Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs: The Ultimate Comfort Food Bite
There’s something undeniably comforting about mashed potatoes. Creamy, warm, and filling—they’re a staple on dinner tables across the world. But what happens when you take those mashed potatoes and give them a crispy, cheesy makeover? You get Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs: golden, bite-sized snacks that are packed with flavor and impossible to resist.
These delightful little puffs are perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next holiday party. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or looking to reinvent your leftover mashed potatoes, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds).
Inspired by the classic Irish tradition of using up mashed potatoes in creative ways, these puffs have a special place in our kitchen. They’re easy to make, easy to love, and most importantly—easy to share.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
These aren’t your average mashed potatoes. Here’s why you’ll want to add this recipe to your weekly rotation:
- ✅ Perfect Use for Leftovers: Have leftover mashed potatoes from dinner? Don’t let them go to waste—this is the perfect way to give them new life.
- 🧀 Cheesy Goodness: A combination of cheddar and Parmesan creates a savory, melty interior that contrasts perfectly with the crispy outer layer.
- ⏱️ Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and a short bake, you can have these ready in under an hour.
- 🍽️ Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or even as a fun side dish with dinner.
- 🥔 Kid-Friendly: Kids love them, and you can sneak in some extra veggies if you’re feeling creative.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a dozen of these savory bites:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs come out perfectly crispy and golden every time.
1. Prepare the Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a mini muffin tin with olive oil spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
- Mashed potatoes
- Shredded cheddar
- Grated Parmesan
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Chopped chives
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to shape into balls—if it feels too soft, add a little extra flour.
💡 Tip: Cold mashed potatoes work best because they hold their shape more easily.
2. Shape the Puffs
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).
Roll each ball lightly in breadcrumbs to give them that extra crispiness on the outside.
3. Bake to Golden Perfection
Place each coated potato ball into the greased muffin tin. This will help them hold their shape and get evenly crispy on the bottom.
Lightly spray the tops of the puffs with olive oil to ensure a beautifully browned top.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are crisp.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Let the puffs cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm with:
- Sour cream
- Ranch dressing
- Hot sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Or your favorite dipping sauce!
🧊 Freezer Tip: These puffs freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Nutritional Information
| Serving Size | 1 Puff |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
These little bites are indulgent without being over the top—making them a balanced addition to any meal or snack spread.
Customize Your Mashed Potato Puffs
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative. Here are a few ways to mix things up:
Add a Kick of Heat
- Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Go Gourmet
- Fold in cooked bacon bits or pancetta.
- Swap out chives for caramelized onions or roasted garlic.
Make It Veggie-Friendly
- Add finely chopped spinach or broccoli.
- Stir in roasted red peppers for a pop of color and sweetness.
Gluten-Free Option
- Substitute flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Perfect Occasions for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Wondering when to whip up a batch of these savory treats? Here are some occasions where they truly shine:
🎉 Holiday Appetizers
Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter gatherings. They’re easy to prep in advance and reheat just before serving.
🎓 Potlucks and Parties
Bring them to your next potluck and watch them disappear. They’re small, portable, and don’t require utensils.
🍽️ Weeknight Dinners
Pair with a simple soup or salad for a complete meal. Kids will especially love the crispy outside and gooey cheese inside.
🏈 Game Day Snacks
Better than chips and dip. Serve them with a variety of sauces for a customizable snack platter.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the puffs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake them and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I freeze Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs?
Absolutely. Cool them completely after baking, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Yukon gold or russet potatoes make great mashed potatoes with a creamy texture, ideal for this recipe.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, though the flavor and texture may vary. If using instant, be sure they are thick and not too runny.