Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate appetizer or side dish to steal the spotlight at your next gathering, Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are exactly what you need! Golden on the outside, fluffy and cheesy on the inside, these irresistible little bites transform leftover mashed potatoes into something truly crave-worthy. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or an indulgent movie night, their comforting flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make every bite unforgettable. Trust me, once you try Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs, you’ll find yourself looking for excuses to whip up a batch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the reasons I adore making Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs is how uncomplicated the ingredient list is—yet every single ingredient packs a punch. Each element has a special job, whether it’s creating crispiness, adding color, or delivering pure comfort food satisfaction.
- Mashed potatoes: Chilled leftover mashed potatoes are perfect here, giving these puffs their ultra-fluffy interior.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar brings a bold, tangy richness and plenty of gooey goodness.
- Egg: The egg helps everything bind together and gives the puffs a lovely, light texture.
- Chives: Fresh chives add color and a pop of mild, oniony flavor in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: A bit of flour holds the mixture together and gives just enough structure to the puffs.
- Garlic powder: This brings a subtle savory warmth that rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste—these simple staples tie everything together.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan forms a crispy, golden crust around each puff for irresistible crunch.
- Cooking spray or butter: Greasing the muffin tin is essential so that nothing sticks and you get those gorgeous, intact puffs every time.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Before you even start mixing, get that oven heating to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key for a beautifully browned exterior. Generously grease a mini muffin pan with either butter or cooking spray—don’t skimp here, because Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are at their best when they pop easily out of the pan, perfectly golden and intact.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, chopped chives, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Crack in the egg and give everything a good stir, making sure no pockets of egg remain. The mixture should be thick and cohesive, not runny—this ensures the puffs hold their shape and bake up fluffy.
Step 3: Form the Puffs
Now comes the fun part! Scoop the potato mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop. Roll each ball in grated Parmesan cheese; this step creates that irresistible crispy coating. Drop each coated ball into a muffin cup, pressing down gently to mold them into the pan—don’t flatten them completely, just enough so they fill the cup.
Step 4: Bake
Slide the muffin pan into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The edges should be turning golden and crisp while the centers remain soft and cheesy. Keep an eye on them towards the end—as soon as you see a rich, golden color, they’re good to go.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are baked to perfection, let them cool in the pan for just a few minutes. This makes them easier to remove (and avoids burnt fingertips). Serve them warm—this is when their cheese-pull potential and creamy interiors really shine!
How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Garnishes
Top your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs with extra chopped chives, a sprinkle of paprika, or even a dollop of sour cream. These final touches add brightness, color, and a bit of flair that can take the whole experience to the next level.
Side Dishes
Pair these puffs with a crisp salad, a hearty bowl of soup, or serve them alongside roast chicken for a complete comfort meal. They also make an awesome addition to a brunch spread with eggs and fruit—versatile is their middle name!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, present Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs on a platter with cute toothpicks and little dipping bowls of ranch or spicy ketchup. If you’re feeling playful, stack them into a little “tower” for a dramatic table centerpiece. You can even use them as a fun topper for casseroles or bowls of chili.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs store beautifully—just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They retain their flavor and texture surprisingly well, making them ideal for prepping ahead.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, go ahead and freeze the cooled puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, ready for whenever you need a quick, cheesy snack.
Reheating
To bring the magic back, reheat the puffs in a hot oven (around 375°F) for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy outside again. The microwave works too, but you might lose that amazing crunchy edge—so the oven is worth the extra step!
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, instant mashed potatoes work in a pinch. Just make sure they’re well-chilled and slightly thicker than you’d normally prepare them for the best texture in your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or mozzarella for ultimate cheese pulls. Mixing cheeses is also a great way to customize the flavor profile of your puffs.
Do I have to use a mini muffin pan?
A mini muffin pan gives you bite-sized Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs with lots of crispy edges, but a regular muffin pan works just fine for bigger portions. Just extend the baking time a few minutes until they’re golden and set.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend works well, or you can use potato starch or cornstarch for binding. Make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free, too.
How do I keep the puffs from sticking?
Be generous with your pan greasing—whether using cooking spray or butter, make sure every nook of the muffin cups is well-coated. This ensures those gorgeous, golden Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs lift out easily and stay intact.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs at home, you’re truly missing out on a ridiculously tasty snack that’s as easy as it is impressive. Give them a spot at your next get-together or weeknight dinner—you’ll see just how fast they disappear!
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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 potato puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are delightful bite-sized treats that combine creamy mashed potatoes with the richness of cheddar and Parmesan cheese, creating a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. These savory puffs are perfect appetizers or side dishes for any occasion.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Puffs:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (chilled)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chives (chopped)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the muffin pan)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
- Form the Puffs: Shape the potato mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in grated Parmesan cheese and place in the greased muffin pan cups, pressing gently to mold.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the puffs cool in the pan briefly before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato puff
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
Keywords: Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs, Potato Puffs Recipe, Appetizer, Side Dish, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan, Easy, Baked
