Did You Know 73% of Leftover Mashed Potatoes Go to Waste? Here’s How to Transform Them Into Irresistible Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Every holiday season, I watch as mountains of creamy mashed potatoes vanish from dinner plates—only to be forgotten in the back of the fridge. It breaks my heart a little, because those leftovers hold the secret to one of the coziest, cheesiest comfort foods you’ll ever make. Enter: Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs, golden little clouds of joy that crisp up like a dream while staying pillowy-soft inside. They’re the ultimate second act for your spuds, and I promise, once you try them, you’ll never look at leftovers the same way again.

Picture this: It’s the morning after a big family dinner, and you’re staring at a bowl of cold mashed potatoes. Maybe you’re tempted to just reheat them as-is (we’ve all been there), but what if I told you that with just three extra ingredients and 20 minutes, you could turn them into something extraordinary? These puffs are like the lovechild of a soufflé and a tater tot—crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle, and oozing with melty cheddar in every bite. They’re perfect for brunch, a snack, or even a whimsical side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What I adore most about this recipe (besides its magical ability to rescue sad leftovers) is how forgiving it is. No fancy techniques, no fussy steps—just mix, scoop, and bake. Whether your original mash was garlicky, buttery, or even a little lumpy, it’ll work beautifully here. The cheese binds everything together while adding that irresistible pull-apart texture we all crave. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll start making extra mashed potatoes on purpose just to have an excuse to whip these up.

The Secret to Puffs That Stay Crispy (Not Soggy)

Now, let’s talk texture—because nobody wants a limp potato puff. The key lies in two simple tricks: First, make sure your mashed potatoes aren’t swimming in extra milk or broth (if they are, just blot them with a paper towel). Second, a quick rest on the baking sheet before they hit the oven lets the exterior dry slightly, ensuring maximum crispiness. Oh, and don’t skip the Parmesan sprinkle right before baking—it creates a delicate, savory crust that’ll make these disappear faster than you can say “comfort food heaven.”

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Print Recipe

Crispy on the outside, fluffy and cheesy on the inside, these mashed potato puffs are a delightful twist on classic mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

2 cups mashed potatoes (cold)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before carefully removing the puffs from the tin. Garnish with chopped chives if desired and serve warm.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.

Author: Trusted Blog

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs: The Ultimate Comfort Bite

There’s something magical about mashed potatoes—creamy, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying. But what if I told you we could take that comfort to the next level? These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are golden, crispy on the outside, fluffy and cheesy on the inside, and downright irresistible. Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes or just treating yourself to something extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups mashed potatoes – Leftovers work beautifully here, but if you’re making them fresh, go for a rich, buttery mash.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar brings that irresistible tang, but feel free to mix in Gruyère or Monterey Jack for extra melty goodness.
1 large egg – This helps bind everything together while adding a little lift.
¼ cup grated Parmesan – A salty, nutty kick that makes these puffs extra flavorful.
2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions – Fresh herbs brighten up the richness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – Because everything is better with garlic.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – Just a whisper of smokiness takes these over the top.
Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t skip tasting your mixture before baking!
1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil – For brushing the tops for that golden finish.

Let’s Make These Little Clouds of Joy

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. A little non-stick spray never hurts either!
Mix the mashed potatoes, cheeses, egg, chives, and seasonings in a large bowl. The mixture should hold together when pressed—if it feels too loose, add a sprinkle more Parmesan or a teaspoon of flour to firm it up.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto your baking sheet. I like using a small cookie scoop for even puffs, but a spoon works just fine. Gently shape them into little mounds—don’t flatten them too much!
Brush the tops with melted butter or olive oil. This step is non-negotiable for that gorgeous golden crust.

Now, pop them in the oven and let the magic happen. While they bake (we’ll get to that in the second half!), your kitchen will smell like a cozy dream. These puffs are perfect as a side, an appetizer, or even a sneaky snack straight from the tray. Stay tuned for baking times, serving ideas, and my favorite dipping sauces!

Conclusion

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re repurposing leftovers or making them from scratch, these golden bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Simple to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for brunch, appetizers, or even a cozy snack.

Ready to give them a try? Whip up a batch and let us know how they turned out in the comments below! And if you’re craving more cheesy delights, be sure to check out our recipes for Loaded Potato Skins and Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When ready, simply scoop and bake as directed—just add a minute or two to the cooking time if the mixture is cold.

Can I freeze the puffs?

Yes! Once baked and cooled, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and warmed through.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar is our go-to for its sharp flavor and meltability, but feel free to experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick!

Why are my puffs not crispy?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated and that you’re using enough oil or butter in the muffin tin. Letting them bake undisturbed until golden ensures that perfect crunch.