Easy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Ready in 30 Minutes

Did You Know 74% of Leftover Mashed Potatoes End Up in the Trash? Here’s How to Transform Them Into Irresistible Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

There’s something almost tragic about scraping that last spoonful of mashed potatoes into the garbage after Thanksgiving or Sunday supper. But what if I told you those humble leftovers could become golden, crispy-edged clouds of cheesy joy? These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the ultimate second act for your spuds – part comfort food, part party appetizer, and entirely impossible to resist.

I first discovered this magic when my grandmother, who never wasted a crumb, would sneak into the kitchen after big family dinners. With a wink, she’d mix cold mashed potatoes with eggs and sharp cheddar, then dollop them into a sizzling cast iron skillet. The result? Little puffs with crackling exteriors that gave way to creamy, cheesy centers – like the lovechild of a tater tot and a soufflé.

Why These Potato Puffs Will Steal the Spotlight

Unlike fussy appetizers that demand precision, these puffs celebrate imperfection. The recipe thrives on that slightly-too-garlicky batch of mashed potatoes or the extra-stiff leftovers from last night’s pot roast. Here’s what makes them special:

• Crispy outside, cloud-like inside: The oven’s heat works miracles, creating a golden crust that shatters to reveal fluffy potato perfection
• Endless flavor variations: Fold in crispy bacon, chives, or even a swirl of pesto for your own signature twist
• Brunch, dinner, or midnight snack: They’re equally at home next to eggs Benedict as they are alongside a juicy steak

As the cheese melts into the warm potato mixture, it creates little pockets of gooey goodness in every bite. And that satisfying crunch when you break one open? Pure comfort food alchemy.

Print

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs: The Ultimate Comfort Bite

There’s something magical about mashed potatoes—creamy, buttery, and utterly comforting. But what if we took that humble classic and transformed it into golden, cheesy little puffs? These bite-sized delights are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy weeknights, or anytime you need a little extra warmth on your plate. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes – Day-old mash works best here! If you’re making fresh, let them cool completely so they hold their shape.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – The sharper, the better for that irresistible tang.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan – A salty, nutty kick that takes these puffs to the next level.
• 1 large egg – Our binding hero, ensuring these puffs stay perfectly fluffy.
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions – A fresh pop of color and flavor.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Because everything’s better with garlic.
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika – Just a whisper of smokiness to balance the richness.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t skip this—taste your mixture before baking!
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing) – For that golden, crispy finish.

Let’s Make These Little Clouds of Joy

1. Preheat & Prep: Crank your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. A light spritz of cooking spray never hurts for extra crispiness!
2. Mix the Goodness: In a large bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, cheddar, Parmesan, egg, chives, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently but thoroughly—you want everything evenly distributed without overworking the mixture.
3. Scoop & Shape: Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out mounds of the mixture (about 1½ tablespoons each) onto your prepared baking sheet. Pro tip: Wet your hands slightly to shape them into neat little domes—they’ll puff up beautifully in the oven.
4. Butter Up: Brush the tops lightly with melted butter. This isn’t just for flavor—it’s the secret to that irresistible golden crust!

Now, we’re ready to bake these beauties to perfection. But before we slide them into the oven, let me share a little trick: if you have extra cheese on hand, sprinkle a tiny bit more on top before baking. Because, as we all know, there’s no such thing as too much cheese.

Conclusion

These 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 using up leftover mashed potatoes or whipping up a fresh batch, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or a cozy night in, these puffs are as versatile as they are delicious.

Ready to give them a try? Whip up a batch and let us know how they turn out in the comments below! And if you’re craving more cheesy comfort food, be sure to check out our Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread or Loaded Potato Soup for more cozy inspiration.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, give it a quick stir and spoon into the muffin tin as directed. You may need to add a minute or two to the baking time since the batter will be cold.

Can I freeze the puffs?

Yes! Once baked and cooled, these puffs freeze beautifully. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is our go-to for its meltability and flavor, but feel free to experiment! Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses like Parmesan and mozzarella would work wonderfully. Just avoid overly soft cheeses like brie, as they can make the puffs too dense.

My puffs didn’t crisp up—what went wrong?

If your puffs are too soft, it could be due to excess moisture in the mashed potatoes. Make sure your mashed potatoes are thick and not too watery. You can also try increasing the baking time by a few minutes or broiling for the last minute to get that golden crunch.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious. For extra crispiness, you can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the batter.