Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Name: Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Baking
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared, preferably leftover); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish); Extra shredded cheese for topping (optional)

Category:Appetizers & Snacks

Appetizers & Snacks

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs! They’re like little bites of comfort food heaven that I whip up when I want to impress friends or just indulge a bit at home. I stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy night in, and ever since, my husband and I can’t resist making them whenever we have leftover mashed potatoes. They’re crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside—just perfect for snacking!

These puffs are a total crowd-pleaser and a great way to use up those leftover mashed potatoes. Kids love them, too! Honestly, they’re just so easy to make, and you can customize them with all sorts of goodies—like adding bacon bits or your favorite herbs. You’ll want to keep this recipe close because once you serve these up, they won’t last long! If you’re looking for something else to try, give my Loaded Baked Potato Skins a go; they’re another family favorite that pairs really well with these puffs!

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Deliciously cheesy with a blend of cheddar and Parmesan
Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes
Crispy golden tops that contrast with soft, creamy insides
Quick and easy recipe ready in just 30 minutes
Customizable with additional ingredients like bacon or various cheeses
Great for serving as a finger food appetizer or side dish
Can be made ahead and reheated, perfect for meal prep!

These delightful puffs can be customized to your taste, making them a versatile addition to any meal or gathering!

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are such a delightful treat—crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they make for a fantastic side dish or appetizer! Plus, they are a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Your guests will be begging for the recipe!

What You’ll Need:

Mashed potatoes – 2 cups, preferably leftover. I love using creamy homemade mashed potatoes for the best flavor!
Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup. I recommend sharp cheddar for that extra burst of flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup. Using a fresh block and grating it yourself really elevates the taste!
Eggs – 2 large. They help bind everything together beautifully.
Milk – 1/4 cup. Whole milk will give a creamier texture, but you can use whatever you have on hand!
Garlic powder and onion powder – 1/4 teaspoon each. Great for adding subtle depth without overpowering the cheese.
Salt and pepper – to taste. Don’t skip this; it really brings out the flavors!
Fresh chives – 1/4 cup, chopped (optional). They add a lovely fresh touch and pop of color.
Extra shredded cheese – for topping (optional). Because more cheese is always a good idea, right?

The Directions:

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish or muffin tin with some non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your leftover mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up until it’s well blended and smooth.
If you’re feeling fancy, fold in the chopped chives for a little extra flavor punch.
Spoon the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish or muffin tin, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. If you love crispy tops, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top.
Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are deliciously crispy.
Once done, take them out and let them cool slightly—though it’s tough to resist digging in right away!
Serve warm, and if you like, garnish with additional chives for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are so versatile! Feel free to customize them with toppings like crispy bacon bits or different cheeses. And the best part? You can make them ahead of time and reheat in the oven. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Can I Substitute Different Cheeses?

Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella for a gooey texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just make sure to keep the total cheese amount close to 1.5 cups for best results!

How Do I Store Leftover Potato Puffs?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Can I Make These Puffs Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the potato mixture and fill the muffin tin or baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven without thawing. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What Can I Serve with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs?

These puffs pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes! Serve them alongside grilled meats, or they can be a great addition to a brunch menu. Consider serving with a dipping sauce like sour cream or ranch for extra flavor!

More Delicious Potato Recipes!

If you love potatoes, you’re going to enjoy these tasty recipes. Check them out below: