Irresistible Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe: Fluffy Golden Bites

Comfort meets creativity in these irresistible cheesy mashed potato puffs that elevate your weeknight dinner game.

Crispy on the outside and pillowy soft within, these delightful bites pack a punch of flavor.

Golden-brown edges give way to a creamy, cheesy center that melts in your mouth.

Each puff delivers a perfect balance of textures and rich, savory notes.

Leftover mashed potatoes find new life in this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll love how quickly these come together, making them ideal for busy evenings or unexpected guests.

FAQs

• Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes work perfectly. Just prepare them according to package instructions and let them cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients.

• How do I prevent my potato puffs from sticking to the muffin tin?

Thoroughly grease the muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. You can also use silicone muffin liners for easy removal.

• Are these potato puffs good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can make them ahead of time and reheat in the oven or microwave. They’re great for quick breakfasts or side dishes during the week.

Why Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Are Fun to Eat

• Whip Up Quick Crowd-Pleaser: These potato puffs deliver delicious results with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for feeding hungry families or unexpected guests.
• Transform Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Cleverly repurpose extra mashed potatoes into a crispy, cheesy side dish that breathes new life into yesterday's meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like different cheeses or herbs to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for any palate.
• Impress Without Stress: Requires basic cooking skills and simple ingredients, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy appetizer or side dish that looks professionally prepared.

Ingredients Needed for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy base that provides a soft and smooth texture for the puffs.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and flavorful cheese that adds richness and depth to the potato mixture.
• Eggs: Binding agents that help hold the puffs together and create a light, fluffy structure.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost the overall taste and make the puffs more savory.
• Chives: Fresh herbs that provide a mild onion-like flavor and a touch of green color.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency in the potato mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that contributes extra flavor and helps with browning.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the puffs rise and become light and airy.

Making Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Step by Step

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F and grab a muffin tin.

Give the tin a quick spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Potato Magic

• Smooth mashed potatoes
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Fresh eggs
• Whole milk
• Zesty garlic powder
• Sea salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Chopped fresh chives

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Boost the Flavor

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Baking powder

Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are perfectly blended.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the potato mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters full.

The mixture should look fluffy and appetizing.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown and the edges become delightfully crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the potato puffs from the oven.

Let them cool for a few minutes, then gently pop them out of the tin.

Serve immediately while they’re warm and irresistibly puffy.

Potato Puff Tips for the Best Results

• Add extra sharp cheddar or mix different cheese types for a more complex, rich taste profile.
• Use parchment paper or silicone muffin liners to ensure easy removal and clean release of potato puffs.
• Prepare mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal planning.
• Substitute regular baking powder with gluten-free baking powder to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Brush tops with melted butter before baking to achieve a golden, crunchier exterior.

Ways to Change Up Mashed Potato Puffs

• Gluten-Free Potato Puffs: Replace regular Parmesan with gluten-free Parmesan and use gluten-free baking powder for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Potato Clouds: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based cheese alternatives, and swap milk with almond milk for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Puffs: Replace mashed potatoes with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Puffs: Add diced jalapeños and swap chives for green onions to create a zesty, heat-packed variation of the original recipe.

Serving Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs with Flair

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these cheesy puffs on a decorative tray with toothpicks for easy finger-food appetizers during game nights or holiday gatherings.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit for a delightful weekend breakfast that will impress family and friends.
• Dipping Delights: Pair with homemade ranch, sour cream, or marinara sauce to add extra flavor and create a fun, interactive eating experience for guests.
• Side Dish Sensation: Complement grilled meats, roasted chicken, or hearty salads with these potato puffs as a crowd-pleasing accompaniment to your main course.

Potato Puff Storage and Freshness Guide

• Store leftover potato puffs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual puffs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and texture.
• Warm refrigerated puffs at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, placing them on a baking sheet. This method helps restore their crispy exterior and warm center.
• Quickly warm puffs for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Add a small splash of milk to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs deliver comfort and excitement in each golden, crispy bite. Creamy potato interiors melted with sharp cheddar create irresistible appetizers perfect for gatherings where you’ll delight guests with these savory, light-as-air treasures.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped chives (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a muffin tin by greasing thoroughly and heating the oven to 400°F for optimal crispy results.
2. Combine mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl, creating a smooth, creamy base.
3. Incorporate eggs and milk into the potato mixture, whisking until fully integrated and uniform in texture.
4. Season the blend with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
5. Fold in fresh chives and Parmesan cheese, adding depth and complexity to the potato mixture.
6. Sprinkle baking powder into the mixture, gently stirring to maintain a light, airy consistency.
7. Carefully distribute the potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup approximately three-quarters full.
8. Transfer the tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and crispy edges.
9. Remove from oven and allow the potato puffs to rest for 2-3 minutes, helping them set and become easier to remove from the tin.

Notes

• Customize the cheese blend by mixing different varieties like Gruyère or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.
• Make these potato puffs gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free baking powder and checking ingredient labels.
• Enhance protein content by adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham into the potato mixture for extra richness.
• Prep these ahead of time and refrigerate the mixture overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making morning cooking faster and easier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 245 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg