Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing side that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe. These little golden bites are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and ooze cheesy goodness in every single puff. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just craving a comforting snack, this recipe is ridiculously easy and seriously satisfying. Trust me, once you make these once, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here marry perfectly to deliver that classic cheesy mashed potato flavor with an extra punch of texture and freshness. Selecting good quality mashed potatoes and cheese will take these puffs from “meh” to “wow,” so keep that in mind when you shop. Ready-made mashed potatoes work, but homemade mashed potatoes usually have better creaminess and flavor.

• Mashed Potatoes: Use creamy, well-seasoned mashed potatoes as your base—leftovers work beautifully.
• Eggs: They act like glue, helping the puffs hold their shape while baking.
• Cheese: Parmesan or Gruyère is perfect for adding that sharp, nutty flavor and melty texture.
• Fresh Chives: They bring a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens things up.
• Bacon or Ham (optional): Adds a smoky, savory bite; feel free to omit for a vegetarian version.
• Kosher Salt & Fresh Pepper: Enhances all those flavors without overpowering them.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: For greasing the muffin tin, making sure the puffs don’t stick and crisp nicely.
• Sour Cream (optional): Great for serving, adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm puffs.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe is pretty versatile, and I love mixing it up depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. Don’t be shy about playing with the cheese or adding a little kick with spices — you’ll find your own favorite combo before you know it.

• Variation: One time, I swapped the Parmesan for sharp cheddar and tossed in some smoked paprika—totally changed the vibe and was a hit at game night.
• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the bacon or ham and add extra chives or some sautéed mushrooms instead; still delicious and crowd-pleasing.
• Add-Ins: Try mixing in small bits of cooked spinach or roasted garlic for a different flavor profile that still melts beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle. I like to grease my mini-muffin tins generously with either cooking spray or softened butter. This not only helps the puffs come out cleanly but also adds a little extra crispness around the edges. Trust me, don’t skip this step.

Step 2: Mix Your Mashed Potato Batter

In a large bowl, combine your cooked mashed potatoes with the beaten eggs, three-quarters of the cheese, fresh chives, and diced bacon or ham if you’re using it. This mixture will look a little loose at first, but the eggs and cheese will bind everything together as it bakes. Give it a taste and add salt and pepper if needed, but remember that the seasoning depends on your mashed potatoes — if they were already salted, you might not need much.

Step 3: Fill Muffin Tin and Top

Divide the potato mixture evenly among the mini muffin cups. I find that using a small cookie scoop or spoon works best for uniform puffs. After filling each cup, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust. This little touch makes a big difference!

Step 4: Bake Until Perfect

Bake your puffs until they’re set, nicely browned on top, and heated through — about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges start to crisp and the cheese looks beautifully golden. Let them cool for about 5 minutes right in the pan; this helps them firm up slightly, so they don’t fall apart when you remove them.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Gently loosen each puff with a spoon or knife and serve immediately. I love adding a dollop of sour cream on the side — it adds a refreshing tang that balances out the richness. But honestly, these puffs are so flavorful, they’re amazing on their own, too.

How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of extra fresh chives on top of the puffs right before serving. Sometimes, I add a small dollop of sour cream or even a little hot sauce for a spicy kick. These garnishes add color and an extra layer of flavor that take the puffs to the next level.

Side Dishes

These puffs pair beautifully with just about any protein — think roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a veggie burger. I’ve also served them alongside sautéed green beans or a crisp salad for balance, and the combination never disappoints.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange these puffs on a nice platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. Another fun idea is serving them inside small lettuce cups topped with a little sour cream and chive garnish—it feels fresh and fancy without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once they’re completely cooled, I store any leftover Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs in an airtight container in the fridge. Because they have eggs and cheese, they keep well for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing these puffs: I flash-freeze them on a baking sheet first to keep them from sticking together, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When I’m ready, I bake them straight from frozen, just adding a few minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you can because the texture tends to get soggy that way, and that delicious crunch is what you want to keep!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’ve made these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe countless times, and every time, they bring smiles around the table. They’re that perfect combo of easy, flavorful, and downright addictive. If you love comfort food that’s a little bit playful, you’re going to fall head over heels for these puffs. So grab your mashed potatoes, some cheese, and get baking — you won’t regret it, and your family or guests will thank you!

Print