Introduction

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these bite-sized treats are perfect as a snack or a side dish. They come together quickly with simple ingredients and bake to golden perfection.

The image shows several cheesy mashed potato puffs baked in a dark muffin tray, each puff round and slightly puffy with a golden-brown top layer. The base layer is soft, creamy mashed potatoes with a light yellowish color and smooth texture, rising above the tray's edges. The top layer is melted and slightly browned cheddar cheese with an uneven, crispy texture and orange-yellow color. Small green pieces of chopped chives are scattered on top of each puff, adding a fresh color contrast. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups chilled mashed potatoes
1 large egg
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped chives (to taste)
Flour (as needed)
Garlic powder (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Parmesan cheese (for coating)

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s nicely blended.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
Step 3: Roll each ball in Parmesan cheese to coat them evenly.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Step 5: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Tips & Variations

If the mixture feels too soft to shape, add a little more flour to help it hold together better.
Try mixing in cooked bacon bits or diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
For a different cheese option, substitute cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack.
Serve with a dipping sauce like sour cream or spicy mayo for added zest.

Storage

Store leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows four small, round potato gratin cups with golden brown tops, arranged closely together. Each cup has melted cheese on the top layer that is bubbly and browned in spots, with fresh green herb leaves, possibly thyme, placed delicately on top. The sides show creamy white potato layers beneath the cheese, visible through the slightly crispy edge. The cups are placed on a white marbled surface, with a soft focus in the background, making the gratin look warm and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly. Just make sure they are chilled and not too wet for easier shaping.

Can I freeze these potato puffs?

Absolutely. Freeze the shaped puffs on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a sealed container or zip-top bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 75 reviews

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are crispy baked snacks made from chilled mashed potatoes mixed with cheddar cheese, chives, and seasonings, shaped into bite-sized balls, coated with Parmesan cheese, and baked until golden and crispy. These savory puffs make a delightful appetizer or side dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please cheese and potato lovers alike.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20–24 puffs 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 cups chilled mashed potatoes
1 large egg
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped chives to taste
Flour as needed (approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup)
Garlic powder to taste (about 1/2 tsp)
Salt to taste (about 1/2 tsp)
Pepper to taste (about 1/4 tsp)

Coating

Parmesan cheese (for coating, about 1/2 cup grated)

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is well blended and holds together.
Shape the Puffs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter balls, making sure they are compact so they hold their shape during baking.
Coat with Parmesan: Roll each potato ball in grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring each puff is evenly coated for a flavorful crust.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
Bake the Puffs: Place the coated puffs on the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
Serve: Remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a tasty appetizer or side dish.

Notes

Using chilled mashed potatoes helps the mixture hold together better for shaping.
Adjust the amount of flour as needed depending on the moisture content of your mashed potatoes.
You can add other herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.
If you prefer, substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
These puffs can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.

Keywords: mashed potato puffs, cheesy potato bites, baked potato snacks, appetizer, cheddar cheese, Parmesan coating