Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

There's something irresistible about crispy, golden bites of fluffy mashed potatoes, oozing with melted cheese and packed with flavor. Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the perfect way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a mouthwatering snack or side dish that everyone will love.

I first made these on a whim, trying to find a creative way to repurpose extra mashed potatoes from a holiday dinner. The result? A recipe so good that now I make extra mashed potatoes on purpose, just to whip up a batch of these delightful puffs!

Why You'll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that's simple, delicious, and totally addictive.

First off, these potato puffs are incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a muffin tin, you can have these ready in no time.

They're also great for using up leftovers. If you have extra mashed potatoes sitting in the fridge, this is the perfect way to give them new life.

Cheese lovers, rejoice! Each puff is filled with gooey, melty cheese that makes every bite a delight.

And finally, they’re versatile. Serve them as a fun appetizer, a side dish for dinner, or even as a snack for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs lies in their simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a role in achieving the perfect texture and taste.

Mashed potatoes are the base of this recipe. Whether you’re using leftovers or making a fresh batch, make sure they’re well-seasoned for the best flavor. If your mashed potatoes are on the softer side, adding a bit of flour or breadcrumbs can help firm them up.

Cheese is the star of the show. I recommend sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but you can also mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness or parmesan for a touch of saltiness.

Eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the puffs together as they bake. This ensures they stay light and fluffy rather than falling apart.

Green onions add a mild oniony bite and a pop of color, balancing out the richness of the potatoes and cheese beautifully.

Breadcrumbs or flour can be used to help thicken the mixture if needed, especially if your mashed potatoes are particularly creamy.

A muffin tin is the only special equipment you’ll need. This helps shape the puffs into perfectly portioned bites with crisp, golden edges.

How To Make These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Making these delicious potato puffs is as simple as mixing, scooping, and baking. Here’s how to do it.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing a muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray. This will help ensure the puffs release easily once baked.

In a large bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, beaten eggs, and chopped green onions. If the mixture seems too soft, add a tablespoon or two of flour or breadcrumbs to help firm it up.

Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. For extra cheesy goodness, press a small cube of cheese into the center of each portion before smoothing over the top.

Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re ready when they easily pull away from the sides of the muffin tin.

Let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin. Serve warm, garnished with extra green onions or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because they disappear so fast!), you can store them easily.

These potato puffs stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days when kept in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back their crispy texture.

For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated straight from the freezer at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Want to make them extra crispy? Add a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for an irresistible crunch.

Swap out the cheese to change the flavor profile. Try smoked gouda for a smoky twist or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Make it gluten-free by using almond flour instead of regular flour or skipping the flour altogether if your mashed potatoes are thick enough.

For a bacon-lover’s version, mix in some crispy, crumbled bacon before baking. The salty crunch pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes and cheese.

Feel like adding a little heat? A dash of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of diced jalapeños will give these puffs a nice kick.

No matter how you make them, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to enjoy the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and fluffy in every bite!

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