Let’s talk comfort food—with a twist. Mashed potatoes are a universal favorite, but have you ever tried turning them into crispy, cheesy puffs of joy? These Mashed Potato Puffs are the perfect way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a mouthwatering appetizer or snack. Golden on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, they’re baked to perfection in muffin tins for an effortlessly fancy presentation.
This recipe is proof that you can take something humble and turn it into something extraordinary. Mashed Potato Puffs combine classic flavors—potatoes, cheese, green onions—into savory bites that are crunchy on the edges, creamy in the middle, and totally addictive.
The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Serve it as a side dish for dinner, an appetizer for a party, or even as a creative brunch offering. Kids love them, adults devour them, and they disappear quickly wherever they go.
They’re incredibly easy to make and require minimal prep if you already have leftover mashed potatoes. And even if you don’t, it’s worth making a batch from scratch just for this recipe. The addition of shredded cheese, eggs, and seasonings makes them flavorful and cohesive—no dry puffs here.
Each puff is packed with melty cheese and herby flavor, while the outside gets delightfully crispy thanks to the magic of oven baking. Muffin tins help shape them perfectly, and a quick spray of oil ensures they release easily and crisp up nicely.
Don’t be afraid to play with the add-ins. You can mix in chopped turkey bacon, sautéed onions, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. Just make sure not to overstuff the puffs so they hold together well.
These potato puffs are also great for meal prep. You can refrigerate or freeze them and reheat for an easy snack or side throughout the week. They retain their flavor and texture beautifully, making them ideal for busy days.
Presentation-wise, they look impressive but require no fancy skills. Simply mix, scoop, and bake. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream on top takes them to the next level.
If you’re a fan of crispy edges, bake them a few extra minutes. For a softer texture, pull them out right when they’re golden. They’re customizable to your exact preference.
They also make for a great way to use up ingredients in your fridge. Leftover mashed potatoes, a bit of cheese, some herbs—mix and match with what you have on hand.
And if you’re hosting guests, these puffs make a great conversation starter. Everyone will be asking for the recipe. They’re nostalgic yet new, familiar yet exciting.
Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, game days, or cozy nights in, these Mashed Potato Puffs are a delicious and unique take on a classic comfort food.
Try serving them alongside roasted meats or hearty soups—they pair beautifully with just about anything and round out a meal with ease.
So go ahead, give your mashed potatoes a makeover. These savory puffs are crispy, cheesy, fluffy, and totally irresistible. One bite and you’ll be hooked.
Servings: 12 puffs
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably chilled leftovers)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray (for muffin tin)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well blended.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until tops are golden and edges are crispy.
- Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then gently remove and serve warm.
Tips:
- Use well-chilled mashed potatoes for best texture.
- Add chopped turkey bacon or sautéed veggies for variety.
- These reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Creative use for leftover mashed potatoes
- Crispy on the outside, fluffy and cheesy inside
- Easy to prepare and serve
- Kid-friendly and great for entertaining
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep
Summary: Mashed Potato Puffs are a fun, flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Baked until crisp and golden, they’re packed with cheese and herbs for a bite-sized treat everyone will love.
Delicious Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes preferably chilled leftovers
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray for muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well blended.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until tops are golden and edges are crispy.
- Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then gently remove and serve warm.
Notes
- Use well-chilled mashed potatoes for best texture.
- Add chopped turkey bacon or sautéed veggies for variety.
- These reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer.