If you love mashed potatoes but want to take them to the next level, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are about to become your new obsession! Crispy on the outside, fluffy and cheesy on the inside, they’re like little bites of comfort food magic. Whether you’re using up leftover mashed potatoes or making them fresh just for this recipe (totally worth it), these puffs are easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
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Trust me, once you pop one in your mouth, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them forever. They’re a fantastic snack, a creative side dish, or even a fun party appetizer that’ll have everyone reaching for more!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
This recipe is more than just a way to use up leftovers—it’s a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Crispy and Fluffy: Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside.
- Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a straightforward process.
- Great for Leftovers: A fun way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into something exciting.
- Customizable: Add extra cheese, bacon, herbs, or even a little spice to make them your own.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for brunch, dinner, or a party, these puffs disappear fast!
Ingredients in Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Here’s what makes these puffs so irresistibly good:
- Mashed Potatoes: The star of the show! Creamy, seasoned mashed potatoes form the base.
- Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan for gooey, melty goodness.
- Eggs: Help bind everything together and create that perfect puffed texture.
- Milk: Adds moisture for a light and airy consistency.
- Green Onions: Brings a pop of fresh flavor.
- Baking Powder: Gives the puffs a slight lift.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the flavors.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps with crisping.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make these crispy, cheesy bites of heaven:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to the right temperature and grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheese, eggs, milk, green onions, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ of the way full.
Bake to Perfection: Pop them in the oven and bake until golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
Cool Slightly and Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
These puffs are perfect on their own but even better with the right accompaniments:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with sour cream, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
- Brunch Side: Pair with eggs and bacon for a fun breakfast twist.
- Party Appetizer: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for an easy-to-eat snack.
- Soup Companion: Serve alongside a warm bowl of soup for extra comfort.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh or Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Both work, but make sure they’re well-seasoned.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or gruyère for different flavors.
- Make Them Mini: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized puffs—perfect for parties!
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.
- Freeze for Later: These freeze well! Just reheat in the oven straight from the freezer.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
A1: Yes! Just make sure they’re thick and not too runny.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture in advance and bake when ready.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze them?
A4: Yes! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in the oven.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A5: Bake at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
Q6: Can I add bacon or ham?
A6: Yes! Cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham would be delicious additions.
Q7: Why didn’t my puffs rise?
A7: Check that your baking powder is fresh, and avoid overmixing the batter.
Q8: Can I make them gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Just make sure your mashed potatoes and baking powder are gluten-free.
Q9: Can I use different herbs?
A9: Absolutely! Try parsley, chives, or thyme for extra flavor.
Q10: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A10: Yes! Cook at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, checking for crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the ultimate way to turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re serving them as a side, a snack, or a fun appetizer, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, grab some mashed potatoes, and let’s get baking—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the ultimate way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, they make a delicious snack, appetizer, or side dish. Perfect for a quick bite or serving at parties, these puffs are a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with parchment cups.
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Mix the Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, and green onions.
- Season with salt and pepper, then mix well.
-
Fill the Muffin Tin:
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Smooth the tops slightly.
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Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispy.
-
Cool & Serve:
- Let the potato puffs cool for a few minutes, then carefully remove them from the muffin tin.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispy edges, lightly brush the muffin tin with butter or oil before filling.
- Add crumbled bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve with sour cream, ranch, or marinara sauce for dipping!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg