Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs – Crispy, Fluffy, and Loaded with Flavor

Turn leftover mashed potatoes into something extraordinary with these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. Golden on the outside, fluffy inside, and filled with melty cheese, these bite-sized delights are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They’re quick to whip up, easy to portion, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults. Whether you’re reinventing leftovers or making them from scratch, these puffs are little bundles of comfort food joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Leftovers: A creative way to use up mashed potatoes.
Cheesy & Crispy: The ultimate flavor combo in every bite.
Kid-Approved: Fun, bite-sized, and irresistible.
Versatile: Works as a snack, appetizer, or side.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (chilled works best)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella for extra meltiness)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or breadcrumbs for more crunch)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of garlic powder or paprika for added flavor

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.

2. Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar, Parmesan, green onions, flour (or breadcrumbs), and seasonings. Stir until well combined.

3. Portion into Muffin Tin
Scoop mixture evenly into the muffin tin cups, filling each about ¾ full. For extra cheesy puffs, press a small cube of cheese into the center before baking.

4. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the middle.

5. Serve
Cool slightly, then remove from the muffin tin. Serve warm, with sour cream or ranch dip if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 95
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 5g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 0.5g

Tips for Success

• Chilled Potatoes Work Best: They’re firmer and hold shape better.
• Cheese Variety: Try sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Add Texture: Mix in bacon crumbles or finely chopped veggies for extra flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the mixture in advance, refrigerate, then bake fresh when ready.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of mashed potatoes, eggs, and cheese creates a fluffy, tender base with just the right amount of crispness from baking. The muffin-tin method ensures perfect portion control and makes them easy to serve at parties, dinners, or as grab-and-go snacks.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are everything you love about mashed potatoes—made crispy, cheesy, and portable. They’re quick, delicious, and versatile, making them the perfect way to transform simple ingredients into something truly special. Serve them as a side, snack, or party bite, and watch them disappear fast!