The Best Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe for Cozy Nights

Cheesy mashed potato puffs bring comforting warmth to any dinner table with their irresistible golden exterior and creamy interior.

Imagine biting into a crispy, cloud-like morsel that melts deliciously in your mouth.

These delightful little bites combine smooth potato goodness with rich, tangy cheese for an indulgent experience.

Fluffy and light, they offer a magical twist on traditional potato sides that will surprise everyone at the table.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create something extraordinary and memorable.

Soft potato mixed with sharp cheese creates a perfect harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

You won’t be able to resist these crispy, cheesy delights that promise to become an instant crowd favorite.

Why Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Deserve a Spot on Your Table

• These cheesy mashed potato puffs transform ordinary leftovers into crispy, golden appetizers that pop with flavor in every single bite.
• Whip up these crowd-pleasing snacks in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and simple steps that even beginner cooks can nail perfectly.
• Perfect for game day, potlucks, or unexpected guests, these portable potato puffs work as appetizers, side dishes, or fun snacks that everyone will devour enthusiastically.
• Crispy Parmesan exterior gives way to creamy, cheesy potato interior, delivering a delightful contrast of crunchy outside and smooth, rich inside that keeps people coming back for more.

Must-Have Ingredients for Potato Puff Magic

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth base for the puffs, best when chilled for easier handling.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, sharp flavor and helps bind the mixture together.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps hold the puffs together.

• Chives: Fresh, mild onion-like herb that adds a light, aromatic touch.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, savory background flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps absorb moisture and adds structure to the puffs.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

• Parmesan Cheese: Creates a crispy, golden exterior with a nutty, salty flavor.
• Butter or Cooking Spray: Ensures the puffs don't stick to the muffin pan and adds a slight richness.

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs at Home

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a mini muffin pan and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to keep those potato puffs from sticking.

Step 2: Mix The Potato Magic

• Chilled mashed potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped chives
• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Crack an egg into the mix and stir everything until it looks perfectly blended.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Potato Balls

Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to create 1-inch potato balls. Roll each ball in grated Parmesan cheese for an extra crispy outer layer. Gently place each ball into the greased muffin pan, pressing softly to help them take shape.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a crispy texture. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 5: Cool And Serve

Allow the potato puffs to rest in the pan for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy while they’re warm for maximum deliciousness.

Tips to Keep Your Potato Puffs Light and Cheesy

• Chill Potatoes Perfectly: Refrigerate mashed potatoes before mixing to help them hold shape and bind ingredients more effectively.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan for unique flavor profiles.
• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Use a light coating of cooking spray or butter in mini muffin pan and ensure even distribution for easy removal.
• Control Size Consistently: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform potato puffs that cook evenly and look professional.
• Season Generously: Add extra herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate the flavor and create a more complex taste experience.

Keeping Potato Puffs Fluffy After Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover potato puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Reheat in Oven: Restore crispiness by placing puffs on a baking sheet at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Spread them in a single layer to ensure even heating and maintain their crunchy exterior.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, warm puffs on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Note that microwaving might soften the crispy coating, so oven reheating is preferred for best texture.

Perfect Pairings for Cheesy Potato Puffs

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, cheesy potato puffs with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, citrusy wines cut through the creamy texture and balance the richness perfectly.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a refreshing contrast by serving a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The bright, peppery greens will cleanse the palate between bites of the indulgent potato puffs.
• Serve with Tangy Dipping Sauce: Elevate the appetizer by creating a quick herb-infused sour cream or garlic aioli. The cool, creamy dip will enhance the crispy exterior and cheesy interior of the potato puffs.
• Complement with Charcuterie: Add some cured meats like prosciutto or salami to provide a savory protein element. The salty, delicate meats will wonderfully highlight the cheesy potato puffs' robust flavors.

Different Ways to Dress Up Your Potato Puffs

• Spicy Jalapeño Potato Puffs: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture. Sprinkle extra hot pepper jack cheese on top for an extra spicy punch.
• Bacon and Herb Potato Puffs: Fold crispy crumbled bacon bits and fresh chopped rosemary into the potato mixture. Top with additional crispy bacon crumbles before baking for a savory, smoky flavor.
• Mediterranean Inspired Potato Puffs: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped fresh oregano. Replace Parmesan coating with a blend of dried Mediterranean herbs for a tangy, aromatic variation.
• Loaded Potato Puffs: Incorporate cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage, shredded cheddar, and chopped green onions into the base mixture. Serve with a side of sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping.

FAQ Guide to Cheesy Potato Puff Success

• Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Cold, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly and help these puffs hold their shape better. Just make sure they’re well-chilled before mixing with other ingredients.

• How do I prevent the puffs from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease the mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray. This creates a non-stick surface and helps the puffs pop out easily after baking.

• Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the potato mixture and form the balls in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake just before serving. They’re great for meal prep or entertaining guests.

• What if I don't have chives?

No worries! You can substitute chives with green onions or skip them entirely. The recipe is flexible and will still taste delicious with the cheese and seasonings.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy, golden cheesy mashed potato puffs elevate comfort cuisine with irresistible charm. Crisp exterior and fluffy interior promise delightful bites that melt in your mouth, making weekend gatherings or casual dinners instantly memorable.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Components:

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (chilled)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 large egg

Binding and Seasoning:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup chives (chopped)
• ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

Preparation:

• cooking spray (for greasing the muffin pan)
• butter (for greasing the muffin pan)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) and meticulously coat a mini muffin pan with a generous layer of butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure effortless removal.
2. Combine the chilled mashed potatoes with a vibrant blend of shredded cheddar cheese, freshly chopped chives, all-purpose flour, aromatic garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Introduce a whole egg into the mixture, whisking energetically until the ingredients meld into a harmonious, uniform composition.
3. Craft delicate spheres from the potato mixture using nimble fingers or a precise cookie scoop. Lovingly roll each orb in finely grated Parmesan cheese, creating a delectable crispy exterior. Tenderly nestle these cheese-coated spheres into the prepared muffin pan, gently pressing to conform to the mold’s shape.
4. Slide the muffin pan into the preheated oven, allowing the puffs to transform for 15-20 minutes. Watch vigilantly as the edges turn a tempting golden brown and develop an irresistible crispy texture, ensuring they reach the perfect level of doneness without burning.
5. Allow the puffs a brief moment to cool and settle in the pan, helping them maintain their delicate structure. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy while they’re still warm, savoring the delightful blend of creamy potato and crisp cheese.

Notes

• Prep ahead strategy: Chill mashed potatoes in advance for firmer texture and easier handling during shaping.
• Cheese selection matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar and Parmesan for maximum flavor and better melting properties.
• Coating technique ensures crispy exterior: Roll potato balls completely in Parmesan for a delightful golden-brown crunch.
• Watch baking time carefully: Golden edges indicate perfect doneness; avoid overcooking to maintain soft, creamy interior.
• Serve immediately recommendation: Enjoy these puffs warm for optimal taste and irresistible crispy-creamy texture.
• Kitchen hack: Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size and consistent cooking of potato puffs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg