Name: Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups mashed potatoes (chilled); 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 large egg; 1/4 cup chives (chopped); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper (to taste); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the muffin pan)

Jump to Recipe

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the definition of comfort food disguised as an irresistible party bite. Imagine a golden, cheesy shell giving way to a creamy, herby center—delicious enough for a big celebration, yet easy enough for Tuesday-night snacking. These puffs are baked in a mini muffin pan for perfect crispness on the outside, but stay soft and pillowy inside. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or use up leftover mashed potatoes, this little recipe packs flavor, fun, and pure joy into every single bite.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are incredibly simple, but together they create such a satisfying texture and flavor in every Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff. Each item brings something important to the table, and little tweaks can help you make them your very own.

Mashed potatoes (3 cups, chilled): Chilled mashed potatoes work best for holding shape and delivering a creamy center.
Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully and gives each puff a perfect cheesy pull.
Large egg: Helps bind everything together for that cohesive, fluffy bite.
Chives (1/4 cup, chopped): Add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of beautiful green color.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Lightly thickens and helps the puffs hold their shape as they bake.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a subtle warmth and depth.
Salt and pepper (to taste): A must for seasoning everything perfectly—taste as you go!
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Creates an irresistible, crispy golden crust for each puff.
Cooking spray or butter (for greasing): Prevents sticking and boosts that deliciously crispy exterior.

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start things off strong by preheating your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C), which guarantees those signature crispy exteriors. Generously grease your mini muffin pan with butter or a good coat of cooking spray—don’t be shy! This step ensures every puff pops out effortlessly and gets those crunchy golden edges we all crave.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Take a large mixing bowl and pile in your chilled mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, chives, flour, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Crack in your egg and give everything a thorough mix until completely combined. You want the mixture to be cohesive, with glorious cheese threads letting you know you’re on the right track for outrageously tasty Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs.

Step 3: Form the Puffs

Scoop out the potato mixture—about 1 inch per puff works wonders. Roll each ball gently between your palms, then coat it with a generous layer of grated Parmesan. This is the secret to a crispy, savory shell. Set each ball into a cup of the prepared muffin pan, pressing the mixture in just enough to form its little nest.

Step 4: Bake

Slide the pan into your hot oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch for the moment the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and crispy—that’s your cue for perfection! Don’t let them go too far, though; you want a tender middle inside each Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Give the puffs a few quiet minutes to cool in the pan; this helps them set up and makes them easier to remove. Serve them warm and enjoy that irresistible combination of melty cheese and creamy potato in every single bite. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast!

How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chives or parsley look gorgeous sprinkled on top, adding color and a touch of extra flavor. For a crowd, try a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a little smoked paprika to give these little puffs an exciting twist—guests will think you spent hours perfecting them!

Side Dishes

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs play well with so many dishes. Pair them alongside a juicy roast chicken, a bowl of hot tomato soup, or just a green salad for balance. They’re also a magical addition to holiday spreads and brunch tables since they work equally well as finger foods or cozy sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your puffs onto a charming wooden board for sharing, or set them in pretty cupcake liners for an appetizer tray with flair. For cocktail parties, serve them on skewers or mini toothpicks with a dipping sauce on the side—think sour cream, spicy ketchup, or a zippy mustard aioli. The possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days and are just as drool-worthy the next time around!

Freezing

For make-ahead magic, freeze fully cooled puffs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month—just pull out as many as you need for last-minute guests or easy snacks.

Reheating

To recapture that dreamy crispiness, pop chilled or frozen puffs in a 375°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes (longer if frozen) until heated through and sizzling on the edges. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soft—oven reheating keeps the outside nice and crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs?

Absolutely! Just prepare the instant mashed potatoes as directed, making sure they’re thick and fully cooled before mixing them in with the rest of the ingredients. The result will still be delightfully creamy and satisfying.

What cheeses work best besides cheddar?

Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment—try shredded mozzarella for extra meltiness, Monterey Jack for a mild spin, or even pepper jack for a hint of spice. Mixing cheeses can add fun depth of flavor.

How do I keep the puffs from sticking to the pan?

Use plenty of cooking spray or melted butter to grease your muffin cups generously. If you have silicone muffin pans, those work wonderfully for easy release. A quick run of a butter knife around the edges after baking can also help.

Can I add bacon or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions, or even some finely diced bell pepper would be delicious additions. Just don’t overload the mix so the puffs still hold together nicely.

Are Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs gluten-free?

As written, the recipe calls for all-purpose flour. To make them gluten-free, simply substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and double-check your other ingredients—they’ll be just as tasty!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so joyful about a batch of warm, golden Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. These playful bites are easy and endlessly customizable, making them perfect for all sorts of occasions. Give them a try—you might discover your new favorite way to turn humble potatoes into a show-stopping treat.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 potato puffs 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delightful twist on classic mashed potatoes, combining the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes with the crispy texture of a muffin. They make a perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potato Puffs:

3 cups mashed potatoes (chilled)
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 large egg
1/4 cup chives (chopped)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the muffin pan)

Instructions

Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Crack the egg into the bowl and mix thoroughly.
Form the Puffs: Shape the potato mixture into 1-inch balls and coat each ball with grated Parmesan cheese. Place each ball into a cup of the greased muffin pan, pressing gently to mold them.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the puffs are golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve: Allow the puffs to cool in the pan before serving warm.