like bacon or herbs?
Definitely! Fold in crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions, chopped herbs like parsley or thyme, or even a dash of smoked paprika. The base recipe is endlessly adaptable to your cravings and what you have in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes the most of leftover potatoes, Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs simply can’t be beat. They’re easy, customizable, and so much fun to eat. Give them a try and watch everyone reach for seconds—they really are that irresistible!
Print
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 mini puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Cheesy, flavorful, and perfectly portioned, they make a great appetizer or side dish. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs:
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, green onions, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the muffin tin: Spoon the mixture into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
- You can swap in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- These freeze well and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 puffs
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
