Irresistibly Fluffy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Crispy potato enthusiasts adore these cheesy mashed potato puffs that turn ordinary leftovers into something magical.

Weekend brunch crowds go crazy for these golden-brown delights.

Imagine transforming simple ingredients into irresistible bite-sized morsels bursting with savory goodness.

Each puff promises a creamy interior with a perfectly crunchy exterior that melts in you.

Light, airy, and packed with rich cheese flavor, these little clouds of comfort will surprise everyone at the table.

Pantry staples become something extraordinary when you mix, shape, and bake these delectable treats.

Grab a plate and let the culinary adventure begin!

What Makes Mashed Potato Puffs Irresistible

• Quick and simple recipe that transforms leftover mashed potatoes into delightful bite-sized treats perfect for any gathering.
• Requires just 10 minutes of preparation and 25 minutes of baking, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks seeking a speedy side dish or appetizer.
• Adapts beautifully for kids' parties, game day snacks, potlucks, and family dinners with its kid-friendly size and cheesy, crispy exterior that appeals to all ages.
• Repurposes extra mashed potatoes into a delectable new dish, reducing food waste while creating an exciting culinary experience without expensive ingredients.

Ingredients for Mashed Potato Puffs That Work

Main Ingredients:

Potato Base:- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy foundation that provides texture and comfort, best when smooth and freshly prepared.

Cheese Binders:- Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheeses that add richness and help bind the mixture, choose high-quality aged varieties for best flavor.

Supporting Ingredients:

Moisture and Binding:- Eggs, Sour Cream: Provide structure and moisture, ensuring the puffs hold together with a creamy consistency.

Flavor Enhancers:- Chives, Salt, Pepper: Fresh herbs and seasonings that brighten the dish and complement the potato and cheese flavors, use freshly chopped chives for maximum aroma.

Preparation Ingredients:

Cooking Preparation:- Cooking Spray, Butter: Used to prevent sticking and create a golden crispy exterior on the puffs, choose unsalted butter for better control of salt content.

Cooking Your Potato Puffs Flawlessly

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 400F (200C). Grab a mini muffin tin and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or butter rub.

Step 2: Create Magical Potato Blend

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Whisked eggs
• Smooth sour cream
• Chopped chives

Blend everything until silky smooth. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to jazz up the flavor.

Step 3: Fill Muffin Cavities

Grab a spoon or cookie scoop and generously fill each muffin cup to the brim. Shower the tops with an extra sprinkle of cheese for a crispy crown.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tin into the hot oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and the centers look set and firm.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Allow the potato puffs to rest in the tin for 5 minutes. Gently lift them out and serve piping hot. Pair with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor explosion.

Tips to Make Them Fluffy Inside

• Potato Perfection: Use leftover mashed potatoes at room temperature for best texture and easier mixing.
• Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyere or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking to create an extra crunchy golden exterior.
• Dietary Swap: Replace regular eggs with flax eggs for a vegetarian version or use dairy-free cheese for vegan options.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare mixture in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal prep.

Storage & Heating Tips for Mashed Potato Puffs

• Store leftover potato puffs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm puffs at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispy exterior. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer for even heating.
• Quickly reheat individual puffs for 30-45 seconds, but expect a softer texture compared to oven reheating.
• Freeze cooled potato puffs in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Potato Puffs

• Brighten the cheesy potato puffs with a tangy, fresh salsa that cuts through the richness and adds vibrant flavor.
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy, decadent potato puffs and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cleanse the palate and enhance the potato puffs' cheesy, savory profile.
• Blend fresh chives, dill, and garlic into sour cream for a cool, herbal dipping sauce that elevates the puffs' flavor complexity.

Potato Puff Variations That Hit the Spot

• Gluten-Free Potato Puffs: Replace wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for binding.
• Vegan Potato Clouds: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cheese alternatives, and substitute sour cream with cashew cream for plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Puffs: Replace mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content, maintain similar texture and cheesy flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Puffs: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, kick-enhanced version of the original recipe for heat lovers.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy cheesy mashed potato puffs deliver comfort in crispy, golden bites perfect for gatherings. Rich potato clouds with sharp cheddar melt deliciously, inviting hungry guests to savor each irresistible morsel.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheesy Potato Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) mashed potatoes, chilled
• 1 cup (240 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Binding Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream

Seasoning and Preparation Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped chives or green onions
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or butter, for greasing

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of potato puffs.
2. Create a creamy potato mixture by combining mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, sour cream, and freshly chopped chives in a large mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Carefully spoon the potato mixture into each muffin cavity, filling them completely to the rim and creating a slightly rounded top for an attractive presentation.
4. Generously sprinkle additional shredded cheese over each filled muffin cup, which will create a crispy, golden exterior during baking.
5. Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 400F (200C) and bake for approximately 22-24 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and firm texture that indicates the puffs are fully cooked.
6. Remove the potato puffs from the oven and allow them to rest in the tin for 4-5 minutes, which helps them set and makes removal easier without breaking.
7. Gently extract the potato puffs using a small offset spatula or butter knife, transferring them to a serving platter and garnishing with extra chopped chives if desired.
8. Serve immediately alongside sour cream or a complementary dipping sauce to enhance the flavors and provide a creamy contrast to the crispy potato puffs.

Notes

• Ensure mashed potatoes are cool before mixing to prevent egg scrambling and maintain proper texture.
• Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet for fluffier, more stable puffs that hold their shape better.
• Experiment with cheese variations like Gruyère or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles and gourmet twists.
• Make these gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or omitting them completely, keeping the recipe accessible for different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg