Short Description
Delightfully crispy on the outside and soft, cheesy on the inside, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs transform simple mashed potatoes into a tasty snack, appetizer, or side dish. Perfect for using up leftovers or making a delicious new dish from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These puffs offer all the comforting flavors of mashed potatoes with an irresistible cheese pull in every bite. Quick to assemble, easy to bake or fry, and endlessly customizable, they’re ideal for family dinners, parties, or a satisfying snack any time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 large eggs
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1/4 cup milk
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2 green onions, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, milk, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about an inch apart.
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Optionally, lightly brush each puff with oil for extra crispness.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown on the outside and heated through.
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Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Makes approximately 20–24 puffs
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Preparation time: 10 minutes
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Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
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Total time: About 30 minutes
Variations
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Herb mix‑in: Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme for an herby flavor boost.
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Spicy twist: Stir in jalapeño pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Bacon bits: Fold in cooked, crumbled bacon or veggie bacon bits for savory crunch.
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Gluten‑free option: Serve as is—the recipe is naturally gluten‑free as long as your mashed potatoes and cheeses are gluten‑free.
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Cheese varieties: Swap cheddar for mozzarella for gooey pull‑aparts, or use pepper jack for a kick.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store cooled puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a preheated 375 °F (190 °C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Alternatively, crisp them in an air fryer at 350 °F (175 °C) for 3–4 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze these puffs?
Yes—freeze baked puffs in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen at 375 °F (190 °C) for about 10–12 minutes.
2. Can I fry them instead of baking?
Absolutely. Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350 °F (175 °C) and fry the puffs for about 3–4 minutes until golden, turning as needed.
3. What if my mashed potatoes are very dry?
Add a bit more milk or a tablespoon of olive oil to loosen the mixture before forming the puffs.
4. Can I make them dairy‑free?
Yes—use vegan cheese and a dairy-free milk alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add extra cheesy flavor.
5. Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?
Yes—fresh potatoes work great. Just allow them to cool slightly before mixing with eggs to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
6. How big should the puffs be?
Tablespoon-sized scoops (about 1 inch diameter) create bite-sized puffs. You can make them larger, but increase baking time slightly.
7. Can I make them gluten‑free?
Yes—as long as your mashed potatoes and cheeses are verified gluten‑free, the recipe is naturally gluten‑free.
8. How do I make them extra crispy?
Brush lightly with oil before baking or finish with a quick high-heat blast in the oven or in an air fryer for a minute or two.
9. Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes—prepare the mixture a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Shape and bake just before serving.
10. What dipping sauces work well?
Serve with ketchup, sour cream, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or spicy mustard for complementary flavors.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a quick, delicious way to reinvent classic mashed potatoes into a crispy, cheesy snack or side. They come together easily, store and reheat well, and invite creative variations. Ideal for any occasion—whether a family dinner, game-day snack, or party appetizer—these puffs are sure to delight with their simple comfort and cheesy satisfaction.
[tasty-recipe id=”19397″]