Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside—Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and turn them into a savory, snackable treat. These baked bites are easy to make, packed with flavor, and a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve them as a side, appetizer, or game-day snack—you really can’t go wrong.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect Use for Leftovers – A clever and tasty way to repurpose mashed potatoes.
Crispy & Cheesy – Golden on the outside with gooey melted cheese inside.
Kid-Friendly – Great for lunchboxes, snacks, or picky eaters.
Easy to Make – Just mix, scoop, and bake.
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and reheat when needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or use breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
• ¼ cup green onions or chives, finely chopped
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup grated parmesan (optional, for topping)
• Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)

Tools You’ll Need
• Mixing bowl
• Muffin tin or baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or cookie scoop
• Oven
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Grease a muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour (or breadcrumbs), green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick and scoopable.

Step 3: Shape the Puffs
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the mixture into 12 muffin cups or form small mounds on a baking sheet.
If using a muffin tin, fill each cup about ¾ full.
Optional: Sprinkle the tops with grated parmesan for extra flavor and crunch.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are crisp.
If you like them extra crispy, broil for the last 1–2 minutes—just watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the cheese puffs cool for a few minutes in the pan, then remove and place on a cooling rack.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them plain—they’re that good.

Tips for the Best Cheese Puffs
Use Cold Mashed Potatoes – They hold their shape better during baking.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until the ingredients come together.
Add Extra Mix-Ins – Try cooked turkey bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped spinach.
Grease the Pan Well – This helps prevent sticking and gives a crispy edge.
Use a Muffin Tin – Helps the puffs bake up evenly and hold their shape.

Serving Suggestions
With Dips – Pair with ranch, sour cream, ketchup, or spicy mayo.
As a Side Dish – Serve alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or soup.
On a Snack Platter – Great with veggie sticks and fruit.
For Brunch – Pair with eggs, fruit salad, and toast.
In Lunchboxes – A fun and filling addition for kids and adults.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze puffs in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness.
Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, but note they may lose some crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes—use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs.
2. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
   Yes, as long as they’re thick and well seasoned.
3. Can I add meat?
   Absolutely! Add cooked ground beef, turkey sausage, or shredded chicken.
4. Do I need to use a muffin tin?
   No, you can also bake them as free-form puffs on a lined baking sheet.
5. Can I prep these ahead?
   Yes—assemble and refrigerate the unbaked puffs for up to 24 hours before baking.

Final Thoughts
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the ultimate snackable comfort food—crispy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you serve them as a side, starter, or snack, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Perfect for making the most of leftovers or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss, this is one recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Try them out and let us know how you personalized them! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your cheesy creations with us.

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 160 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 290mg

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