Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the kind of comfort food that instantly makes any meal feel a little more special. Imagine fluffy mashed potatoes mixed with gooey cheddar, savory Parmesan, and a hint of chives, then baked to golden perfection in muffin tins for the ultimate bite-sized treat. Whether you’re trying to use up leftover mashed potatoes or looking for a new crowd-pleaser, these irresistible puffs check every box for flavor and fun. They’re easy to whip up and guaranteed to vanish fast at the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of everyday staples, but each one brings something important to the party. From the dreamy creaminess of mashed potatoes to the little flecks of green onion, every ingredient plays a role in making Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs truly unforgettable.
- Mashed Potatoes (2 cups, cooled): Cold mashed potatoes hold their shape better, making the puffs light and fluffy instead of gummy.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Adds gooey, melty deliciousness and that signature cheesy pull.
- Large Eggs (2): They help bind everything together and give each puff a delicate structure.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Brings a salty, nutty punch that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
- Sour Cream (1/4 cup): Works its magic to keep the puffs moist and tangy.
- Chopped Chives or Green Onions (2 tablespoons): A pop of freshness and color that elevates every bite.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses subtle, garlicky flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): These kitchen classics bring all the flavors together in harmony.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy release from the muffin tin for picture-perfect puffs.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This high heat guarantees crispy edges and a beautifully golden top. Lightly mist a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray so none of your tasty puffs stick behind. This step is small but so crucial for easy unmolding and less cleanup!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a big mixing bowl, blend together your cooled mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, eggs, Parmesan, sour cream, chopped chives or green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. The mixture will be thick and creamy—just how you want it for the perfect Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs texture.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the potato mixture evenly into each muffin tin, filling them about three-quarters full. Resist the urge to pack the batter down too tightly; a gentle touch keeps the puffs light and airy. A standard cookie scoop or large spoon does a neat, tidy job here.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Slide the muffin tin into your hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for the tops to turn golden brown and look set—the irresistible smell will be your cue! At this point, Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs will have puffed and developed a light crunch on the outside, while staying creamy inside.
Step 5: Cool and Unmold
Let the puffs cool for a few minutes in the pan. This helps them firm up just enough to unmold easily. Run a small offset spatula or knife around each puff and carefully lift out. Serve them while they’re still warm for that magical cheesy stretch!
How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle extra chopped chives or green onions over the top for a bright hit of flavor and color. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt makes those cheesy flavors pop even more. If you’re feeling extra, try a bit of paprika or an extra dash of Parmesan for a sparkly finish.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are endlessly versatile—a winning side next to roasted chicken, steak, or your favorite vegetarian mains. They love a crisp green salad, vibrant steamed veggies, or even a bowl of tomato soup for dipping. Trust me, they’ll steal the spotlight wherever they land!
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the puffs on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking, or tuck them into lunchboxes as a surprise treat. Mini-cups make adorable canapés, or you can stack a few with sour cream between for a playful appetizer tower.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs store beautifully! Simply pop cooled puffs into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They make fantastic next-day snacks or breakfast sides straight from the fridge or quickly reheated.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs freeze really well. Arrange cooled puffs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep fresh in your freezer for up to two months—just grab as many as you need!
Reheating
To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until hot and crispy. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven gives you the dreamiest crisp edges. Straight from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs with leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! This recipe is a genius way to reinvent leftovers. If your mashed potatoes were seasoned, you might want to adjust the extra salt and pepper in the mix.
What other cheeses can I use?
Go wild—try mozzarella for extra stretch, Gruyère for nuttiness, or pepper jack for a bit of heat. Mixing cheeses adds layers of flavor to the puffs!
Are these puffs gluten-free?
They can be! As long as your mashed potatoes are gluten-free, the rest of the ingredients are naturally safe. Always double-check any flavorings or add-ins, though.
Can I add bacon or vegetables?
Yes, and it’s delicious! Crumbled cooked bacon or finely diced sautéed veggies (like bell peppers or mushrooms) can be stirred into the mix for even more flavor and texture.
Do Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs work well for parties?
They’re perfect for entertaining! Their easy grab-and-go size and savory flavor make them a total hit at potlucks, brunches, or holiday gatherings. Make a double batch—they disappear fast!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about pulling Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs out of the oven and sharing them with people you love. With their crispy tops, fluffy centers, and cheesy goodness, these puffs are a surefire way to bring smiles to your table. Give them a try soon—your tastebuds (and everyone else) will thank you!
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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delightful way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, creating a crispy and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Puffs:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cooled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, Parmesan, sour cream, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for a few minutes, then carefully remove from the pan. Serve warm, garnished with extra chives if desired.
Notes
- These are great for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
- You can substitute different cheeses or add crumbled bacon for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
