Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Crispy, Cheesy, Golden Brown & Totally Irresistible

If you’re wondering what to do with leftover mashed potatoes, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the answer! Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and packed with cheesy goodness, these golden bites are the perfect blend of comfort food and snack-time magic.

Whether you’re serving them up as an appetizer, a party snack, or a fun twist on the usual side dish, these little puffs of joy are guaranteed to win hearts. Bonus? They’re budget-friendly, quick to throw together, and can be made ahead!

🧀 Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

✅ Uses up leftovers! Say goodbye to sad mashed potatoes in the fridge.

✅ Cheesy & comforting—hello melted cheddar and Parmesan.

✅ Perfectly crispy edges with a soft, creamy center.

✅ Crowd-pleaser—great for potlucks, parties, or even breakfast!

✅ Easy to customize with your favorite herbs, spices, or add-ins.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything it takes to whip up a batch of these fluffy, cheesy puffs:

2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 large eggs

1/4 cup milk

2 green onions, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

Crumbled bacon

Chopped ham

Fresh herbs like parsley or chives

A dash of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor

🍴 How To Make Mashed Potato Puffs

These come together quickly and bake up beautifully in a muffin tin for easy serving.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine:

2 cups mashed potatoes

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

2 large eggs

1/4 cup milk

2 chopped green onions

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix everything together until smooth and evenly combined.

Step 3: Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup almost to the top.

Tip: If you want extra crispy edges, give the tops a little sprinkle of Parmesan or breadcrumbs before baking.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly puffed. The edges should be crisp and pulling away slightly from the sides of the pan.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

Let the puffs cool for a few minutes in the tin before removing. Serve warm as a snack, side dish, or even a breakfast treat!

👩‍🍳 Tips for the Best Potato Puffs

Use cold mashed potatoes if using leftovers—they work best for firm, crispy puffs.

Don’t overmix the batter; you want it creamy, not gummy.

Add a pinch of baking powder for a lighter, fluffier texture.

Cheddar is best, but feel free to use any melty cheese you love—mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack are great!

Mini muffin tins work well for bite-size party appetizers—just reduce the bake time to 12–15 minutes.

🥓 Delicious Variations

Make these your own with fun flavor twists:

🥓 Bacon Cheddar Ranch

Add 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon + 1 tsp dry ranch seasoning.

🧄 Garlic Herb

Mix in 1/2 tsp garlic powder, chopped parsley, and a little rosemary.

🌶️ Spicy Jalapeño

Fold in chopped jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

🥬 Veggie Boost

Add finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini for a sneaky veggie upgrade.

🍽️ How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

These puffs are extremely versatile. Serve them:

As an appetizer with sour cream or ranch dip

Alongside breakfast instead of hash browns

As a fun dinner side with meatloaf, roast chicken, or grilled sausages

At brunch or potlucks—they stay warm and crispy for a while

Topped with a poached egg for a gourmet breakfast stack

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooled potato puffs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: They also freeze well! Place in a zip-top bag and freeze up to 2 months.

To Reheat:

Oven: 375°F for 8–10 minutes

Air fryer: 350°F for 5–6 minutes

Microwave: 30–45 seconds (they won’t be crispy, but still tasty)

💬 What People Are Saying

“I made these for game night and they were gone in minutes. So good with sour cream dip!” – Amanda R.

“The perfect way to use leftover mashed potatoes. My kids even asked for seconds!” – Tyler M.

“Made these with some leftover loaded mash (with bacon and cheese) — 10/10!” – Carla B.

📌 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re trying to reduce food waste, need a quick side, or just want something crispy, cheesy, and comforting, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a winner. They’re proof that leftovers can be just as exciting as the original meal—if not better!

So the next time you’ve got a bowl of mashed potatoes sitting in the fridge, don’t reheat them in the microwave—turn them into crispy, cheesy gold. 🔥

🧡 Save & Share

📍Save this recipe for your next comfort food craving!
💬 Tag someone who loves cheese and potatoes!
📸 If you try it, share a pic and let me know how you made them your own!
#CheesyPotatoPuffs #LeftoverMakeover #EasyAppetizer #ComfortFoodGoals #bigzazooCooks

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