Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Got leftover mashed potatoes? Turn them into something truly irresistible with these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and oozing with cheesy goodness, these bite-sized treats are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or fun side dish. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking for a creative way to use up leftovers, these puffs are guaranteed to disappear fast.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Cheesy – The perfect bite-sized combo of creamy potatoes and melty cheese.
Leftover-Friendly – Great way to repurpose mashed potatoes.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Kid-Approved – Fun to eat and full of familiar flavors.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Parties, holidays, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Puffs:

• 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste (if mashed potatoes aren’t already seasoned)
• 2–3 tbsp all-purpose flour (as needed for texture)

Optional Topping:

• Extra shredded cheese for sprinkling
• Chopped herbs for garnish (like parsley or thyme)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Muffin tin or mini muffin tin
• Nonstick spray or butter for greasing
• Spoon or small scoop
• Grater and chopping board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper.
If the mixture feels too soft or wet, stir in a tablespoon of flour at a time until the mixture holds its shape when scooped.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon or scoop the potato mixture into each muffin cup, filling almost to the top.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a little extra cheese or herbs on top of each puff.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes (15–18 minutes for mini muffin tin), or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are crispy.
Let cool for 5 minutes before carefully removing from the tin.

Step 5: Serve Warm
Serve warm on their own or with dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or a spicy aioli.

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Use Cold Potatoes – They hold their shape better when mixing.
Avoid Overmixing – Stir just until combined for the fluffiest texture.
Customize – Add crumbled beef bacon, chopped jalapeños, or sautéed onions for fun twists.
Mini Muffins = Party Bites – Perfect size for serving a crowd or snacking.
Make Ahead – Prepare the mixture a day ahead and bake fresh before serving.

Serving Suggestions
Serve these puffs with:

• Grilled or baked chicken
• Soup or salad for a light lunch
• Party platters with dips and finger foods
• Scrambled eggs and fruit for a brunch spread

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Let the puffs cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze baked puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven or Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until crisp.
Microwave: Heat individual puffs for 20–30 seconds (they’ll be softer, not crispy).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
   Yes! As long as they’re thick and not too runny, they work well.
2. What cheese is best?
   Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or Gouda are also delicious options.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Absolutely. Use a gluten-free flour or binder like cornstarch or almond flour.
4. Do I have to use a muffin tin?
   Nope. You can shape them into small balls and bake on a parchment-lined sheet for a more free-form look.

Final Thoughts
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a genius way to turn simple ingredients into something special. Whether you’re using up leftovers or planning them into your menu, they’re quick, easy, and totally addictive. Crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable—what more could you want?

Make a batch today and watch them disappear from the table faster than you can say “more, please!”

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Puff):
Calories: 90 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 7g | Fat: 5g | Fiber: 0.5g | Sodium: 160mg

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