Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

If you love mashed potatoes and crave a bite-sized, cheesy upgrade, get ready for your new favorite: Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. These little golden bites bring together creamy potatoes, melty cheddar, and a crisp Parmesan crust in an irresistible package. Perfect for parties, holiday tables, or an indulgent weeknight treat, Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs offer everything you want in just a couple of mouthwatering bites—comfort, crunch, and cheesy goodness all in one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, but each component brings something special to the dish. Simple as they are, every ingredient in Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs works its magic to guarantee the best flavor and texture possible.

• Mashed potatoes: Use chilled, leftover mashed potatoes for ultimate convenience and a rich, creamy base.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar gives the puffs their classic cheesy stretch and a punch of flavor.
• Egg: This binds everything together, creating a light, custardy interior.
• Chives: Freshly chopped chives add a mild oniony bite and a lovely pop of green color.
• All-purpose flour: Just a bit of flour helps firm up the mixture for shaping and baking.
• Garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory depth that keeps the puffs from tasting bland.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t skip tasting your mixture to get it just right!
• Parmesan cheese: Rolling each ball in grated Parmesan creates a tangy, crisp exterior once baked.
• Cooking spray or butter: Greasing the muffin pan ensures your potato puffs pop out perfectly golden and intact.

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Next, grab a mini muffin pan and grease each cup thoroughly—either with melted butter for extra richness or a coating of nonstick cooking spray. This step helps guarantee those Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs release effortlessly and get a nice, even crisp on the bottoms.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your chilled mashed potatoes with the cheddar cheese, chopped chives, flour, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Break in the egg, then stir everything together until you have a thick, well-blended mixture. Don’t be shy with the mixing—you want all those bold flavors evenly distributed in every bite!

Step 3: Form the Puffs

Scoop the potato mixture into 1-inch balls using a small cookie scoop or your hands. For that iconic crust, gently roll each ball in grated Parmesan so every side is coated—this is what gives the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs their signature golden crunch. Place each ball into a greased muffin cup and lightly press it to mold the shape.

Step 4: Bake

Place the filled muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are beautifully golden and the Parmesan forms a crispy crust. Check them starting at 15 minutes to avoid overbaking—everyone loves a gooey center!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the puffs to cool in the pan for 3 to 5 minutes; this helps them firm up and makes removal super easy. Gently lift each Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff out and serve while still warm, when the cheese is perfectly melty and satisfying.

How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Garnishes

Dress up your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs with extra chopped chives, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a dusting of smoked paprika. A dollop of sour cream or a tiny swirl of your favorite hot sauce on top transforms them into restaurant-worthy appetizers.

Side Dishes

Pair these puffs with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a bowl of hearty tomato soup for a complete meal. They’re also fantastic served alongside grilled meats or as part of a holiday spread with turkey and cranberry sauce—talk about a festive treat!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs on a serving platter with cocktail picks and a variety of dips (think: ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard). Or, stack them high on a cake stand for a dramatic, showstopping centerpiece that guests won’t be able to resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover puffs keep beautifully in the refrigerator. Just tuck them into an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so even reheated, Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs will be satisfying snacks or sides.

Freezing

Want to stash away a batch for later? Freeze your baked, cooled puffs in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once solid. They’ll keep for up to two months—an easy make-ahead appetizer or comfort snack!

Reheating

To reheat, pop refrigerated or frozen Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 5 to 8 minutes from the fridge, or a little longer from frozen. This restores their irresistible crisp and melty centers.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! As long as they’re thick and fully chilled, instant mashed potatoes work surprisingly well in Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. Just be sure they’re not too runny, and feel free to adjust seasonings to taste.

What kind of cheese can I substitute for cheddar?

If cheddar isn’t your favorite, try Gruyère, mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a Swiss blend. Each will melt a little differently, giving your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs a personal twist.

Do I need to use a mini muffin pan?

A mini muffin pan delivers the best shape and crispy edges, but you could also spread the mixture on a lined baking sheet and bake as ‘nuggets’ if needed—just adjust the baking time and keep an eye on color.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or even a bit of cornstarch. The result is just as delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

How can I make them ahead for a party?

Prepare Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs up to the baking step and keep them chilled in the muffin pan, covered, for several hours. When your guests arrive, pop them in the oven so they’re hot and fresh right on time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs—comfort food made easy and fun! I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy sharing these delightful, cheesy bites as much as I do. Whether you serve them for a gathering or a quiet night at home, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

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