Name: Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes (cold or room temperature); 1 large egg; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooking spray or butter for greasing the muffin tin

These fluffy and golden mashed potato cheese puffs are everything I crave in a savory snack—crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside. They’re made with creamy mashed potatoes, two types of cheese, a touch of garlic, and fresh herbs. Whether I serve them as a fun appetizer, a comforting side dish, or a clever way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, these puffs never last long on the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups mashed potatoes (cold or room temperature)

1 large egg

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or butter for greasing the muffin tin

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.

In a large mixing bowl, I combine the mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar, Parmesan, chives, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I mix until everything is well blended.

Then, I scoop about a heaping tablespoon of the mixture into each muffin cup, gently pressing the tops to level them out.

I bake the puffs for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden and crispy on top.

After baking, I let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before gently removing them. I usually serve them warm, often with sour cream or my favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: Makes about 12 puffs

Calories: Approximately 110 kcal per puff

Variations

I like to play with the flavors depending on what I have in my fridge. Sometimes I swap the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a little kick. Adding finely diced cooked bacon or ham turns them into a heartier snack. I’ve also tried mixing in sautéed onions or spinach for an extra veggie boost. For a gluten-free version, I use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat them, I pop them back in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. They can also be reheated in an air fryer for extra crunch. Freezing works well too—just let them cool completely first, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. I reheat frozen puffs straight from the freezer at 375°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

How do I make sure the puffs get crispy?

To get that perfect crisp, I make sure the mashed potatoes aren’t too wet and I don’t overfill the muffin cups. Using cold mashed potatoes helps with texture, and a light coating of oil or butter in the tin adds a nice crust.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often make them a day in advance. I store them in the fridge and reheat them in the oven just before serving. They crisp back up beautifully.

What’s the best type of mashed potatoes to use?

I prefer using thicker, starchy mashed potatoes—ones that aren’t overloaded with cream or butter. Leftovers from a holiday meal work great. The firmer texture helps the puffs hold together.

Can I freeze mashed potato cheese puffs?

Absolutely. Once cooled, I freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When I want to enjoy them, I reheat them directly from frozen at 375°F until hot and crispy.

Do I need a mini muffin tin?

A mini muffin tin works best for bite-sized puffs with crispy edges, but I’ve also made them in a regular muffin tin for larger portions. Just increase the bake time by 5–10 minutes and keep an eye on the color.

Conclusion

These mashed potato cheese puffs are a comforting, easy-to-make treat that always hits the spot. Whether I’m repurposing leftovers or starting from scratch, I know I’ll end up with a batch of cheesy, golden bites that everyone loves. They’re a must-try for snack lovers, party planners, and anyone who appreciates simple, satisfying food.

Recipe:

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 puffs
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These fluffy and golden mashed potato cheese puffs are crispy on the outside and soft, cheesy on the inside. Made with leftover mashed potatoes, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs, they make a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish.