If you have a soft spot for comfort food with a cheesy twist, then you are going to absolutely love this Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe. These little golden bites bring together creamy mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of savory Parmesan, all baked into perfectly crispy puffs that make for an irresistibly warm snack or side dish. They are delightfully easy to whip up, making them ideal for using leftovers or simply pleasing a crowd with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each item plays a crucial role, from the creamy mashed potatoes that form the base to the cheeses that add gooey richness and a savory punch. Simple seasonings round out the flavor, keeping it all balanced and satisfying.
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes: Using cold mashed potatoes helps the puffs hold their shape and gives a great texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds that classic cheesy flavor and melts perfectly for gooey pockets inside.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs bind all the ingredients together, ensuring the mixture sets up nicely during baking.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings a sharp, nutty depth that complements the cheddar beautifully.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Green onions add freshness and a mild bite, brightening up the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder gives a subtle savory note without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A dash of pepper adds gentle heat and balances the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the tastes, making every bite pop.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream: Sour cream brings moisture and a slight tang, keeping the puffs creamy inside.
- Nonstick cooking spray: To grease the muffin tin, ensuring easy removal and a golden crust on the puffs.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it warms up, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. This step is essential because it helps your puffs release easily after baking and promotes that lovely crispy bottom.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and sour cream. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture feels smooth but thick enough to hold its shape.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup nearly to the top. Don’t worry about being too exact here; just aim to distribute the mixture so each puff bakes evenly and turns golden all over.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake the puffs for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are a beautiful golden brown and slightly crisp. The cheese bubbling on top is an excellent sign that deliciousness is underway!
Step 5: Cool and Remove
Once baked, let the puffs cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up a bit, making them easier to remove without breaking. After that, gently pop them out and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or more green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can add an exciting contrast to the cheesy, creamy puffs.
Side Dishes
These puffs pair wonderfully with crisp salads or steamed green vegetables to balance out the richness. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to barbecue, roasted meats, or a hearty stew for a complete meal with flavors everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe as appetizers at your next gathering, arranging them on a platter with various dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or honey mustard. You can also make mini sliders by adding a slice of ham or crispy bacon inside each puff for an extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover potato puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When chilled properly, they retain their flavor and texture well, making for a quick snack or side the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked or cooked puffs. For uncooked, place the filled muffin tin in the freezer until firm, then transfer the puffs into a freezer-safe bag. Frozen puffs should last about 1 month. Cooked puffs freeze best after fully cooling, wrapped individually or in containers to preserve texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain that crispy exterior and warm, melty center. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture crisp, but if time is short, a quick zap will do in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh mashed potatoes work perfectly as long as they are well cooled. Using cold potatoes helps the mixture hold together and bake evenly into puffs.
What other cheeses can I use besides cheddar?
Feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a gooier texture or Gouda for a smoky note. Mixing different cheeses can create exciting flavors in your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe.
Can I add meat like bacon or ham to the puffs?
Definitely! Adding cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham is a fantastic way to boost flavor and add a savory twist to these puffs.
Are these suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes, you can freeze baked puffs. Just make sure they cool completely before wrapping tightly. When reheated, they taste almost as fresh and crispy as the day you made them.
How do I make sure the puffs are crispy on the outside?
Greasing the muffin tin well and baking at the right temperature are key. Also, letting the puffs cool in the pan briefly before removing helps preserve their shape and crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels both comforting and a little special. Whether you’re using up leftover mashed potatoes or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, these puffs deliver every time. Give them a try—you’ll likely find yourself making these cheesy bites again and again!
Print
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish featuring creamy cold mashed potatoes blended with cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, and sour cream, then baked until golden and slightly crispy. Perfect for using up leftovers and customizable with various cheeses or added meats.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and sour cream until fully combined and smooth.
- Fill muffin cups: Spoon the mixture evenly into each muffin cup, filling them nearly to the top for nicely shaped puffs.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops of the puffs turn golden brown and have a slightly crispy texture.
- Cool and serve: Remove the tin from the oven and let the puffs cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing them carefully. Serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- Perfect for using leftover mashed potatoes.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with other melty cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.
- Add crumbled bacon or diced ham to the mixture for extra flavor.
