Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

We’ve all been there: staring at a container of leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge, wondering what to do with them. While reheating them is an option, why not transform them into something truly spectacular? These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the answer! They take humble leftovers and turn them into golden, crispy, cheesy bites of heaven. Each puff has a beautifully browned exterior with a soft, fluffy, and savory interior. They are the perfect appetizer for a party, a fun side dish for dinner, or a savory snack anytime.

This recipe is incredibly simple and is the best way to breathe new life into your mashed potatoes. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll want a great base, like our classic Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. Once you have your potatoes ready, the rest comes together in minutes!

Table of Contents

Content List

Why make this recipe

Aside from being absolutely delicious, there are so many reasons to love these little potato puffs!

Uses Leftovers: This is the ultimate recipe for using up leftover mashed potatoes from holiday dinners or weeknight meals. It prevents food waste in the most delicious way possible.

Quick & Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes of baking time, you can have a fantastic snack or side dish on the table with minimal effort.

Perfectly Portioned: Made in a mini-muffin tin, these puffs are individual-sized, making them perfect for serving at parties, packing in lunchboxes, or controlling portions.

Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base for your creativity. You can switch up the cheese, add different herbs, or throw in other mix-ins to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray or butter
• 2 cups cooked mashed potatoes
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup grated cheese, such as Parmesan or Gruyère, divided
• 1/4 cup minced fresh chives
• 1/4 cup diced cooked beef bacon(optional)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

How to make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Step 1: First, get your oven ready. Arrange a rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 400°F. Thoroughly grease a mini-muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent the puffs from sticking.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of cooked mashed potatoes, 3 beaten eggs, 3/4 cup of your grated cheese, 1/4 cup of fresh chives, and the optional bacon or ham. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Your mashed potatoes might already be seasoned, so be careful not to overdo it!

Step 3: Carefully spoon the potato mixture into each cup of the prepared mini-muffin tin, filling them to the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese evenly over the tops of all the puffs.

Step 4: Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the puffs are set, golden brown on top, and heated all the way through. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to remove. Use a small knife or spoon to gently loosen the edges and lift them out. Serve them warm!

How to serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

These cheesy puffs are fantastic on their own, but a simple garnish can take them to the next level. Serve them immediately while they’re warm and the cheese is melty. A classic dollop of sour cream on top is always a winner, providing a cool, tangy contrast. You can also sprinkle on some extra fresh chives for a pop of color and fresh onion flavor. They make a wonderful appetizer platter for game day or a unique side dish for roasted chicken or steak.

How to store Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), storing them is easy. Allow the puffs to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and they will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven or an air fryer for a few minutes to help them crisp up again.

Tips to make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Use Cold Potatoes: This recipe works best with cold, firm mashed potatoes. They hold their shape better and mix more easily with the other ingredients.

Grease Well: Don’t skip generously greasing your mini-muffin tin! This is the key to ensuring your puffs pop out easily without falling apart.

Cheese Please: While Parmesan and Gruyère are fantastic, feel free to use other cheeses you love. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack would all be delicious.

Mix-in Mania: The optional bacon is a great start, but you can add other ingredients too. Try finely diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, some sautéed onions for sweetness, or different herbs like rosemary or thyme. If you love creative leftover recipes, you should also try our Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls!

FAQs About Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can mix the potato batter and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just fill the muffin tin and proceed with the recipe. You can also bake them completely, cool, and store them. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

You can, but the texture might be slightly different. Prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package directions, let them cool completely in the refrigerator until firm, and then proceed with the recipe. Make sure they are well-seasoned!

Can I make these in a regular-sized muffin tin?

Absolutely! If you use a standard 12-cup muffin tin, the recipe will yield fewer puffs. You will also need to increase the baking time to around 25-30 minutes, or until they are set and golden brown.

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Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a game-changer for potato lovers and a genius way to handle leftovers. They’re crispy, cheesy, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun and easy side dish, this recipe is a must-try. They are so simple to make and even more fun to eat!

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