Name: Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made); 2 large eggs; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the muffin tin)

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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a golden, crispy, and creamy delight made from simple ingredients like mashed potatoes, cheese, and herbs. I love how these little bites make a great side dish, snack, or appetizer. Whether I’m serving guests or just treating myself, they always hit the spot with their comforting texture and cheesy flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy and turns leftover mashed potatoes into something new and exciting. The outside gets beautifully crisp while the inside stays creamy and cheesy. I also like how customizable it is—I can adjust the flavors to suit whatever I’m craving. It’s a fun, no-fuss recipe that everyone enjoys.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
Eggs
Shredded cheddar cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped chives or green onions
Salt
Black pepper
Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the muffin tin)

directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
In a large bowl, I mix the mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, chives, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
I spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup and gently pressing down.
I bake for 20–25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
After baking, I let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before gently lifting them out.
I serve them warm, maybe with a sprinkle of extra herbs on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields around 24 mini potato puffs. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, so the total time is roughly 35 minutes. It comfortably serves 4 to 6 people.

Variations

Sometimes I swap in different cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for a twist in flavor. I also like adding garlic powder, paprika, or a bit of finely chopped fresh parsley. A sprinkle of chili flakes gives them a slight kick when I want something spicier.

storage/reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat them, I use the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes to keep them crispy. They also freeze well—I place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When I reheat from frozen, I just bake until heated through and crisp.

FAQs

How do I know the potato puffs are ready?

I check for a golden brown top and firm texture. They should come out of the muffin tin easily and have a light crisp around the edges.

Can I use a regular muffin tin instead?

Yes, I can use a regular-sized muffin tin. They’ll just be bigger and may need a few more minutes to cook through.

Are instant mashed potatoes okay for this?

Yes, as long as the mashed potatoes are thick and not watery. I usually prefer homemade for the best texture and flavor.

What type of cheese works best?

I usually go for sharp cheddar, but I’ve also enjoyed them with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend I had in the fridge.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often prepare the mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake them fresh when I’m ready to serve.

Conclusion

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are one of those recipes I turn to again and again for their ease, flavor, and comfort. Whether I’m using up leftovers or making a batch from scratch, they’re always satisfying and fun to eat. I love how a few simple ingredients can turn into something so delicious and versatile.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 mini puffs
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, made with mashed potatoes, cheese, and herbs. They make a perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish that's easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the muffin tin)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, chives, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup and gently pressing down.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
Let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before gently lifting them out.
Serve warm with a sprinkle of extra herbs if desired.