The Fluffiest Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe

Leftover mashed potato cheese puffs redefine mundane ingredients into culinary magic, breathing new life into yesterday’s side dish.

Crispy exteriors and creamy interiors make these delightful bites a perfect solution for repurposing starchy remnants.

Comfort food enthusiasts appreciate how simple ingredients can create something unexpectedly delicious and satisfying.

Kitchen creativity reaches new heights when humble potatoes become golden, puffy appetizers bursting with cheesy goodness.

Pantry staples combine effortlessly to craft a crowd-pleasing snack that elevates leftovers from forgettable to fantastic.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, turning potential food waste into a tempting treat everyone will enjoy.

These irresistible morsels promise to vanish quickly from any gathering or family meal.

What You’ll Need for Potato Cheese Puffs

• Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Creamy base for the puffs, perfect for using up extra mashed potatoes from previous meals.

• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create fluffy texture and structure.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and tanginess to the potato mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor that melts beautifully and provides a golden color.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the overall taste.

• Chives: Fresh, mild onion-like flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance all other ingredients' flavors.

How to Make Leftover Potato Cheese Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create Egg Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. Stir in sour cream until well blended.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Seasonings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped chives
• Salt to taste

Step 4: Incorporate Mashed Potatoes

Gently fold mashed potatoes into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the potato mixture into each muffin cup, filling them to the top.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until tops are golden brown and puffed up.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let potato puffs cool for 5 minutes in the tin. Carefully remove and transfer to a serving plate.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Snack

Serve warm as a delightful side dish or appetizer for any meal.

Tips for Golden and Cheesy Potato Snacks

• Potato Perfection: Use cold, leftover mashed potatoes for the best texture and easier mixing.
• Cheese Selection: Choose freshly grated cheese for maximum flavor and smoother melting.
• Even Filling: Fill muffin cups completely to ensure uniform cooking and beautiful puffed tops.
• Stirring Secret: Fold ingredients gently to maintain the light, airy texture of the puffs.
• Golden Brown Trick: Watch carefully during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden color.

Keep Potato Puffs Fresh for Later Snacking

• Refrigerate the potato cheese puffs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each puff individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the puffs soggy and lose their delightful texture. For best results, consume the puffs within 24 hours of baking to enjoy their peak flavor and crispiness.

Dishes That Pair with Cheesy Potato Puffs

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the cheesy, rich potato puffs. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the creamy texture and enhances the tangy cheese flavors.
• Match with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with herb vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the potato puffs. The fresh, crisp greens provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy bites.
• Serve with Smoky Protein: Add grilled chicken or smoked salmon as a protein companion. The savory meat adds depth and makes the potato puffs feel like a complete, satisfying meal. The protein's robust flavor harmonizes beautifully with the cheesy potato puffs.
• Enhance with Dipping Sauce: Prepare a quick herb-infused sour cream or garlic aioli for extra flavor dimension. These creamy sauces amplify the puffs' richness and provide an exciting taste experience.

Ways to Flavor Your Potato Puffs Differently

• Spicy Jalapeño Potato Puffs: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a zesty kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Mediterranean Herb Potato Clouds: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh basil, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that feels like a culinary vacation.
• Bacon Cheddar Potato Clouds: Mix in crispy bacon bits and extra sharp cheddar cheese to create an indulgent version that's perfect for bacon lovers.
• Ranch-Style Potato Puffs: Sprinkle in dried ranch seasoning and add some chopped green onions for a tangy, herbaceous twist that brings classic ranch flavor to these cheesy potato bites.

Why Cheese Puffs from Mashed Potatoes Work

• Transform Leftovers: Breathe new life into yesterday's mashed potatoes by turning them into crispy, cheesy puffs that are way more exciting than reheating the original dish.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: These potato puffs come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute appetizers that look and taste impressive.
• Texture Explosion: Experience a delightful contrast between the crispy golden exterior and the soft, creamy interior, with melted cheese adding an extra layer of indulgence that makes each bite irresistible.

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs turn forgotten side dishes into crispy, golden delights bursting with cheesy goodness. Creamy potato interiors merge with crunchy exteriors, offering a quick and delicious solution for reviving yesterday’s potatoes that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (710 ml) mashed potatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese)
• 2 eggs, beaten

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chives
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) sour cream

Seasoning:

• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a standard muffin tin by lightly coating with cooking spray or butter, ensuring complete surface coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Crack fresh eggs into a spacious mixing bowl and whisk vigorously until smooth and slightly frothy, creating a light base for the puffs.
3. Incorporate smooth, creamy sour cream into the whisked eggs, stirring until the mixture achieves a consistent, well-blended texture.
4. Add sharp cheddar cheese and aged Parmesan cheese to the egg mixture, sprinkling in finely chopped fresh chives and a delicate pinch of kosher salt for enhanced flavor complexity.
5. Gently integrate cold leftover mashed potatoes into the cheese-infused blend, using a folding technique to maintain the mixture’s airy consistency and prevent overmixing.
6. Carefully distribute the potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cavity to the brim to create uniform, plump puffs.
7. Position the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) and bake for 22-27 minutes, monitoring until the tops transform into a golden-brown, crispy exterior with a slightly puffy appearance.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the potato puffs to rest for 3-5 minutes, enabling them to set and cool slightly for easier removal.
9. Delicately extract the puffs from the muffin tin using a small offset spatula or butter knife, ensuring they maintain their structural integrity.
10. Serve immediately as a sumptuous side dish or enjoyable standalone appetizer, showcasing the rich, cheesy potato creation.

Notes

• Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into delightful, cheesy puffs that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
• Perfect for using up extra mashed potatoes from holiday meals or weekend dinners, these puffs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish.
• Customize the flavor by experimenting with different cheese types like Gruyère, blue cheese, or a spicy pepper jack for added excitement.
• Store any remaining puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
• Elevate the dish by serving with a quick dipping sauce like sour cream, ranch, or herb-infused aioli for extra flavor.
• Best enjoyed fresh and warm, these potato puffs take just 30 minutes from start to finish, making them an ideal quick and tasty recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg