Quick & Creamy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe for Busy Nights

Cheesy mashed potato puffs refine ordinary side dishes into crispy, irresistible bites that dance between comfort food and gourmet delight.

These golden, puffy treasures blend creamy potatoes with melted cheese in a magical culinary fusion.

Rich, airy textures contrast with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior that promises pure indulgence.

Home cooks adore these delectable morsels for their simplicity and crowd-pleasing potential.

Fluffy interior meets crisp edges, creating a textural symphony that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

The combination of smooth potatoes and melted cheese produces an irresistible appetizer or side dish that sparks conversation.

Prepare to wow friends and family with this game-changing recipe that turns humble ingredients into something spectacular.

What Makes Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Irresistible

• Reinvent Leftovers: Transform boring leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden cheese-packed puffs that bring new life to yesterday's meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Adventure: Enjoy a delightful contrast between the crunchy golden breadcrumb exterior and the soft, creamy potato interior that creates an irresistible bite.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these delectable potato puffs in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute snack cravings.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy base that provides the primary texture and comfort food element, preferably leftover for richer flavor.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds rich, tangy flavor and helps bind the potato mixture.

Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese that brings a nutty, salty depth to the potato puffs.

Binding and Coating Ingredients:

Eggs: Essential for binding the potato mixture and helping breadcrumbs stick to the surface.

Breadcrumbs: Crispy coating that creates a golden, crunchy exterior when baked.

Seasoning Ingredients:

Chives: Fresh herbs that provide a mild onion-like flavor and green color accent.

Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic seasoning without raw garlic texture.

Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the potato puffs.

Preparation Ingredients:

Cooking Spray or Oil: Prevents sticking and helps achieve an even golden brown surface on the baking sheet.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Heat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Potato Mixture

• Leftover mashed potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped chives
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix all ingredients until they’re evenly blended.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Wash

Crack eggs into a separate bowl and whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Shape Potato Mixture

Scoop out portions of the potato mixture and form into small round balls or flat patties using your hands.

Step 5: Coat Potato Puffs

Dip each potato ball or patty into the egg wash, ensuring complete coverage. Roll in breadcrumbs until fully and evenly coated.

Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the coated potato puffs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden brown color and crispy exterior.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot. These cheesy potato puffs make a delightful appetizer or side dish that will impress everyone at the table.

Tips for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the potato mixture for 15-30 minutes before shaping to help the balls hold together more effectively.
• Create Uniform Sizes: Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to ensure consistent potato puff sizes for even baking.
• Boost Crispiness: For extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs to create a more textured exterior.
• Prevent Sticking: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone mat to prevent the potato puffs from sticking.
• Temperature Trick: Let the potato puffs rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to help them set and maintain their shape when serving.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftover potato puffs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store them flat in a single layer to maintain their crispy texture. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat in the oven for best results. Preheat to 375°F and place puffs on a baking sheet. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy exterior returns. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture.
• Consume refrigerated potato puffs within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and food safety. Always check for any signs of spoilage before reheating and discard if needed.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Pairing Tips

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The zesty, light white wine cuts through the richness of the cheesy potato puffs, refreshing your palate with its bright citrus notes.
• Match with Smoky Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces over the puffs to add a salty, savory crunch that complements the cheesy potato texture.
• Serve with Tangy Herb Dipping Sauce: Blend sour cream, fresh chives, and a touch of garlic for a cool, herbal sauce that balances the warm, crispy potato puffs.
• Combine with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a crisp, acidic contrast to the rich, cheesy potato bites.

Fun Variations of Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Spicy Jalapeño Potato Poppers: Boost the heat by mixing finely diced jalapeños into the potato mixture and sprinkle red pepper flakes in the breadcrumb coating for an extra kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Potato Bites: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh oregano, and dried basil into the potato base, then coat with a mix of panko and dried herbs for a zesty Mediterranean flavor.
• Bacon and Cheddar Potato Clouds: Fold crispy chopped bacon bits and extra sharp cheddar cheese into the mashed potato mixture, creating a rich and savory version that will satisfy meat lovers.
• Ranch-Infused Potato Puffs: Blend ranch seasoning mix directly into the potato blend and top with a light sprinkle of ranch powder after baking for a tangy, creamy profile that kids and adults will love.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs deliver a crispy exterior with a creamy, indulgent center that whispers comfort. Packed with sharp cheddar and herbs, these golden-brown bites promise a delightful twist on classic mashed potatoes that you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs

Cheese and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional)

Cooking:

• Cooking spray or oil for greasing

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lightly coating it with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend leftover mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped chives, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Crack whole eggs into a separate bowl and whisk them until smooth and well-combined.
4. Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, portion out the potato mixture and gently form into compact round balls or slightly flattened patties, ensuring they hold together firmly.
5. Carefully dunk each potato ball or patty into the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then roll them in breadcrumbs, ensuring a complete and even coating that will create a crispy exterior.
6. Arrange the coated potato puffs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even heat circulation.
7. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking to promote uniform golden-brown coloration and crispy texture.
8. Remove from the oven when the potato puffs are beautifully golden, crisp on the outside, and heated through, then transfer to a serving platter.
9. Serve immediately while hot and crispy as a delightful appetizer or accompanying side dish.

Notes

• Repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy bites bursting with flavor and texture.
• Ensure eggs and breadcrumbs create a golden, crunchy exterior that perfectly complements the creamy potato interior.
• Customize the recipe by adding herbs like chives or experimenting with different cheese varieties for unique taste profiles.
• Prepare ahead of time by shaping potato balls in advance and refrigerating until ready to bake for convenient entertaining.
• Serve these crowd-pleasing puffs as a delightful appetizer, game day snack, or unexpected side dish that will impress guests.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg