Looking for a delicious new way to serve up mashed potatoes? These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the perfect solution! Crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, these little bites of heaven are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or a side dish, they’ll disappear fast—so make extra!
This easy recipe combines mashed potatoes, cheddar, Parmesan, chives, and a few simple seasonings to create a savory treat that’s perfect for entertaining or spicing up your dinner table. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible potato puffs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Leftovers: A creative way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into something special.
- Easy and Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, these puffs are ideal for busy days or last-minute snacks.
- Kid-Friendly: Cheesy, bite-sized, and fun to eat, these potato puffs are a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Great as a side dish for dinner, a snack during game night, or a fancy appetizer at your next party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up these cheesy mashed potato puffs:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (chilled): Use leftover or freshly made mashed potatoes. Chilling helps the mixture hold its shape.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded): For a gooey, melty center.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the puffs together.
- 1/4 cup chives (chopped): Adds a burst of freshness and color.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps firm up the mixture for baking.
Seasonings:
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances and boosts the flavors.
For the Crispy Coating:
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Creates a golden, crispy exterior.
For Baking:
- Cooking spray or butter: To grease the muffin pan and prevent sticking.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Follow these simple steps to create crispy, cheesy potato bites that everyone will love:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure the puffs don’t stick.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, chopped chives, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Crack the egg into the bowl and mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Form the Potato Balls
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the potato mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the grated Parmesan cheese, pressing gently to coat them evenly.
4. Fill the Muffin Pan
Place each coated potato ball into a cup of the prepared mini muffin pan. Press the balls gently into the molds to help them hold their shape during baking.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the puffs are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the puffs cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully removing them. Serve them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Potato Puffs
- Chill the Mashed Potatoes: Chilled potatoes hold their shape better and make it easier to form the puffs.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Grating your own cheddar and Parmesan results in better texture and flavor.
- Customize the Seasoning: Add a pinch of paprika, cayenne, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor boost.
- Reheat Like a Pro: To reheat leftovers, place the puffs in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy mashed potato puffs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Here’s how you can serve them:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted chicken, steak, or pork chops for a hearty meal.
- With Dipping Sauces: Pair with sour cream, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for dipping.
- As an Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy party snacking.
- For Breakfast: These puffs also make a fantastic addition to a breakfast spread, served with eggs and bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes! Instant mashed potatoes work well as long as they’re thick and chilled. Avoid overly runny mashed potatoes.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I add other ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to mix in crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or finely diced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
4. What if I don’t have a mini muffin pan?
No worries! You can bake these on a parchment-lined baking sheet instead. Just flatten the balls slightly to ensure even cooking.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover potato puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 16g
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are everything you could want in a comfort food: crispy, cheesy, and bursting with savory flavor. They’re easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So, preheat that oven and get ready to make a batch (or two!)—because once you taste them, you’ll wish you had made more!
Enjoy your crispy, gooey potato puffs—because life is just better with cheese and potatoes! 🥔🧀