Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
If you’re looking for a playful, unbelievably delicious way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs will be your new favorite go-to. With crispy golden exteriors and pillowy, cheesy centers, they’re a total crowd-pleaser whether served as a snack, appetizer, or fun side dish. The combination of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and zesty green onions transforms simple spuds into a cloud of savory goodness that nobody can resist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of everyday staples, you can easily whip up these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. Each ingredient plays a special role, giving you that iconic fluffy texture, cheesy pull, and satisfying bite that makes this recipe truly unforgettable.
- Cold mashed potatoes: Using leftovers makes for the fluffiest puffs and cuts down on prep time.
- Large eggs: These bind everything together and help the puffs get beautifully golden and rise in the oven.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show for gooey, melty pockets of flavor – feel free to play with different cheeses too.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch and an extra layer of umami.
- Chopped green onions: These bring a pop of freshness and a hint of sharpness in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: It gives the puffs structure so they don’t fall apart as they bake.
- Garlic powder: Just the right boost of garlicky flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt: Vital for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
- Black pepper: Lends a gentle heat and aromatic finish to the puffs.
- Butter or nonstick spray: Essential for greasing your muffin tin so nothing sticks and each puff releases with ease.
How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab your 12-cup muffin tin and either lightly butter each cup or give them a generous spray with nonstick spray. This simple step is crucial – it ensures you’ll get beautiful golden puffs that slide right out without any fuss or mess.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine your cold mashed potatoes, eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything comes together in a cohesive, thick batter. Don’t worry about over-mixing – you want all those lovely chunks of cheese and onion to be evenly distributed throughout.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, filling each almost to the top. Smooth the tops slightly with the back of your spoon. The puffs will rise a bit as they bake, so shaping them now gives you that signature dome shape and ensures an even bake.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tin into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for puffs that are lightly golden around the edges and have a bit of lift in the center. The aroma filling your kitchen will be out of this world! Once done, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then gently run a knife around the edges and pop each puff out.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Serve your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs while they’re still warm and the cheese is extra melty. Stack them on a platter or arrange them in a cozy basket lined with a napkin—either way, they’ll disappear quickly!
How to Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a dash of paprika, or a shower of fresh chopped chives just before serving for a pop of color and a boost of flavor. A little drizzle of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side is a fun touch too!
Side Dishes
Pair these puffs with crisp green salads, hearty soups, or roasted vegetables for a full meal. They also make a playful accompaniment to brunch spreads, picnic baskets, or even a cozy weeknight dinner of grilled chicken or fish.
Creative Ways to Present
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are endlessly versatile. Stack them high on a party platter, arrange in mini cupcake liners for grab-and-go bites, or skewer them with cocktail sticks for a fun appetizer. You can even pack them into lunchboxes for a cheesy surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pop leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs into an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days and stay soft and flavorful for quick snacking.
Freezing
For a handy make-ahead treat, freeze the baked and cooled puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container. They stay fresh for up to 2 months!
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the puffs back into the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and re-crisped (about 8-10 minutes). They’ll taste almost as irresistible as fresh out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes work in a pinch, but you’ll get the best flavor and texture from homemade or real leftovers. Just make sure the potatoes are thick and not too watery.
What cheese can I substitute for cheddar?
Try mozzarella for a milder flavor and extra melty pull, or pepper jack for a spicy twist. The puffs are forgiving, so experiment with your favorites!
Are Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can swap it for a gluten-free blend with great results. Just keep an eye on the texture as some blends may require a touch more or less.
How do I make these puffs crispier?
If you love a little extra crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or more grated Parmesan on top before baking. A quick blast under the broiler at the end also adds lovely crispiness.
Can I add meat or other veggies?
Absolutely! Stir in cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or even sautéed spinach or bell peppers for a heartier, veggie-packed puff—just keep total add-ins to about half a cup to maintain the puff’s structure.
Final Thoughts
There’s genuine magic in turning simple mashed potatoes into something as fun and flavorful as these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and see just how quickly they disappear from your table—don’t be surprised when you start making extra mashed potatoes just to have an excuse for another batch!
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Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Cheesy, savory, and easy to make, they are perfect as a side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
Cold Mashed Potatoes:
2 cups
Eggs:
2 large
Cheddar Cheese:
1 cup shredded
Parmesan Cheese:
1/4 cup grated
Green Onions:
1/4 cup chopped
All-Purpose Flour:
1/3 cup
Garlic Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Butter or Nonstick Spray:
For greasing the muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, green onions, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Fill the muffin cups: Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin cups, filling each almost to the top. Smooth the tops slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use mozzarella or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a different flavor.
- Add bacon bits or diced ham for a heartier version.
- These reheat nicely in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
