Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delightful and savory treat, perfect for utilizing leftover mashed potatoes or creating an irresistible side dish from scratch. With their golden, crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior, these puffs are the ultimate comfort food. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or accompaniment to a hearty main course, they’re guaranteed to impress both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is an excellent way to give leftover mashed potatoes a delicious makeover.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and a short baking time, you’ll have these tasty bites ready in no time.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste by adding different cheeses, herbs, or even bits of cooked bacon.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These puffs are universally loved, making them a hit at parties, family dinners, or potlucks.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, bite-sized nature of these puffs makes them a favorite among younger eaters.
Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes
- Shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Chopped chives or green onions (optional)
- Butter or oil for greasing
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with silicone baking cups.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. If you’re using chives or green onions, fold them into the mixture.
- Scoop into Muffin Tin: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, divide the mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup to about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and slightly crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the puffs to cool in the tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm, garnished with additional chives or green onions if desired.
Variations
- Cheese Options: Try using Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Additions: Incorporate fresh parsley, thyme, or dill for an herby twist.
- Meaty Additions: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 12 puffs
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen puffs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, use an air fryer for a quicker, crispier reheating option.
FAQs
Can I make these puffs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture in advance, refrigerate it, and bake the puffs when ready to serve.
What kind of mashed potatoes work best?
Creamy mashed potatoes work best, but slightly chunky mashed potatoes will also yield great results.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a slightly sweeter flavor but still pair wonderfully with the cheese.
Do I need to use muffin tins?
While muffin tins help shape the puffs, you can also bake them as freeform mounds on a greased baking sheet.
How can I make these vegan?
Substitute the eggs with a flax or chia egg, use dairy-free cheese, and ensure your mashed potatoes are made with plant-based milk and butter.
What can I serve these with?
These puffs pair well with sour cream, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for dipping. They also complement soups and salads.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just ensure you have enough muffin tins or baking space.
Why are my puffs not crispy?
Ensure your oven is fully preheated and avoid overcrowding the muffin tin. You can also broil the puffs for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to achieve a crispier top.
Can I add vegetables to the mixture?
Yes, finely chopped or grated vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach can be added.
Are these puffs suitable for kids’ lunchboxes?
Definitely! They’re portable, easy to eat, and stay delicious even when cooled.
Conclusion
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a versatile, easy-to-make dish that brings together the comforting flavors of mashed potatoes and melted cheese. With their crisp exterior and fluffy interior, these puffs are sure to be a hit at any table. Whether you’re making them to use up leftovers, or as a fresh, indulgent side, these golden bites are worth trying. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy this irresistible treat today!
PrintCheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs 1x
Description
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a quick and delicious way to turn leftover mashed potatoes into golden, crispy bites with a soft, cheesy interior. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, these puffs are a crowd-pleaser and kid-friendly favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions (optional)
- Butter or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin or line with silicone baking cups.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in chives or green onions if using.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the puffs to cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Serve warm, garnished with extra chives if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer until heated through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheesy mashed potato puffs, leftover mashed potato recipe, crispy potato bites, easy side dish, kid-friendly snack