Let’s be honest mashed potatoes are already pretty magical. But what if I told you they could be even better? Enter Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs, the crispy, golden, bite-sized wonders that will make your dinner table the most popular spot in the house.
Whether you’re looking for an easy side dish, a fun party appetizer, or a way to use up leftover mashed potatoes (we’ve all overestimated how much we need at Thanksgiving), these puffs are the answer. They’re cheesy, they’re fluffy, and they’re so good, you might just start making extra mashed potatoes on purpose.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
✔️ Quick & Easy – Mix, scoop, bake, done.
✔️ Kid & Crowd Approved – Even the pickiest eaters will love these cheesy little bites.
✔️ Crispy Edges, Fluffy Inside – Like a cross between cheesy potatoes bites and duchess potatoes.
✔️ Perfect for Leftovers – No more wasted mashed potatoes.
Looking for more quick and easy comfort food? Try this Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl another simple, delicious dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up a batch of cheesy mashed potato puffs, grab:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cold or room temp works best)
- 2 large eggs (for fluffiness)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (because, cheese.)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a nice, salty kick)
- 2 tbsp chopped chives (or green onions)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup milk (helps with consistency)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (keeps them from falling apart)
- Butter or cooking spray (so they don’t stick to the muffin tin!)
How to Make Crispy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
2️⃣ Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, both cheeses, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the milk and flour until everything is well mixed. (Try not to eat it straight from the bowl… no judgment if you do.)
3️⃣ Scoop & Fill
Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Pop them into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing this is your warning.
5️⃣ Cool & Serve
Let them cool for 5 minutes before gently popping them out of the tin. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Craving something sweet after these savory bites? Check out Rich and Fudgy Coffee Brownies for the perfect dessert pairing!
Tips for the Best Potato Puffs
Want to make sure your cheesy mashed potato puffs turn out golden, crispy, and irresistible every time? Here are some pro tips to take them from good to absolutely mind-blowing.
Use Cold Mashed Potatoes
I know it’s tempting to use freshly made mashed potatoes, but trust me cold or room temperature mashed potatoes work best. Why? They hold their shape better when baking, giving you that perfect, fluffy inside and crispy outside texture. If your mashed potatoes are warm, pop them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before mixing.
Experiment with Cheese
Cheddar and Parmesan are a dream team, but don’t stop there! Try:
- Mozzarella for extra melty, gooey goodness.
- Gruyère for a nutty, slightly sweet twist.
- Pepper Jack if you want a little heat.
- Feta or Goat Cheese for a tangy, creamy surprise.
A little extra cheese on top before baking? Always a good idea.
Get Creative with Add-Ins
Want to level up your potato puffs? Stir in:
- Crispy bacon bits (because bacon makes everything better).
- Finely diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Caramelized onions for deep, rich flavor.
- Spinach or kale for a healthy-ish twist.
Or, go bold and make cheesy harissa potato puffs by mixing in a spoonful of harissa paste for a smoky, spicy upgrade.
Don’t Skip the Flour
It might seem like a small step, but that little bit of flour is key to keeping your puffs from falling apart. If you’re gluten-free, swap it with almond flour or cornstarch.
Grease That Muffin Tin Like Your Life Depends on It
These little puffs love to stick, so don’t skimp on the butter or cooking spray. If you want extra crispy edges, brush the tin with melted butter before filling. You won’t regret it.
Crank Up the Heat (But Not Too Much!)
A hot oven is essential for getting golden, crispy potato puffs, but don’t go overboard. 400°F (200°C) is the sweet spot hot enough to crisp the edges but not so hot that the insides dry out.
If you want extra crunch, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
Make Them Ahead & Freeze Like a Pro
Need a quick appetizer for last-minute guests? These puffs freeze beautifully.
- Bake them as usual, then let them cool completely.
- Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, pop them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-12 minutes.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
🚫 Don’t Overmix – Stir just until everything is combined. Overmixing = dense, heavy puffs.
🚫 Don’t Fill the Muffin Cups Too High – They puff up as they bake, so ¾ full is perfect.
🚫 Don’t Undercook – They should be deep golden brown on the edges. If they look pale, give them a few more minutes.
With these tips, you’ll get crispy, cheesy, fluffy potato puffs every single time. Now, go forth and bake! 🥔✨
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the mixture and refrigerate it overnight. Scoop and bake when you’re ready!
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results!
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze after baking, then reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Looking for another cozy homemade dish? Try this Authentic Louisiana Gumbo Recipe for a warm, flavorful meal.
Final Thoughts
If you love pioneer woman cheesy mashed potato puffs or crispy, cheesy mashed potatoes in any form, these cheesy mashed potato puffs are about to become a household favorite. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for busy nights, holiday feasts, or whenever you need a little cheesy comfort food magic.
So go on, grab your muffin tin, and let’s turn those mashed potatoes into something golden and glorious! 🍽️✨
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes cold or room temperature2 large eggs½ cup shredded cheddar cheese¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese2 tbsp chopped chives (or green onions)½ tsp garlic powder½ tsp salt¼ tsp black pepper¼ cup milk¼ cup all-purpose flourButter or cooking spray (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking sprayIn a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the milk and flour until well mixedSpoon the mixture evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ fullBake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispyLet the puffs cool for 5 minutes, then carefully remove them from the tin. Serve warm
Notes
Want a spicy twist Add a spoonful of harissa for cheesy harissa potato puffs with a smoky, spicy kick
Dairy-free Swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk
Make ahead & freeze These freeze well. Just reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-12 minutes