Leftover mashed potatoes don’t have to be boring! These cheesy, crispy mashed potato puffs are the perfect way to transform leftovers into a delicious snack, appetizer, or side dish. Made with cheese, eggs, and a few pantry staples, these light and fluffy bites are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
1. Why You’ll Love These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
These cheese puffs are the perfect way to repurpose leftovers while creating a completely new dish. They’re crispy, fluffy, and packed with cheesy goodness.
Benefits of This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
✔ Minimal Ingredients: Uses leftover mashed potatoes and basic kitchen staples.
✔ Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or different cheeses for variety.
✔ Kid-Friendly: Perfect for picky eaters who love bite-sized snacks.
Best Occasions for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Holiday leftovers makeover
- Easy party appetizers
- Quick side dish for dinner
2. Ingredients for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Basic Ingredients:
- Leftover Mashed Potatoes: 2 cups
- Eggs: 2 large
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded (or use mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan)
- All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup (for structure)
- Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon (makes them light and puffy)
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Green Onions or Chives: ¼ cup, finely chopped (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (adds flavor)
- Paprika or Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (for a hint of spice)
- Bacon Bits: ¼ cup (for extra crunch and flavor)
3. Preparing the Mashed Potato Batter
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a mini muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Add Extra Flavor:
- Stir in green onions, garlic powder, or bacon bits for extra taste.
4. Shaping and Baking the Puffs
1. Scoop the Batter:
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the mixture into the mini muffin tin.
- Fill each cup about ¾ full to allow room for puffing up.
2. Bake Until Golden:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
3. Let Cool:
- Allow the puffs to rest for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
5. Serving Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
1. Serve Warm:
- Enjoy fresh out of the oven while crispy.
2. Best Dipping Sauces:
- Sour cream
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy ketchup
- Garlic aioli
3. Pair With:
- Soup or chili
- Roasted meats
- Holiday leftovers
6. Alternative Cooking Methods
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place small scoops of potato mixture on parchment paper in the basket.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden.
Pan-Fried Version:
- Shape the mixture into small patties.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy.
7. Tips for the Best Mashed Potato Puffs
✔ Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: They hold their shape better.
✔ Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter can make them dense.
✔ Use a Mini Muffin Tin: Helps them rise evenly and get crispy edges.
✔ Add a Crispy Topping: Sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs or parmesan before baking for extra crunch.
8. Variations to Try
1. Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Puffs:
- Add ¼ cup diced jalapeños and 1 teaspoon hot sauce.
2. Herb and Parmesan Puffs:
- Stir in 1 teaspoon rosemary or thyme and ½ cup parmesan.
3. Loaded Mashed Potato Puffs:
- Mix in bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions.
4. Vegan Mashed Potato Puffs:
- Replace eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free cheese.
9. FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Store them in the fridge for 3 days and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
2. Can I freeze mashed potato puffs?
Yes! Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 15 minutes.
3. How do I make them crispier?
Use panko breadcrumbs or brush with melted butter before baking.
4. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, but reduce the eggs to 1 since instant potatoes are softer.
5. How do I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
6. Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, pan-fry in oil for 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes! Sweet potatoes will make them naturally sweeter but just as delicious.
8. What cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or gouda work well.
9. Why did my puffs flatten?
Too much moisture—make sure the potatoes aren’t too wet.
10. Can I add eggs if my mashed potatoes are already creamy?
Yes, but reduce other liquids to prevent a runny batter.
Leftover mashed potato cheese puffs are a crispy, cheesy, and easy-to-make dish that turns holiday leftovers into a delicious snack. Perfect for dipping, these puffs will become a new favorite way to repurpose mashed potatoes. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and toppings to make them your own.