Get ready to fall in love with these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs! Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside, this appetizer transforms simple mashed potatoes into irresistible, golden-baked bites. With a hint of garlic, two cheeses, and a pop of fresh herbs, the flavors come together in the best way possible. Whether you’re making use of leftovers or starting from scratch, these puffs are a fun, family-friendly treat that are just as great for parties as they are for casual dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need is a handful of kitchen staples, and each one brings something special to these heartfelt bites. The ingredients are simple, but they’re precisely what make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs so mouthwatering—for the flavor, texture, and even that lovely color.
- Mashed potatoes: The creamy, starchy base that brings everything together; cold leftovers work beautifully.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the puffs together and give them just the right tenderness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts for a gooey interior and adds rich cheesy flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a bold, salty depth and helps build the irresistible crust.
- Chopped green onions or chives: Adds freshness and a tiny burst of color in every bite.
- Garlic powder: A subtle hit of savoriness to round out the flavors.
- Salt: Essential to balance and marry all the ingredients.
- Black pepper: A little warmth and just the right peppery background note.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create that signature puff and ensures a light structure.
- Baking powder: Gives the puffs a boost, making them extra fluffy and light.
- Cooking spray or oil: For greasing the tin so your puffs come right out, perfectly crisp.
How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Mini Muffin Tin
Start by setting the stage for these beauties! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring plenty of heat for perfect puffing. Give your mini muffin tin a generous coating of cooking spray or brush each cup with oil to prevent sticking and ensure a lovely golden edge.
Step 2: Mix the Mashed Potato Base
In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, green onions (or chives), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until the mixture looks smooth and uniform, making sure cheese and herbs are evenly distributed for flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Stir this mixture into your potato base until combined. The flour and baking powder work together to help your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs rise and get their signature fluffiness.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Spoon the mixture into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup nearly to the top for nice, tall puffs. Pop the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch as the puffs turn golden and slightly crispy around the edges—a clear sign they’re ready and delicious.
Step 5: Cool and Release
Once out of the oven, let the puffs cool for at least 5 minutes in the tin. This quick rest helps set their shape, making removal a breeze. Use a small spoon or offset spatula to lift out each Mashed Potato Cheese Puff and get ready to serve them up warm!
How to Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Garnishes
A sprinkling of extra green onions or chives on top brings color and freshness. For an extra cheesy flourish, grate a little more Parmesan over each puff just as they come out of the oven. A tiny dollop of sour cream or a light dusting of smoked paprika adds another layer of flavor and visual appeal to your platter.
Side Dishes
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs shine alongside simple green salads, tangy dips like ranch or sriracha mayo, or even with soup for a cozy pairing. Their versatility makes them a fantastic addition to any party spread or family dinner, whether you’re offering them as starters or alongside your main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them stacked in a tower on a rustic board, or nestle each puff in a mini cupcake liner for grab-and-go convenience at a party. A platter arranged with colorful veggies or dipping sauces makes your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs extra inviting and perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, they’ll keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The puffs stay soft, with that cheesy flavor getting even deeper after a day or two. Just let them cool completely before storing.
Freezing
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs freeze like a dream! Lay cooled puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to a month, so you can have them ready for snacks or impromptu gatherings.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the puffs in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes—this brings back their crisp edges and melts the cheese inside. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, though you’ll trade some crispiness for convenience.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?
Absolutely! If you don’t have leftover homemade mashed potatoes, instant mashed potatoes make a super convenient base. Prepare them according to the package directions and cool before using in this recipe.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
While cheddar and Parmesan are classic, feel free to experiment! Mozzarella gives an extra stretchy melt, Gouda offers a smoky touch, or even a pepper jack for a hint of spice.
How do I keep the puffs from sticking to the muffin tin?
Generously greasing the tin is key. You can use cooking spray, butter, or oil. If you have silicone mini muffin pans, those work wonders for easy removal as well.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that includes a binder (like xanthan gum), and double-check your baking powder. The result will be just as delicious.
Are Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs good for meal prep?
They’re perfect for meal prep! Make a batch ahead of time, stash in the fridge or freezer, and you’ll have a quick snack or side ready to go anytime hunger strikes.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, you’ll want to make them again and again—there’s just something about their cheesy, golden goodness that’s impossible to resist. Whether for parties, family dinners, or just a fun way to use up leftovers, these puffs are pure comfort. Give them a try and prepare for rave reviews from everyone around your table!
Print
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they’re perfect as appetizers or side dishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Coating:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, cheeses, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add flour mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk flour and baking powder, then fold into the potato mixture.
- Fill muffin tin: Spoon the mixture into the greased tin, filling each cup almost to the top.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin. Serve warm.
Notes
- Leftover mashed potatoes work great for this recipe.
- Enhance with bacon or your favorite cheese.
- These puffs freeze well and reheat nicely in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 puffs
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
