If you love comfort food that brings cheesy, savory goodness in every bite, then you are going to adore this Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe. These little golden delights combine fluffy mashed potatoes with sharp cheddar, aromatic chives, and a crispy Parmesan coating, baked to perfection. They’re bite-sized, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, party appetizer, or a cozy snack. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe are wonderfully simple yet essential to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a vital role: the creamy mashed potatoes provide the base, cheese adds richness, chives bring freshness, and the Parmesan coating gives a satisfying crunch.
- Mashed potatoes (3 cups, chilled): Using chilled mashed potatoes helps the puffs hold their shape while baking.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, adding gooey cheesiness in every bite.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder to keep the puffs together effortlessly.
- Chives (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a mild oniony freshness that brightens the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Gives a touch of structure without weighing down the texture.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Infuses subtle savory notes that compliment the cheese and potatoes perfectly.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Balances and enhances every ingredient.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Creates the irresistible crispy outer crust when baked.
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing): Prevents sticking and helps develop a beautiful golden base.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms, generously grease a mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure your puffs come out easily without sticking. This simple prep sets the stage for perfectly crispy bottoms and helps your puffs hold their shape during baking.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Crack in the egg and stir everything together thoroughly until you have a uniform mixture. The egg acts like glue, binding it all together so your puffs will stay intact and bake up beautifully.
Step 3: Form the Puffs
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, portion out approximately 1-inch balls of the potato mixture. Roll each ball in grated Parmesan cheese, which gives the final product a fantastic crispy coating once baked. Place each Parmesan-coated ball into the prepared mini muffin pan, pressing lightly so they conform to the shape of the cup—this helps them bake evenly and look adorable.
Step 4: Bake the Puffs
Pop the muffin pan into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the edges of the puffs to turn a beautiful golden brown and crispy all around. Keep an eye on them toward the end so they don’t overcook. The result is a delightful contrast between a crunchy exterior and a soft, cheesy center.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the puffs cool in the pan for a few minutes before gently removing them. Serving them warm ensures you get to experience that irresistible melty cheese and fluffy potato texture at its best. These puffs are pure comfort in every bite and perfect for sharing, though you might want to keep a few all to yourself!
How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness. A light drizzle of sour cream or a dash of smoked paprika adds a delightful tang and slight kick that beautifully complements the richness.
Side Dishes
These puffs pair excellently with green salads for a lighter meal or alongside roasted meats for a hearty dinner. They also work wonderfully as finger food at parties. Consider serving them with a tangy marinara or creamy ranch dip for added versatility.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, arrange the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe on a platter lined with lettuce leaves or kale. You can even skewer them with toothpicks for easy snacking or serve them in colorful mini cupcake liners for a festive touch, perfect for celebrations or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover potato puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a convenient next-day snack or side dish that reheats easily.
Freezing
You can freeze these puffs after baking and cooling by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freezing individually until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready whenever you crave a cheesy treat.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Reheating in the oven helps maintain that beautiful crunch, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe. Just make sure they are well chilled so the mixture holds together when forming the puffs.
What type of cheese gives the best flavor?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for this recipe due to its rich flavor and excellent melting properties. The Parmesan coating adds a nutty, crispy texture complementing the creamy inside.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or a bit of cornstarch to maintain the binding quality without gluten.
Are these puffs suitable for freezing before baking?
It’s best to bake the puffs first and then freeze them. Freezing after baking preserves their texture better, so when reheated, they maintain their crispiness.
How can I make these puffs extra crispy?
Make sure to roll each potato ball generously in grated Parmesan cheese and bake in a well-greased pan at the right temperature. Using a mini muffin pan helps them cook evenly and develop those crispy edges.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a little magic to your comfort food repertoire, the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe is a must-try. Easy to make, wonderfully cheesy, and perfectly crispy, these puffs bring joy to every occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy it just as much as I do!
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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a perfect appetizer or snack. Combining chilled mashed potatoes with cheddar, Parmesan, and flavorful herbs, they bake to golden perfection in a mini muffin pan, offering bite-sized cheesy goodness that’s easy to make and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (chilled)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chives (chopped)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Coating and Pan Preparation
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the muffin pan)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin pan generously with butter or cooking spray to ensure the puffs won’t stick during baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Crack the egg into the mixture and stir well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform.
- Form the Puffs: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the potato mixture into approximately 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in grated Parmesan cheese to coat evenly, which will create a crispy and flavorful outer layer. Place each ball into a cup of the greased muffin pan, pressing gently to mold it into shape.
- Bake: Put the muffin pan into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Bake until the edges of the potato puffs turn a golden brown and become crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.
- Cool and Serve: After baking, allow the puffs to cool in the pan for a few minutes. This helps them firm up slightly before removing. Serve warm to enjoy their best flavor and perfect texture.
Notes
- For best results, use chilled mashed potatoes as they hold together better during shaping.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for different flavors.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the mixture.
- These puffs can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Ensure the muffin pan is well-greased to prevent sticking and to achieve a crispy bottom crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
