Description

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the perfect blend of comfort food and culinary elegance crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside. Whether you’re looking for a unique appetizer, a creative way to use leftover mashed potatoes, or a bite-sized side dish for your dinner spread, these puffs offer flavor, texture, and indulgence in every bite. This detailed guide will walk you through the preparation, ingredients, and expert tips to ensure your potato puffs turn out perfectly golden and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups mashed potatoes (cold and preferably from leftovers)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild based on preference)

2 large eggs

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons chopped chives (or green onions)

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Non-stick cooking spray or butter for greasing muffin tin

1/4 cup breadcrumbs for topping

Extra shredded cheese for garnish

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a standard-size 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter. You can also use a silicone muffin pan for easier removal.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, sour cream, chives, eggs, and garlic powder. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. The cheese adds natural saltiness, so taste before adding too much.
Portion the Batter: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup with the mashed potato mixture. Fill up to the top of each cup and gently press down to compact slightly. For added crunch and a more attractive golden finish, sprinkle breadcrumbs and a little shredded cheese on top of each puff.
Bake Until Golden: Bake the potato puffs for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and crisp. The edges should pull slightly away from the sides of the muffin cups. Let them cool for 5 minutes before gently removing from the tin using a butter knife or offset spatula.

Notes

These puffs work best with stiff, cold mashed potatoes. If your mash is too loose or creamy, consider adding a tablespoon of flour or breadcrumbs for structure.
To add variety, you can mix in cooked bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or steamed broccoli for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer / Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 puff
Calories: 112
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 178mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 34mg