If you’re looking for a playful new way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or just want something comforting, crispy, and crowd-pleasing, this Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine creamy potato transformed into golden, cheesy, bite-sized puffs with a rich interior and the perfect little crust. Whether you’re jazzing up a weeknight dinner or serving brunch to a hungry crowd, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles—and probably requests for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple staples, when combined with a little creativity, can result in something truly special. Each ingredient in this Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe plays a unique role, from binding and fluffy texture to luscious flavor and irresistible golden color.
- Mashed potatoes (2 cups): The creamy base, whether using leftovers or freshly mashed, gives these puffs their signature texture.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for holding everything together and creating that light, airy crumb.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the potatoes for gooey richness and cheddary flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a salty, savory edge and helps crisp up the tops.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): Brings tang and extra creaminess to the mix.
- Chopped chives or green onions (2 tablespoons): For a fresh, zippy bite and a splash of color.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with gentle warmth.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Seasoning makes all the difference—go by your own taste buds here.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures those beautiful puffs release easily for perfect presentation.
How to Make Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This higher heat is the secret to achieving irresistibly crisp edges while keeping the insides luxuriously soft. Give your 12-cup muffin tin a thorough coating of nonstick spray, making sure every nook is covered so your puffs slip right out after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Mashed Potato Puff Base
In a large bowl, add your mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar, Parmesan, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything really well—think of it as potato magic in the making! You’re looking for a well-blended, creamy mixture where flecks of cheese and herbs are visible throughout.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the mixture evenly into each prepared muffin cup, filling them almost all the way to the top. This encourages the puffs to rise and form that lovely dome. Press the mixture down lightly to avoid any big air pockets—this is the best way to get a uniform texture and golden, crispy tops.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Bake your Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe for 25–30 minutes, or until they’re beautifully browned on top and the edges have pulled away from the tin slightly. You want that irresistible balance of crispy outside and creamy, cheesy inside. Let the puffs cool in the tin for about 5 minutes—this quick rest helps them firm up and unmold without breaking apart.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully run a small knife around each puff and lift them out. Serve your Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe warm so every bite is melty and flavorful. Prepare yourself: they’ll disappear fast!
How to Serve Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
These puffs are a fantastic edible canvas. Try sprinkling extra chopped chives or green onions for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream atop each puff brings tang and looks irresistibly inviting, or go wild with a pinch of smoked paprika or crumbled cooked bacon for even more flavor punch.
Side Dishes
Mashed Potato Puffs pair beautifully with almost any meal. Serve them as a fun potato side at dinner next to roasted chicken or grilled fish. For brunch, arrange them with scrambled eggs and a crisp salad. They’re as at home with a festive holiday spread as they are with Tuesday’s leftovers.
Creative Ways to Present
Take the Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe to the next level by stacking them in a tower for a show-stopping appetizer, or set them out on a wooden board with ramekins of dipping sauces—think ranch, sriracha mayo, or a herby yogurt dip. For parties, mini puffs on skewers make for a delightful and mess-free finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you (miraculously) have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They retain their flavor and texture well, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
The Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe is a freezer hero. Once completely cooled, freeze the puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag. Store for up to two months. This way, you can heat up just as many as you need, straight from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, place puffs in a 350°F oven or use your air fryer for extra crispiness. Just ten minutes or so is enough to bring them back to their original glory. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy instead of crispy.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely, although homemade or leftover mashed potatoes will give you the richest flavor and best texture, instant mash works in a pinch—just make sure it’s thick and not too runny.
Are there other cheeses I can use?
Yes! Try mozzarella for stretchy melty goodness, or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Nearly any cheese that melts well will work in this Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Great news—this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no flour or breadcrumbs at all. Just check your other ingredient labels to be extra safe.
How can I add more flavor or variety?
Mix in extras like chopped jalapeños, cooked bacon bits, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs. Feel free to get creative with what you have in the fridge!
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the dough up to a day in advance and refrigerate. When you’re ready, simply fill the muffin tin and bake as directed for fresh, hot puffs on demand.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe, you’ll never look at leftover mash the same. It’s incredibly easy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring joy to your kitchen. Gather your favorite people, savor the crispy-cheesy goodness, and enjoy every last fluffy bite!
Print
Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mashed Potato Puffs are a delightful way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a tasty new dish. Cheesy, flavorful, and easy to make, they are perfect as a side or party snack.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Puffs:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare tin: Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, cheeses, sour cream, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Fill muffin tin: Spoon mixture into each cup, filling almost to the top.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from tin. Serve warm.
Notes
- Great use for leftover mashed potatoes!
- Customize with bacon, jalapeños, or herbs.
- Freeze and reheat in oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
