Easy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

The Fluffiest Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe You’ll Love

Crispy, golden cheesy mashed potato puffs have become my ultimate comfort food obsession.

potato lovers understand the magic of transforming leftovers into something spectacular.

Cheese adds a delightful punch of flavor that makes these little bites irresistible.

Imagine pressing warm, creamy potatoes into fluffy clouds with melted cheese throughout.

Simple ingredients and minimal prep work mean you can whip these up quickly.

A perfect appetizer or side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this recipe and watch these delectable puffs disappear faster than you can say “more cheese, please!”.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs: Crispy, Cheesy, and Irresistible

  • Craft Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers: These potato puffs transform leftover mashed potatoes into delightful, crispy bites that everyone will love, making them perfect for gatherings and parties.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like cheese types, add bacon bits, or include different herbs to match your taste preferences and create a personalized version of this versatile recipe.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Requiring minimal prep and basic ingredients, these potato puffs come together fast, delivering a impressive side dish or snack with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Rescue Leftover Potatoes: Breathe new life into refrigerated mashed potatoes by transforming them into golden, cheesy puffs that taste completely fresh and exciting.

Ingredients That Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs So Delicious

Main Ingredients:
  • Mashed Potatoes: The creamy base that provides a soft and comforting texture to the puffs.
  • Cheese: Adds rich, melty flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Eggs: Act as a crucial binder to hold the puffs together and create a light, fluffy texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Green Onions, Garlic Powder: Provide a subtle, aromatic kick to elevate the overall taste of the puffs.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other flavors.
Binding and Texture Ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs, Milk: Help create a crispy exterior and contribute to the smooth, cohesive mixture.

How to Cook Perfectly Golden and Cheesy Potato Puffs

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

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

Step 2: Create the Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine all your delicious ingredients:
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Shredded cheese
  • Beaten eggs
  • Milk
  • Chopped green onions
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Stir everything together until well blended, creating a smooth and flavorful mixture.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Carefully spoon the potato mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters full.

Make sure to distribute the mixture evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color and a crispy top that signals they’re ready to devour.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the potato puffs to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This short waiting period helps them set and makes them easier to remove from the tin. Serve these cheesy delights warm and enjoy the crispy exterior and creamy interior.

Tips for the Crispiest Exterior and Creamiest Interior

  • Use cold mashed potatoes for firmer puffs that hold their shape better during baking.
  • Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyère for unique flavor profiles.
  • Add crispy bacon bits or diced ham for extra protein and a savory twist.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.

Flavor Variations to Make Mashed Potato Puffs Unique

  • Herb-Infused Potato Puffs: Replace green onions with fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives for an aromatic herbal flavor profile.
  • Vegan Potato Clouds: Swap eggs and milk with mashed silken tofu, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk to create a dairy-free version.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Potato Bites: Add diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a kick of heat and zesty flavor.
  • Bacon Cheddar Potato Puffs: Mix in crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese for a classic comfort food variation.

What to Serve Alongside Your Cheesy Potato Puffs

  • Comforting Side Dish: Pair these cheesy potato puffs alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty family dinner that everyone will love.
  • Party Appetizer Delight: Serve these bite-sized treats at gatherings, offering guests a crispy, cheesy snack that's easy to pick up and enjoy with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara.
  • Breakfast Brunch Companion: Top these potato puffs with a poached egg or crumbled bacon for a delicious morning meal that brings extra flavor and protein to your breakfast plate.
  • Lunchbox Surprise: Pack these cooled potato puffs in kids' lunch boxes as a fun alternative to typical sandwiches, providing a tasty and nutritious midday meal option.

Storing Tips to Keep Mashed Potato Puffs Fresh and Crispy

  • Store leftover potato puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual puffs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture and freezer burn.
  • Freeze potato puffs for up to 2 months by placing them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.

FAQs

  • Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes work perfectly fine. Just prepare them according to package instructions before mixing with other ingredients.

  • How do I prevent the puffs from sticking to the muffin tin?

Generously grease the muffin tin with butter or cooking spray, or use silicone muffin liners for easy removal.

  • What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is recommended for its sharp flavor, but you can also use parmesan, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for variety.

  • Are these potato puffs suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the baked potato puffs. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

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Easy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Easy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Cheesy mashed potato puffs bring comfort and joy to classic potato lovers. Crispy exteriors and creamy interiors make these golden bites perfect for gatherings or quick snacks you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 eggs

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Greasing:

  • Butter or cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F (200°C) and thoroughly coat a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring the mashed potatoes, cheese, eggs, milk, green onions, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are well blended into a uniform mixture.
  3. Carefully distribute the potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cavity approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising and creating a perfectly shaped puff.
  4. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and crispy top that indicates the puffs are perfectly cooked.
  5. Allow the potato puffs to rest and cool slightly for 2-3 minutes, which helps them set and makes removal from the tin easier. Gently extract the puffs and serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Customize potato texture by using leftover mashed potatoes or freshly made for different consistencies.
  • Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or parmesan to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Consider adding crispy bacon bits or herbs like chives for extra depth and complexity in the puffs.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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