There's something undeniably comforting about golden, crispy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs fresh from the oven. Each bite delivers a creamy, cheesy interior wrapped in a perfectly crisp outer layer, making them an irresistible snack or side dish for any occasion.
I first made these when I had an abundance of leftover mashed potatoes from a holiday dinner. Instead of reheating them as usual, I decided to transform them into something fun and delicious. Now, they’re a staple in my kitchen, perfect for using up extra mashed potatoes in the most delicious way possible.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with these crispy, cheesy bites. They’re the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and texture.
These puffs are incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can turn plain mashed potatoes into something special. No complicated techniques, just mix, scoop, and bake.
They’re an excellent way to repurpose leftovers. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with extra mashed potatoes, this is your answer. These puffs bring new life to an already delicious dish.
Cheese lovers rejoice! Loaded with melty cheese, every bite delivers the ultimate gooey, savory experience. You can even mix in your favorite cheeses for a custom flavor.
Perfect for parties or meal prep. These puffs are a hit at gatherings, and they store well for quick snacks or easy sides throughout the week.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each component plays a key role in making these puffs light, cheesy, and flavorful.
Mashed potatoes are the star of the show. Whether you’re using leftovers or freshly made, ensure they’re well-seasoned to enhance the flavor of the puffs.
Cheese is what makes these puffs truly irresistible. Sharp cheddar works beautifully, offering a bold flavor and gooey texture, but you can mix in parmesan or mozzarella for extra depth.
Eggs help bind everything together, giving the puffs structure while keeping them light and fluffy. Be sure to whisk them well before adding to the mixture.
Green onions provide a pop of freshness and subtle onion flavor that complements the richness of the potatoes and cheese. If you’re not a fan, chives make a great substitute.
For the best texture, a bit of flour or breadcrumbs adds structure, preventing the puffs from being too soft and helping them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
How To Make This Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Making these delicious potato puffs is as easy as mixing, scooping, and baking. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the puffs once baked.
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, eggs, green onions, and a small amount of flour. Stir until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be thick but scoopable.
Use a small spoon or cookie scoop to portion the potato mixture into the greased muffin tin. Fill each cup almost to the top, pressing gently to ensure the mixture holds together.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Allow the puffs to cool slightly before removing them from the pan. They’ll firm up as they cool, making them easier to handle. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite.
Storage Options
These potato puffs store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option for snacks or sides.
To refrigerate, place leftover puffs in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months.
To reheat, pop frozen puffs into a preheated 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize flavors and textures based on your preferences.
For extra crunch, roll the puffs in panko breadcrumbs before baking. This gives them an irresistible crispy coating.
Mix up the cheese! While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with gouda, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a bold twist.
Want to add protein? Stir in crumbled cooked bacon or diced ham for a heartier version that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Make them spicy by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or mixing in chopped jalapeños for a little heat.
Try a gluten-free version by swapping out the flour for a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or cornstarch.
No matter how you make them, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are sure to be a hit. Experiment with flavors and enjoy a new take on classic mashed potatoes!
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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 puffs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the ultimate comfort food snack! These bite-sized puffs are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, packed with cheesy goodness. Made with mashed potatoes, eggs, and cheese, they are baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped chives
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in milk to loosen the mixture slightly.
- Spoon mixture into the greased muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Optionally, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Let cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin. Serve warm!
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for a quick and easy recipe.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor.
- Serve with sour cream, ranch, or ketchup for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 puffs
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
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