If you’re looking for a crispy, cheesy twist on classic comfort food, these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are about to become your new obsession. Packed with pillowy mashed potatoes and golden cheddar, these irresistible goodies make the perfect snack, appetizer, or crowd-pleasing side dish. Trust me—once you try them, you’ll be looking for any excuse to whip up a batch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Outside, Creamy Inside: Each bite of these puffs brings the ultimate contrast of golden crunch and soft, melty mashed potato goodness.
- Fabulous for Leftovers: Put those extra mashed potatoes to good use and transform them into something totally new and exciting.
- Only Pantry Staples: Every ingredient is probably already in your kitchen, making this recipe the solution for impromptu snack cravings or surprise guests.
- Kid-Approved & Party-Perfect: These puffs vanish fast at family dinners and make a stellar finger food for brunches, potlucks, or game nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a few humble ingredients can create such craveable Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs! Each component plays a part, from the salty-smooth potatoes to that bit of sharp cheddar and the irresistibly crisp breadcrumb coating.
- Leftover mashed potatoes (2 cups): The heart of the recipe! Creamy, chilled mashed potatoes are perfect for forming the base and holding everything together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Adds gooey, cheesy flavor and makes every bite that much more irresistible—feel free to try your favorite blend of cheeses!
- Large eggs (2): These help bind the mixture, adding a touch of fluffiness and making sure the puffs stay together while baking.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Adds structure and keeps the puffs from becoming too soft or runny.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and makes the cheesy notes pop.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): A gentle kick of warmth and aroma in every bite.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): A touch of savory depth—skip it only if you truly must!
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): For an ultra-crisp, golden finish on each puff. Panko works especially well if you love extra crunch.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs is how easy they are to tweak for different moods, crowds, or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make them your own!
- Herb Explosion: Stir in a tablespoon or two of fresh chives, parsley, or dill for a burst of color and herbal aroma.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chopped pickled jalapeños to the mix for a zesty upgrade.
- Loaded Bacon & Scallion: Mix in crispy crumbled bacon and sliced scallions for loaded baked potato vibes in every puff.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the flour and breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free versions to easily accommodate dietary needs.
- Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Experiment with blends like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Gruyère for a new flavor twist each time.
How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Gather all your ingredients—once you start mixing, the rest comes together incredibly fast!
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a big bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Give everything a thorough mix—use a sturdy spoon or your hands to make sure the cheese and seasonings are distributed evenly.
Step 3: Shape the Puffs
Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, portion out golf ball-sized rounds of the mixture. If things get sticky, dampen your hands lightly with water. Each puff should be compact enough to hold its shape but still feel soft inside.
Step 4: Coat with Breadcrumbs
Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish and roll each puff around until completely coated. This is the secret to that craveable crunch—really press the crumbs in for extra crispness!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the coated puffs on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space around each one. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until every Mashed Potato Cheese Puff is evenly golden and crisp outside. Let them cool for a few minutes—they’ll firm up slightly and be absolutely snackable.
Pro Tips for Making Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Cold Potatoes, Better Puffs: Using chilled mashed potatoes helps the puffs keep their shape and makes them easier to roll, resulting in a crispier outside.
- Extra Crunch Alert: Opt for panko breadcrumbs or even seasoned crumbs for added flavor and irresistible texture.
- Uniform Sizing: Use a cookie or ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture so each puff bakes evenly and looks picture perfect.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye during the last few minutes—golden brown edges mean your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are ready to devour!
How to Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle hot puffs with fresh chives, finely chopped parsley, or a dusting of smoked paprika. A light grating of parmesan adds extra savor. Don’t be shy—these little touches turn every bite into something truly special.
Side Dishes
Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs alongside a crisp green salad, a cozy bowl of tomato soup, or roasted veggies for a colorful plate. They also pair beautifully with grilled meats or as a fun alternative to traditional dinner rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your puffs high on a rustic tray for family-style sharing, or nestle them into little cups with toothpicks for easy party nibbling. For a twist, serve with assorted dips (think ranch, spicy aioli, or marinara) so everyone can dunk to their heart’s content!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator—they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Just let them cool completely before popping them in the fridge.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your cheese puffs! Arrange cooled puffs in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep well for about a month—perfect for quick snacks or party prep.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes until warmed throughout and crisp again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the puffs will lose their distinctive crunch.
FAQs
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Can I make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs with instant mashed potatoes?
Yes! Instant mashed potatoes will work quite well—just prepare them according to package instructions and allow them to cool thoroughly before using. You may need to slightly adjust the flour if your mixture is too wet or dry.
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Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely. While cheddar adds a classic flavor, feel free to mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, gouda, or even a little blue cheese for depth and fun surprises in every bite.
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Why are my puffs not staying together?
If your puffs seem loose, your mashed potatoes might be too warm or too wet. Try chilling the mixture for 15–20 minutes before shaping, or add a little more flour to absorb excess moisture.
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Can I fry these instead of baking?
Definitely! You can shallow fry the puffs in a bit of oil until golden all around for an extra indulgent crunch. Just drain them well on paper towels before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs before, don’t wait another day—the crispy-cheesy goodness is pure happiness in every bite. Invite some friends, experiment with your own favorite flavors, and enjoy the magic of warm, snackable comfort food that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Happy cooking!
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Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
Description
These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delicious way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. With a crispy coating and a cheesy, fluffy interior, they make a perfect party appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized puffs using your hands or a scoop.
- Roll each puff in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff (30g)
- Calories: 94
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
