Name: Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cold mashed potatoes; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; nonstick cooking spray

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If you’re looking for a way to turn humble leftovers into something irresistibly golden, fluffy, and packed with layers of flavor, Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are about to steal your heart. Imagine crispy edges, a cheesy center, and a pop of fresh green onion — every bite is comfort food elevated, yet easy enough for a weeknight. These little puffs are proof that with just a handful of ingredients and a muffin tin, you can make a side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Deliciously simple and wonderfully comforting, every item in Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs builds both the structure and flavor. This short ingredient list is the secret behind their signature blend of creamy richness, cheesy bite, and savory comfort. Here’s what you’ll need — and why each one matters:

2 cups cold mashed potatoes: This is the heart and soul of the puffs; cold mash works best for holding everything together.
2 large eggs: They bind the mixture and give the puffs a souffle-like lift.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar melts into pockets of bright, gooey flavor throughout each puff.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a wonderful salty depth and helps create that crave-worthy golden crust.
1/4 cup chopped green onions: Freshens up every bite with a little crunch and a mild onion zing.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Subtle garlic flavor ties all the savory notes together.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances the cheese.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a hint of warmth and earthiness.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Lends structure so your puffs hold their signature shape.
Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and ensures beautiful release from the muffin tin.

How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Step 1: Prep your oven and muffin tin

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, ensuring it’s nice and hot so your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs rise and turn beautifully golden. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray — this trick guarantees that the puffs will pop out easily, with their crispy edges intact.

Step 2: Mix up the batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, eggs, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and flour. Stir or mix until everything is thoroughly combined. The mixture should be smooth but thick, and you’ll see specks of green and golden cheese throughout.

Step 3: Fill the muffin tin

Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This will give your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs enough room to puff up without overflowing. Smooth the tops with the back of your spoon to ensure even, golden baking.

Step 4: Bake to perfection

Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end — you want the tops to be golden and lightly crisped. The aroma filling your kitchen? That’s pure comfort on the way!

Step 5: Cool and enjoy

Once they’re done, let the puffs cool in the muffin tin for about five minutes. This short wait makes them easier to remove and gives the texture time to set. Gently loosen the edges with a butter knife and lift out your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. Serve them warm for ultimate cheesy deliciousness.

How to Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Garnishes

For that extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle your puffs with finely chopped chives, a dusting of Parmesan, or even a quick swirl of sour cream. These little touches bring a bakery-style finish right to your table.

Side Dishes

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs pair beautifully with everything from grilled meats and roasts to crisp salads or hot soup. They’re sturdy enough to be a side dish, but versatile enough to slip in as a brunch item or game-day snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the puffs on a wooden board surrounded by colorful veggies and dips for an appetizer platter, or stack them like savory muffins for a fun brunch centerpiece. They’re also great tucked into lunchboxes or picnic baskets, since they taste wonderful at room temperature.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any remaining Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, making them a handy option for quick meals or snacks.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for future cravings, arrange the completely cooled puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag or container and they’ll keep well for up to two months. Just grab and reheat as needed!

Reheating

To revive the puffs’ amazing crispy texture, pop them back in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for 8–10 minutes, or give them a couple of minutes in the air fryer. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven brings back their signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use freshly made mashed potatoes instead of cold leftovers?

Absolutely! Just let your mashed potatoes cool before mixing, as hot mash can make the mixture too loose and tricky to portion out for the best Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs texture.

What other cheeses can I try in Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?

You can play with flavor here! Try swapping cheddar for Gruyère, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites for your own signature twist.

How do I prevent sticking if I don’t have nonstick spray?

You can brush each muffin cup with a bit of melted butter or oil. Be sure to coat all the sides and bottoms for easy release and that perfect golden crust.

Are Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs gluten-free?

This recipe contains all-purpose flour, but you can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking mix if needed, with fantastic results! The texture remains delightfully fluffy.

How can I make these even more flavorful?

Feel free to add extras like crumbled bacon, cooked ham, sautéed mushrooms, or a pinch of smoked paprika to the batter. Personalize the puffs to suit your taste!

Final Thoughts

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re rescuing leftover mashed potatoes or simply craving something warm and comforting. Give this recipe a try and watch these cheesy golden bites disappear — they’re bound to become a standout favorite at your table!

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 puffs 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes. With a crispy exterior and a cheesy, fluffy interior, they make a perfect side dish or appetizer for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs:

2 cups cold mashed potatoes
2 large eggs
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and flour.
Fill the muffin cups: Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Let cool before serving warm.