Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe

If you’re looking for a deliciously genius way to reinvent those leftover mashed potatoes, Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are your new best friend. These fluffy, cheesy bites are golden and crisp on the outside, dreamy and tender inside, with a pop of flavor that never gets old. Whether you serve them as a snack, party appetizer, or a comforting side, you’ll fall head over heels for this savory treat — especially when you taste that irresistible combination of creamy potato and melty cheddar in each bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs is that you don’t need anything fancy to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient not only brings flavor but also helps achieve that perfect texture, color, and cheesiness everyone loves.

• Mashed potatoes: Use about 2 cups of your favorite homemade or leftover mashed potatoes for a fluffy base that holds everything together.
• Cheddar cheese: 1 cup of shredded goodness, melting into pockets of savory richness in every bite.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs give structure, so your puffs hold their round, beautiful shape.
• All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup helps bind the mixture, making each puff just the right amount of tender.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon boosts all the flavors and balances the creaminess of the potatoes.
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon lends subtle heat and depth — so don’t skip it!
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon infuses every bite with a gentle, aromatic kick you’ll crave.
• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup coats each puff, baking up crisp and golden for satisfying crunch.

How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by cranking your oven up to 400°F (200°C). You want it piping hot so the puffs bake up with a golden, crisp crust while staying fluffy and moist inside. This high heat really makes those edges irresistible!

Step 2: Mix the Magic Together

In a large mixing bowl, add your mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until the mixture looks evenly combined and tempting enough to sneak a taste. This step is all about achieving a doughy, scoopable consistency with little flecks of cheddar shining through.

Step 3: Shape Into Puffs

Grab a cookie scoop or use your hands to shape the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds. It’s a little bit like making meatballs, but these are much more fun! The mixture should hold its shape but still feel soft. If it’s too sticky, wet your hands slightly to make shaping easier.

Step 4: Coat in Breadcrumbs

Pour your breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each puff gently in the crumbs until completely coated. This simple step is what gives Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs their signature crisp shell and a beautiful, golden-brown hue after baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange all your puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space around each so they brown evenly. Slide the tray into the hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the puffs are deeply golden and crisp, while the kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. Let them cool just a couple of minutes before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Garnishes

While these cheesy delights are wonderful on their own, a sprinkle of chopped chives, parsley, or green onions on top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. For a little indulgence, a drizzle of sour cream or a dash of smoked paprika will make every plate look (and taste) gourmet.

Side Dishes

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs pair beautifully with almost anything: crisp salads, a hearty soup, or roasted vegetables. If you’re serving them as a starter or side, they’re amazing alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish, turning any meal into a comfort food feast.

Creative Ways to Present

You can easily serve them party-style on a platter with mini toothpicks and small ramekins of dipping sauces, like ranch, salsa, or marinara. For fun, stack them tower-high or arrange in a ring around your favorite dip at the center—watch everyone crowd around for a taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (lucky!), just pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They’ll stay delicious and can be enjoyed cold as a quick snack or reheated for that crisp bite.

Freezing

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled puffs in a single layer on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, bake from frozen until heated through and crispy again.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat puffs in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. If you’re short on time, you can also use an air fryer or toaster oven. Microwaving works in a pinch but may soften the coating slightly.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Instant mashed potatoes work well in these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. Just make sure they’re nice and thick (not runny) for easy shaping. They’re a great quick fix for spur-of-the-moment cravings!

What cheeses can I swap for cheddar?

Feel free to play! Mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss are all delicious in Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. Try a blend for extra decadence, or add a handful of parmesan for an umami punch.

How do I make them gluten-free?

You can easily swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. Rice flour or a gluten-free blend works well in the mixture, and gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes provide plenty of crunch.

Could I air-fry these instead of baking?

Yes, air frying gives a crispier finish in less time. Cook the puffs at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and heated throughout. Watch closely so they don’t over-brown!

Can I prepare these ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare and shape the Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, then refrigerate (unbaked) on a tray for up to a day in advance. When your guests arrive, just bake and serve for warm, cheesy perfection.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs before, you’re in for a treat. They’re just the right mix of crispy, creamy, easy, and totally crave-worthy. Whip up a batch soon and see how fast they disappear—it might just become your new favorite way to use mashed potatoes!

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