Name: Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 puffs
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cold mashed potatoes; 2 large eggs; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup milk; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)

Hey y'all! Looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing snack that turns ordinary mashed potatoes into a golden, cheesy masterpiece? These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are crispy on the outside, extra creamy inside, and loaded with gooey cheese. They work perfectly as a party appetizer, side dish for dinner, or even a special brunch treat. Trust me—these puffs disappear fast, so you might want to double the batch! Let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

Super crispy outside and irresistibly fluffy inside.
Uses leftover mashed potatoes—no food waste!
Great for parties, potlucks, or as a fun family side dish.
Easy to customize with your favorite cheese or add-ins.
Bakes up quick—ready in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

2 cups cold mashed potatoes
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)

Directions

1. Prep The Pan & Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly butter or grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

2. Mix The Batter

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups cold mashed potatoes, 2 large eggs, 1 cup shredded cheddar, ¼ cup Parmesan, ¼ cup milk, and 2 tablespoons chopped chives.
Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Mix well until fully combined and creamy.

3. Fill The Muffin Tin

Spoon the potato mixture evenly into each muffin cup, filling them to the top and smoothing the tops with a spatula or spoon.

4. Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.

5. Cool & Serve

Let the potato puffs cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then use a butter knife to gently loosen each puff and transfer them to a plate.
Garnish with extra chives if you like, and serve warm!

Notes

You can use either homemade or store-bought cold mashed potatoes—just make sure they're not too runny.
If your mashed potatoes are bland, taste and season the mixture before baking.
Don't skip letting the puffs cool slightly; this helps them firm up for easier removal.

Variations

Bacon Cheddar: Add ⅓ cup cooked, crumbled bacon to the batter.
Spicy Jalapeño: Stir in 1 finely diced jalapeño and use pepper jack cheese.
Broccoli Cheddar: Mix in ½ cup finely chopped cooked broccoli for extra veggies.

Required Equipment

12-cup muffin tin
Mixing bowl
Spatula or large spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven mitts

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or microwave for 45 seconds until hot.
Freeze baked puffs for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as above.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve alongside roasted chicken, steak, or burgers for a hearty meal.
Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a lighter option.
Dip in sour cream, ranch, or your favorite hot sauce for extra flavor fun.

Pro Tips

Use cold mashed potatoes for best texture—they hold together better when baked.
Generously grease your muffin tin to prevent sticking, especially with cheesy recipes.
Let the puffs cool for a few minutes before removing for perfect crispy sides.

FAQ

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, just make them thick (less liquid) so the puffs hold their shape.
Can these be made ahead?
Absolutely! You can prep and refrigerate the batter a day ahead, or bake & reheat as needed.
Can I make them gluten-free?
These are naturally gluten-free as long as your mashed potatoes and add-ins are gluten-free!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes