Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting taste of mashed potatoes—creamy, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying. But what if you could take that classic side dish and turn it into something even more irresistible? Enter Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with melty cheese in every bite.

I first made these as a way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, and they quickly became a family favorite. Now, I find myself making extra mashed potatoes just so I can whip up a batch of these deliciously golden puffs. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a fun snack, they're guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You'll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite way to enjoy mashed potatoes. These little bites of heaven are crispy, cheesy, and absolutely addictive.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. If you have leftover mashed potatoes, you’re already halfway there! A few simple ingredients and a muffin tin are all you need.

They’re also wonderfully crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside. The cheese melts into the potatoes, creating the perfect balance of textures in every bite.

Looking for a budget-friendly dish? This recipe stretches simple, inexpensive ingredients into something truly special. It's a great way to repurpose leftovers without feeling like you're eating the same thing twice.

Best of all, they’re endlessly customizable. Change up the cheese, add crispy bacon bits, or mix in fresh herbs to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs lies in their simple ingredients, each bringing something special to the table.

Mashed potatoes form the base of these puffs. You can use leftovers or make a fresh batch. For the best results, make sure your mashed potatoes are creamy but not too runny—stiff potatoes will hold their shape better.

Cheese is what makes these puffs truly shine. Sharp cheddar is my go-to for its bold flavor, but you can also use mozzarella for extra gooeyness or Parmesan for a more savory bite.

Eggs help bind the mixture together, ensuring the puffs hold their shape as they bake. One or two eggs will do the trick, depending on how dense your mashed potatoes are.

Green onions add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish. If you prefer a little extra kick, try swapping them out for chives or even finely diced shallots.

A touch of flour or breadcrumbs helps provide structure, keeping the puffs light and airy instead of too dense. If you're gluten-free, you can use a bit of cornstarch or almond flour instead.

You’ll also need a muffin tin to bake these into perfect little rounds. Greasing the tin well ensures they pop out easily once baked.

How To Make These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Making these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs couldn’t be easier! Let’s walk through the simple steps.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously greasing a muffin tin. This helps create that golden, crispy exterior without sticking.

In a large bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, cheese, eggs, green onions, and a bit of flour. Stir everything together until well mixed. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped.

Next, spoon the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. If you like an extra crispy top, sprinkle a little more cheese over each portion before baking.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp. You’ll start to see the cheese bubbling, which is a sign they’re just about ready.

Let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them with a spoon or butter knife. They should pop right out, revealing their beautifully crisp edges.

Serve warm and enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness in every bite!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare in my house!), these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs store well.

To refrigerate, place them in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back their crispiness.

For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, pop them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

The fun part about this recipe? You can switch things up however you like!

• Add bacon: Crispy bacon bits mixed into the potatoes or sprinkled on top add a smoky, savory twist.
• Swap the cheese: Try Gruyère for a fancy touch or pepper jack for a little heat.
• Make them spicy: A dash of cayenne or diced jalapeños will give these puffs a nice kick.
• Use different herbs: Chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary can add a fresh burst of flavor.
• Make them gluten-free: Swap out the flour for a small amount of cornstarch or almond flour to keep the structure intact.

No matter how you customize them, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are bound to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead—whip up a batch and watch them disappear!

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