If you’ve ever wished your leftover mashed potatoes could magically transform into something irresistibly crispy, cheesy, and downright addictive, let me introduce you to the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe. These golden, bite-sized delights are like little clouds of comfort, perfectly seasoned and loaded with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they offer the best combination of creamy mashed potatoes and a crispy baked exterior. Trust me, this recipe is destined to become one of your all-time favorites for using up leftovers in the most delicious way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the best results with this Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe starts with a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, or color, blending together to create those perfect puffs we all love.
- Cold mashed potatoes: Using cold mashed potatoes helps the puffs hold their shape and become delightfully crispy on the outside.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: This adds melty, tangy richness that every cheesy puff needs for that comforting flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth and helps enhance crispiness during baking.
- Large eggs: Act as the binder to keep everything together without being too dense.
- Milk: Brings moisture and helps achieve a smooth mixture that bakes up beautifully.
- Chopped green onions: Offer a fresh, mild onion flavor and a lovely pop of green color.
- Garlic powder: Infuses warmth and subtle savoriness that elevates the whole dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Season simply to taste, balancing all the other flavors while enhancing the overall profile.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps your muffin tin free of sticking, ensuring easy removal and neat puffs.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your puffs come out cleanly and maintain their shape after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, chopped green onions, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste; this will really bring out all the flavors.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the potato mixture evenly into each cup of the prepared muffin tin, making sure to fill them almost to the top. This will give you beautifully rounded puffs that bake evenly and have a nice crisp edge.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Bake the puffs for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and develop a slightly crispy texture. This step is key to achieving that amazing balance between soft, creamy centers and a crunchy exterior.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe cool for a few minutes in the pan before carefully removing them. Serving them warm will make sure the cheese is melty and every bite tastes as comforting as it looks.
How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra green onions on top elevates the presentation and adds a fresh contrast to the cheesy richness. A tiny dollop of sour cream or a touch of hot sauce on the side can also be irresistible accompaniments.
Side Dishes
These puffs work beautifully alongside salads packed with crisp greens and tangy vinaigrettes. They also complement grilled or roasted meats perfectly, acting as a flavorful starch component that’s anything but ordinary.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, serve these puffs on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. You might even hollow out the center slightly after baking and fill with a bit more melted cheese, guacamole, or a dollop of salsa for an unexpected, crowd-pleasing twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll retain their flavor nicely, though they taste best when freshly baked.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked puffs by filling the muffin tin, covering tightly with plastic wrap, and freezing for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze fully baked puffs in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve their crisp outside texture.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes in this recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, using cold leftover mashed potatoes is perfect for the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe. It helps create a firmer texture that holds together well during baking.
What cheeses work best in these potato puffs?
Cheddar and Parmesan are classic choices for their flavor and texture, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a bit of gruyere to tailor the taste to your liking.
Can I make these puffs dairy-free or vegan?
While this recipe relies on cheese and eggs for flavor and structure, you could try using dairy-free cheese alternatives and an egg substitute like flax eggs. The texture may vary, but it’s worth experimenting if you have dietary restrictions.
Do I need a muffin tin specifically?
A muffin tin is ideal for shaping and baking these puffs evenly, but you could use a mini cupcake pan or even shape small balls by hand on a baking sheet if needed. Just watch the baking time closely.
How do I get the puffs crispy on the outside?
The key is baking at a sufficiently high temperature (400°F) and using a light coat of nonstick spray in the muffin cups. The Parmesan cheese also helps to develop a nice crispy crust.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe — they bring together the best of creamy comfort food with a golden, crispy bite that is simply addictive. Whether you’re using up leftovers or making them fresh, they’re a surefire hit everyone will rave about. I truly hope you give this recipe a whirl and find yourself reaching for these puffs whenever you want a little cheesy, cozy happiness on your plate.
Print
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish, perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes. Packed with cheddar and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with garlic powder and green onions, and baked to golden perfection, they offer a crispy outside and creamy inside that’s sure to delight any crowd.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the puffs don’t stick during baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, chopped green onions, and garlic powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup nearly to the top for nicely shaped puffs.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the tops of the puffs are golden brown and slightly crispy, signaling they are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the potato puffs cool in the tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm as appetizers or a delightful side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack to try different flavor variations.
- Great recipe for using up leftover mashed potatoes efficiently.
- Works well as appetizers or side dishes for parties or family meals.
