Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with melty cheese, Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the savoury bites that turn humble leftovers into irresistible comfort food. Made with creamy mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, and eggs, these mini puffs are baked to golden perfection in muffin tins for a fun and portable twist on traditional mashed potatoes. Whether you’re repurposing leftovers or whipping up a batch from scratch, they’re easy, budget-friendly, and beyond satisfying.
The answer is their versatility, and that’s what makes these puffs so special. You can go with the classic cheddar and chive, or get creative with bacon, Parmesan, jalapeños or whatever your favourite herbs and veggies may be. They are so good as a side at brunch, an appetizer at a party, or even a snack in a lunchbox. Plus, because they’re baked (not fried), they’re lighter than they sound, with a golden crisp top and a soft, yielding center in every bite.
They are also a meal prepper’s dream: freezer-friendly, reheatable and a great way to tackle food waste without having to cut flavour. So whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a crowd, those golden gems will absolutely fly off the tray. Prepare to say “Hello to my new favourite way to eat mashed potatoes!“
Origins of Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
For centuries, mashed potatoes have been a beloved comfort food throughout many cultures, often showing up on holiday tables and next to hearty dinners. But turning them into crispy, portable bites? That’s a modern tweak forged in the cunning kitchens of home cooks and food bloggers hoping to cut down on food waste in a tasty fashion. Potato Croquette doppelgängers meets breakfast muffins meets tater tots, and this easy recipe for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs is the result.
By baking mashed potatoes in muffin tins, you can transform a simple side into something fun and versatile and worthy of brunch spreads or appetizer platters. In a time of budget-friendly, leftover-glorifying recipes, these puffs have evolved into a fashionable, feel-good tribute to turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Why Homemade Mashed Potato Puffs Are a Great Idea
Making them at home means you have complete control over the way they’re made, no preservatives, mystery ingredients, or that extra bit of oil used. They’re a great way to use up the mashed potatoes you have leftover from dinner. Here, our wasting nothing and gaining added flflavourHomemade also enables you to pick your favourite cheese combinations and fresh herbs or even hide some veggies for a kid-approved bite.
They also freeze like a dream and reheat beautifully, so they are perfect for your weekly meal prep. Whether you’re cooking a double batch with all those Thanksgiving leftovers or stocking up on party snacks for the month, these puffs keep well, cook quickly and taste far more amazing with your twist.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- Use cold mashed potatoes: They hold together better than warm ones.
- Grease the muffin tin well: Or use silicone liners to prevent sticking.
- Use sharp cheese: Like cheddar or Parmesan for bold flavor.
- Add mix-ins wisely: Avoid too many wet ingredients to keep them crisp.
- Let them rest after baking: They’ll firm up and hold their shape better.
- Make ahead: Freeze baked puffs and reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Health Benefits of Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
| Ingredient | Health Benefit |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | High in potassium, fiber (with skin), and energy-boosting carbs |
| Cheese | Source of calcium, protein, and healthy fats |
| Eggs | Rich in B vitamins and help bind the mixture |
| Green onions (optional) | Provide antioxidants and immune support |
| Baked, not fried | Lower in fat and calories than traditional fried appetizers |
These puffs are indulgent but balanced; especially when paired with a side salad or veggie-based main.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs From OoohDelish!
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk or spoon
- 1 muffin tin (standard size or mini)
- 1 cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes cold, leftover works best
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheese of choice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions optional
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray or melted butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, green onions (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined.
- Fill muffin tin: Spoon the mixture evenly into the greased muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 20 – 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Cool and serve: Let the puffs cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing. Serve warm, with dipping sauce or sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Want to add protein? Stir in crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or diced ham.
- To freeze, bake as directed, let cool, and store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- For extra crispiness, top with more shredded cheese before baking.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Bacon & Cheddar: Add crumbled cooked bacon and shredded sharp cheddar.
- Broccoli & Cheese: Stir in finely chopped steamed broccoli for extra greens.
- Jalapeño Popper Style: Add diced jalapeños and cream cheese.
- Herb & Garlic: Use roasted garlic and fresh parsley or chives.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in hot sauce or pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
Serving Tips to Elevate Your Puffs
Serve warm, right out of the oven, with sour cream or some seasoned Greek yogurt or even some spicy aioli on the side of Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. They’re a great little dippable appetizer for brunch buffets, holiday parties, and game-day spreads.
Pair with a fresh salad or with grilled protein for a complete meal. Want to dress them up? Top each puff with a little crème fraîche and some fresh herbs, and serve as a mini savoury canapé. They also make fun lunchbox additions or reheatable breakfast-on-the-go options for busy mornings.
Conclusion: v
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are such a great example of how a handful of simple ingredients can become something delicious the second time around. They’re as satisfying as comfort food in a fun, bite-size package, with their crisp edges, tender centers and loaded cheese flavour. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd, for adding a little pizazz to your brunch table, or for nibbling as a snack straight from the oven.
They are infinitely adaptable, whether you want to stick with the classic cheddar or start throwing in mix-ins like bacon, broccoli and fresh herbs. They’re freezer-friendly, kid-approved and tasty alone or served with a dipping sauce on the side. Plus, they’re a smart way to prevent food waste while elevating your leftovers to something exciting.
At OoohDelish!, we love recipes that are both practical and packed with flavour, and these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs check every box. Give them a try once, and they might become your new favourite way to use mashed potatoes!
Share Your Twist!
Do you load them with bacon bits, swap in mozzarella, or sneak in some chopped spinach for a veggie boost? We’re all ears (and mouths)!
📸 Show off your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff masterpiece and tag us with #OoohDelishTwist we might just feature your creation on our site or socials!
💌 Have a signature mix-in or family-favorite variation? Send it to contact@ooohdelish.com and you could be our next featured contributor!
FAQs: Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes as long as they’re fully prepared and cooled. Just make sure they’re thick, not runny.
Can I freeze Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and crispy.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor, but you can use mozzarella, Gruyère, pepper jack, or a mix of your favorites for different taste profiles.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix and fill the muffin tin ahead of time, refrigerate for a few hours, and then bake when ready to serve.
How do I prevent them from sticking?
Grease your muffin tin well with butter or nonstick spray. Silicone muffin cups also work great for easy release.
References
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
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