Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover mashed potatoes, these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are your answer. Golden, fluffy, and packed with gooey melted cheese, they’re the perfect snack, side dish, or party appetizer. Imagine creamy mashed potatoes turned into crispy, cheesy bites of pure comfort — you’ll never look at leftovers the same way again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These little puffs are a dream come true for potato lovers. They’re soft and creamy on the inside, lightly crispy on the outside, and oozing with cheese in every bite. Whether you serve them as a snack, side dish, or brunch treat, they’ll disappear faster than you can make them.

Here’s why they’re irresistible:

🥔 Great way to use leftover mashed potatoes
🧀 Super cheesy and satisfying
⏱️ Ready in under 30 minutes
🍽️ Perfect for holidays, game nights, or potlucks
🧄 Pairs with almost any dipping sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Potato Base

2 cups mashed potatoes (cold or leftover works best)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
2 large eggs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup milk or heavy cream
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika or cayenne for a little kick
2 tablespoons bacon bits for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper cups for easy removal.

Step 2 – Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, shredded cheese, Parmesan, butter, milk, and seasonings. Mix until smooth and creamy. The texture should be thick but scoopable — not runny.

Step 3 – Fill the Muffin Tin

Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture into each muffin cup. Fill them almost to the top, as the mixture will puff slightly while baking.

Step 4 – Bake Until Golden

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are crispy. Let them cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.

Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce — think sour cream, ranch, or garlic aioli. These puffs are heavenly right out of the oven but also reheat beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Cheese Puffs

Use cold mashed potatoes: They hold their shape better when baking.
Add enough cheese: The cheese helps the puffs stay creamy inside.
Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the texture fluffy.
Crispier edges: Bake them a little longer or add a touch of oil spray before baking.
Mini muffin pan = perfect size: Ensures even cooking and bite-size perfection.

Fun Variations

🥓 Loaded Potato Puffs: Add crispy bacon bits and green onions.
🌶️ Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño: Mix in chopped jalapeños for a kick.
🧀 Triple Cheese: Combine mozzarella, cheddar, and Gruyère for an ultra-cheesy flavor.
🥦 Broccoli Cheddar Puffs: Add finely chopped cooked broccoli for a veggie twist.
🍠 Sweet Potato Puffs: Swap regular potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a fall-inspired snack.

What to Serve With Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

These puffs are so versatile — they pair well with almost anything!

🍗 Main Dishes: Great alongside grilled chicken, steak, or burgers.
🥗 Salads: Serve with Caesar or garden salads for a balanced meal.
🥣 Soups: The cheesy flavor complements tomato, broccoli cheddar, or creamy mushroom soup.
🍅 Dips: Try marinara, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make ahead: Prepare the batter and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Store leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Pop in the oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp again.
Freeze: Freeze baked puffs on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen — no need to thaw!

Why Everyone Loves These

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs have that magical combination of comfort and convenience. They turn humble mashed potatoes into something new and exciting — a little crispy, perfectly cheesy, and irresistibly golden. They’re the kind of snack that makes people smile, whether it’s game day, Thanksgiving leftovers, or a cozy night in.