Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the ultimate comfort food snack—crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside. These little bites are made from creamy mashed potatoes mixed with gooey cheese and baked (or air-fried) until golden. They’re perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes, and they double as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, lunchbox treat, or cozy side dish.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect Use for Leftovers – Got mashed potatoes in the fridge? Turn them into something amazing.
Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside – A delightful texture contrast in every bite.
Cheesy & Irresistible – Melted cheese makes these totally addictive.
Kid-Friendly – Great finger food for little ones and fun to dip.
Freezer-Friendly – Make a batch, freeze, and reheat whenever you need a quick snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably cold or day-old)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, gouda, or your favorite meltable cheese)
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or use breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
• ¼ cup green onions or chives, finely chopped
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup grated parmesan (optional for topping)
• Non-stick cooking spray or a little oil for baking

Tools You’ll Need
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or cookie scoop
• Muffin tin or baking sheet
• Oven or air fryer
• Grater and measuring tools

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, eggs, flour (or breadcrumbs), green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and form a thick, scoopable mixture.

Step 3: Portion the Mixture
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form small balls or mounds of the potato mixture.
Place them into the muffin cups or onto the baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
If using a muffin tin, fill each about ¾ full.

Step 4: Add Optional Toppings
Sprinkle each puff with a pinch of grated parmesan if desired for extra crisp and flavor.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.
If you prefer them extra crispy, broil for the last 1–2 minutes—but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the cheese puffs cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy on their own.

Tips for Perfect Cheese Puffs
Use Cold Mashed Potatoes – They hold together better and make shaping easier.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the texture light.
Switch Up the Cheese – Try a blend of cheeses for more flavor depth.
Add Mix-Ins – Cooked veggies, turkey bacon, or sautéed mushrooms are great additions.
Grease Well – This prevents sticking and helps form a golden crust.

Serving Suggestions
With Dips – Serve with sour cream, ranch, ketchup, or garlic aioli.
As a Side – Great with grilled chicken, burgers, or roasted veggies.
For Breakfast – Pair with scrambled eggs and fruit for a savory start.
In Lunchboxes – A fun finger food kids love to eat.
As Party Appetizers – Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness.
Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 4–6 minutes.
Microwave: Quick but softens texture—heat for 30 seconds per puff.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
2. Can I make them dairy-free?
   You can use dairy-free mashed potatoes and a plant-based cheese substitute.
3. Can I fry these instead of baking?
   Absolutely. Just shape into patties or balls and fry in shallow oil until golden on both sides.
4. Do I have to use a muffin tin?
   No, a baking sheet works too—just shape the puffs and bake directly on the sheet.
5. What if my mixture is too wet?
   Add a little more flour or breadcrumbs until the texture is scoopable and holds its shape.

Final Thoughts
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a brilliant way to breathe new life into leftover mashed potatoes. With their cheesy centers and golden edges, they’re irresistibly tasty and easy to whip up. Whether you’re making a snack, party appetizer, or a fun twist on a side dish, these puffs are sure to please.

Give them a try and let me know how they turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your delicious results on social media.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 150 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 280mg

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