Fluffy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe: Golden Bites of Joy

Crispy, golden cheesy mashed potato puffs will revolutionize your comfort food game in minutes.

potato lovers seek out unique side dishes that surprise and delight.

Creamy interiors contrast beautifully with crunchy exteriors, creating a magical texture combination.

Simple ingredients from your kitchen transform ordinary potatoes into extraordinary bites.

Cheese adds a rich, melty dimension that makes these puffs irresistible.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of familiar flavors and unexpected crunch.

Whip up these irresistible morsels and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Why These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Work

• Create Comfort Quickly: Warm up with this hearty soup that delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen without complicated steps.
• Health-Smart Meal: Swap traditional pork sausage for lean turkey, reducing calories while maintaining rich, robust taste that satisfies hunger.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love this soup's simple ingredients and delicious combination of tender potatoes, savory sausage, and nutritious kale.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking process make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.

What Goes in Mashed Potato Puffs

• Mashed Potatoes: A creamy base that provides the primary texture and flavor for the puffs.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and rich cheesy taste to the potato mixture.
• Eggs: Work as a binding agent to hold the puffs together and create a light, fluffy texture.

• Green Onions, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Provide additional layers of flavor and aromatic depth to the potato puffs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a nutty and salty flavor to enhance the overall taste profile.

• Flour, Baking Powder: Help create structure, lightness, and help the puffs rise during baking.

How to Bake These Potato Puffs Just Right

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 400F (200C). Grab a mini muffin tin and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Potato Mixture

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Beaten eggs
• Chopped green onions
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and form a consistent blend.

Step 3: Add Binding Ingredients

Sprinkle in flour and baking powder.

Gently mix until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated. The flour helps bind the ingredients and creates a light, fluffy texture.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin

Use a spoon to carefully transfer the potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin. Fill each cup about three-quarters full, allowing room for the puffs to rise and expand during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy top.

The edges should look slightly crunchy and the centers firm.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the potato puffs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

This helps them set and makes them easier to remove from the tin. Serve warm as a delightful side dish or appetizer.

Helpful Notes for Potato Puff Preparation

• Opt for cold, leftover mashed potatoes for better texture and easier handling when mixing ingredients.
• Shred cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded varieties for maximum melting and flavor development.
• Ensure mixture isn't too wet by draining excess liquid from mashed potatoes before combining with other ingredients.
• Experiment with different cheese types like Gruyère or goat cheese for unique flavor variations.
• Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform, perfectly sized potato puffs that cook evenly and look professional.

Flavor Twists for Mashed Potato Puff Lovers

• Bacon Blast Puffs: Incorporate crispy bacon bits into the potato mixture for a smoky, savory flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Magic: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs like oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, heat-packed potato puff.
• Ranch Revolution: Stir in ranch seasoning mix and extra sharp cheddar for a tangy, creamy alternative that brings bold ranch flavor to the classic recipe.

Best Way to Present Potato Puff Snacks

• Potluck Party Pleaser: Arrange these crispy potato puffs on a decorative platter with toothpicks, perfect for easy grabbing and sharing during social gatherings.
• Game Night Snack: Serve alongside ranch or sour cream dip, creating a delicious handheld appetizer that keeps fingers clean and taste buds happy.
• Breakfast Sidekick: Pair with scrambled eggs and bacon for a cheesy morning treat that adds excitement to the breakfast table, offering a crispy contrast to soft eggs.
• Lunchbox Surprise: Pack these portable potato puffs in lunch containers for kids or adults, providing a warm, comforting midday meal that stays deliciously crisp.

How to Store Mashed Potato Puffs the Right Way

• Store cooled potato puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or place in separate compartments to maintain their crispy texture.
• Arrange completely cooled puffs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Keep frozen for up to 1 month for best quality.
• Warm in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes work perfectly. Just ensure they’re cooled and well-seasoned before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is it possible to make these potato puffs gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to create a gluten-free version.

• Can I freeze these potato puffs?

Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.

• What can I substitute if I don't have green onions?

You can use chives, regular onions, or simply omit them. The recipe will still taste delicious.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheesy mashed potato puffs blend creamy potatoes with sharp cheddar for a delightful appetizer. Golden-brown edges and fluffy centers make these little bites irresistible for parties or snack time.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400F (200C) and thoroughly coat a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
2. Combine mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese, eggs, green onions, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Gently fold in flour and baking powder, mixing until the ingredients form a cohesive and smooth mixture without overmixing.
4. Carefully fill each muffin cavity approximately three-quarters full with the potato mixture, using a spoon or small scoop for even distribution.
5. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the tops turn a rich golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the potato puffs to rest for 3-5 minutes, which helps them set and makes them easier to remove from the tin.
7. Gently extract the puffs from the muffin tin using a small offset spatula or butter knife, and serve warm as a delightful appetizer or side dish.

Notes

• Customize the cheese blend by mixing different varieties like gruyere or gouda for deeper flavor profiles.
• Ensure mashed potatoes are cooled before mixing to prevent egg scrambling and maintain proper texture.
• For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Make ahead and freeze unbaked puffs for quick future meal preparation, storing in airtight container up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg