Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Imagine pillowy bites of golden potato, cloaked in gooey cheese and perched in crisp little puff form – that’s Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs for you! This irresistible, snackable recipe takes humble leftover mashed potatoes and transforms them into savory, bake-in-a-muffin-tin morsels that are deliciously cheesy, packed with flavor, and perfect for nearly any occasion. Whether you’re after a show-stopping side, fun appetizer, or a clever way to use up leftovers, these puffs will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create such pure delight in every bite. Each addition plays a role, from the creamy potatoes to the gooey cheddar – it’s a true flavor symphony!
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes: Chilled mashed potatoes hold their shape best and give the puffs that dreamy, fluffy interior.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the cheesy goodness together.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts for that irresistible gooey factor and zesty sharpness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty depth and crispy edges.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives: Adds a hit of color and freshness in every bite.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps firm up the puffs and ensures the perfect texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Rounds out the savory flavor profile with gentle warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch is all you need to enhance every ingredient.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of gentle kick.
- Nonstick cooking spray or melted butter for greasing: Ensures the puffs pop right out of the muffin tin with golden, tempting edges.
How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your muffin tin a generous coating of nonstick spray or brush it with melted butter. This step is essential for that beautifully crisp exterior and easy removal later on—no sticking allowed!
Step 2: Mix Up the Delicious Filling
Grab a big mixing bowl and combine your cold mashed potatoes, egg, shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, chopped green onions or chives, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended. It should be thick and hold together, fragrant with cheese and green onion—if you feel like sneaking a taste, you’re not alone!
Step 3: Portion into the Muffin Tin
Using a spoon (or for extra precision, a cookie scoop), add about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture to each prepared muffin cup. Gently smooth the tops with the back of your spoon; this helps them rise evenly and form that signature puffed-up, golden dome.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Bake for 25-30 minutes, keeping a watchful eye toward the end. The tops will turn a lovely golden color and the edges will gently crisp up, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of melted cheese and potatoes. That’s when you’ll know your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are ready!
Step 5: Cool, Release, and Enjoy!
Let the puffs cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then, run a butter knife around the edges to gently coax each puff out without tearing or sticking. Serve them up while still warm — they’re at their fluffiest and cheesiest best!
How to Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Garnishes
The right garnish can make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs instantly party-worthy. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, a dash of paprika, or even a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish. Each bite becomes a burst of fresh flavor and color, elevating the humble potato far beyond its roots.
Side Dishes
These puffs are super versatile! Serve them alongside a crispy green salad for lunch, a bowl of steaming tomato soup for cozy comfort, or next to roasted vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian dinner. They also shine as a sidekick to grilled or roasted meats—the options are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs into the star of your table! Stack them neatly on a tiered platter for parties, skewer them for kid-friendly snacks, or toss them in a basket with a sprinkle of herbs for a rustic look. Their individual size makes them easy to grab, and their golden tops are guaranteed to catch eyes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready to be reheated for a quick snack or meal addition.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these! Place fully cooled puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Just make sure to label them (so you don’t forget the treasure you have!).
Reheating
Bring those puffs back to life by reheating in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes (no need to thaw if frozen—just add a couple extra minutes). This keeps the outside crispy and the inside fluffy and cheesy, just like when they were fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Definitely! Just prepare them according to the package instructions and let them cool before using. The texture might be a bit smoother, but you’ll still get delicious results in your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs.
How do I make these gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for any gluten-free blend or even a bit of potato starch. It won’t change the flavor, and the structure will hold up perfectly!
What other cheeses work in this recipe?
Almost any melty cheese will do. Try mozzarella for stretchiness, pepper jack for a kick, or smoked gouda for earthy depth—let your cheese drawer inspire you!
Can I add bacon or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Crumbled cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even some finely diced ham add a fantastic pop of flavor. Just keep total mix-ins to about 1/4 cup so the structure of the puffs stays intact.
Do I have to use a muffin tin?
A muffin tin works best for the signature puff shape and crispy edges, but you could try mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats or even use silicone molds for fun shapes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to give mashed potatoes a delicious new life, Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are about to become your next kitchen obsession. They’re comforting, crowd-pleasing, and so much fun to make. Gather your ingredients, pop them in the oven, and get ready for a treat that’s both familiar and surprising all at once!
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Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Cheesy, flavorful, and easy to make, they are perfect for a side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs:
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- nonstick cooking spray or melted butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar, Parmesan, green onions, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each muffin cup, smoothing the tops.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then remove from tin and serve warm.
Notes
- Great for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
- Try adding bacon bits or using mozzarella for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
