Irresistibly Fluffy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Crafting these delightful cheesy mashed potato puffs can turn an ordinary side dish into a crispy, irresistible treat.

Soft potato interiors blend seamlessly with golden, crunchy exteriors that sparkle with melted cheese.

Each bite promises a delectable surprise waiting to dance across your taste buds.

Comfort food meets elegant appetizer in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master these delightful morsels with minimal effort.

Crisp edges and a fluffy center make these potato puffs the perfect companion for any meal.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of these cheesy, cloud-like delights.

Mashed Potato Puffs – Here’s Why They’re Your New Go-To Side

Quick Weekend Crowd-Pleaser: Effortlessly whip up these cheesy potato puffs that transform leftover mashed potatoes into delightful bite-sized treats perfect for gatherings.

Fast Preparation Magic: Mix ingredients in one bowl, scoop into muffin tins, and bake for just 25 minutes – creating crispy, golden appetizers with minimal kitchen time and cleanup.

Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Packed with cheesy goodness and mild seasonings, these potato puffs appeal to children and adults alike, making them an excellent side dish or snack for family meals.

Versatile Party Starter: Serve as appetizers, game day snacks, or brunch accompaniments that impress guests while being incredibly simple to prepare with standard pantry ingredients.

Mashed Potato Puffs (Cheesy) Ingredients

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy base for the puffs, best made fresh or using leftover potatoes.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the puffs together, provides structure.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden exterior.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp flavor boosters that create a delicious cheesy profile.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps maintain moisture in the puffs.

• Chives: Optional fresh herb that brings a mild onion-like flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of flavor without adding extra moisture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy golden crust on top of the potato puffs.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herb note.

Potato Puffs Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your mini muffin tin and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line with cute paper liners.

Step 2: Create Potato Mixture

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh eggs
• Melted butter
• Tangy sour cream
• Chopped chives
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until it looks like a dreamy, cheesy blend.

Step 3: Fill Muffin Tin

Scoop the potato mixture into each muffin cavity.

Press down gently to create adorable little potato puffs that will make everyone smile.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Topping

Mix breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Sprinkle this magical crunch over each potato puff for extra texture.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown color and crispy edges.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Serve these hot and watch them disappear in minutes!

Mashed Potato Puff Baking Tips

• Add an extra sprinkle of sharp cheddar or aged Parmesan on top before baking for a more intense cheesy taste.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Use non-stick cooking spray or silicone muffin liners to ensure easy removal of potato puffs from the tin.
• Experiment with additional ingredients like crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
• Warm leftover puffs in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispy exterior.

Reheating Mashed Potato Puffs

• Store leftover potato puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover them carefully to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual puffs in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality and texture.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed puffs at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer for even heating.
• Crisp up cold puffs in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, which restores their original crunchiness and keeps them from getting soggy.

Cheesy Puff Matches for Any Meal

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, creamy potato puffs with its bright, zesty acidity, creating a refreshing balance.
• Serve Alongside Herb-Roasted Chicken: Tender, juicy roasted chicken complements the cheesy potato puffs, offering a protein-packed main course that enhances the appetizer's savory profile.
• Drizzle with Tangy Herb Aioli: Whip up a quick garlic and herb aioli to add a creamy, punchy sauce that elevates the potato puffs' cheesy goodness and adds an extra layer of flavor complexity.
• Add Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich and cheesy potato puffs.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Cheesy Options

• Gluten-Free Potato Bites: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Vegan Potato Puffs: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cheese alternatives, and replace butter with olive oil or vegan margarine.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar creamy texture.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or sage to create unique flavor profiles in the potato puffs.

FAQs

• Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes work well. Just ensure they’re cooled and not too watery before mixing with other ingredients.

• How do I prevent my potato puffs from being dry?

Add extra sour cream or a splash of milk to keep the mixture moist. Don’t overmix the ingredients, and be careful not to overbake.

• Are these potato puffs good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can make them ahead and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.

• Can I freeze these potato puffs?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Place unbaked puffs on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.