Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning simple ingredients into something that looks and tastes gourmet—and that’s exactly what I’ve done with these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. I had leftover mashed potatoes one evening and didn’t want to settle for reheating them in the microwave. So I decided to turn them into something crisp on the outside, creamy inside, and oozing with melted cheese. The result? Absolute magic in a muffin tin.

These little puffs are everything you want in comfort food: warm, cheesy, golden, and slightly crispy around the edges. They’re versatile enough to serve at brunch, as a fun side dish, or even as a party appetizer. Trust me—once you take that first bite and experience the gooey cheese pull, you’ll understand why I keep making these on repeat.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

These puffs take the cozy comfort of mashed potatoes and give them a crispy, cheesy upgrade. They’re a fantastic way to reinvent leftovers, kid-approved, and totally customizable. You can bake a batch in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday brunches. Plus, they freeze beautifully—so you can always have some on hand when cravings strike.

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What Kind of Cheese Works Best for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs?

You can’t go wrong with classic cheddar—it melts beautifully and adds that sharp, savory flavor that complements the creamy mashed potatoes perfectly. I personally love using a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for the ultimate cheese pull, like the ones you see in the photo. But if you want to switch things up, Gruyère, gouda, or even a little pepper jack can add an exciting twist. Just make sure whatever cheese you choose melts well, so you get that luscious, gooey center every time.

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Options for Substitutions

These potato puffs are incredibly forgiving, which makes them ideal for customizing to suit your taste or pantry:

• Cheese: Swap cheddar with gouda, fontina, Swiss, or even a vegan cheese if you’re dairy-free.
• Potatoes: While I usually use russet or Yukon gold, you can use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet, earthy flavor.
• Add-ins: Stir in cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, chopped chives, or spinach to bulk them up with extra flavor.
• Egg Substitute: If you’re avoiding eggs, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) can help hold the puffs together.
• Flour Swap: Use almond flour for a gluten-free version or panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.

Mix and match as you like—these puffs are a blank canvas for your favorite add-ins and flavors.

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Ingredients for This Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

• Mashed Potatoes
  These are the heart of the recipe—smooth, creamy, and starchy enough to hold everything together. Whether freshly made or leftover from dinner, mashed potatoes form the perfect base.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  It melts into the potatoes and creates that irresistible gooey center and golden, bubbly top. Sharp cheddar adds depth, but feel free to use your favorite melting cheese.
• Egg
  The egg acts as a binder, helping the puffs hold their shape and giving them that light, soufflé-like texture when baked.
• All-Purpose Flour
  Just a touch thickens the mixture and ensures a stable structure without making the puffs too dense.
• Garlic Powder
  Adds a mild garlicky kick that enhances the savory notes of the dish without overpowering the creamy potatoes.
• Salt & Black Pepper
  A basic seasoning duo that brings out all the other flavors in the mix.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley
  Not just for garnish—fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the cheese and potatoes.
• Butter (for greasing the muffin tin)
  Helps the puffs crisp up on the edges and ensures they release easily without sticking.

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Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and help the edges crisp up beautifully.

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Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until fully incorporated and smooth. The texture should be thick and spoonable.

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Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Scoop the mixture evenly into the muffin tin cups. Don’t be afraid to mound them slightly—they hold their shape well during baking. You can top each one with a little extra cheese if you love that cheesy crust.

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Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the muffin tin on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the edges look crisp. The cheese should be bubbling and slightly browned.

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Step 5: Cool and Garnish

Let the puffs cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before gently removing them with a spoon. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

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How Long to Cook the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

These cheesy delights bake up in about 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are deeply golden, the edges are crisp, and the cheese is bubbling beautifully. Let them rest for a few minutes after baking to set up before removing them from the muffin tin—this helps keep their shape intact.

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Tips for Perfect Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: If you’re working with leftovers, cold mashed potatoes are easier to work with and help the puffs hold together better while baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to keep the texture light and fluffy. Overmixing can make the puffs dense.
• Grease Generously: Use butter or nonstick spray liberally in the muffin tin to get those crispy edges and to make removal a breeze.
• Add Cheese on Top: For that Instagram-worthy cheese crust, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top of each puff before baking.
• Let Them Rest: Give them a few minutes to cool in the tin before lifting them out—this keeps them from falling apart.
• Double the Batch: These disappear fast! Make a double batch and freeze half for later.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using Watery Mashed Potatoes
  If your mashed potatoes are too runny, the puffs won’t hold their shape. Make sure the base is thick and creamy—if needed, stir in a little extra flour.
• Skipping the Grease
  Don’t forget to grease your muffin tin well. These puffs are cheesy and sticky; proper greasing is key for easy release.
• Overbaking
  Keep an eye on them in the last 5 minutes. Overbaking can make the puffs dry instead of creamy on the inside.
• Not Seasoning Enough
  Mashed potatoes can be bland without enough salt or spices. Taste the base before baking and adjust accordingly.
• Removing Too Soon
  Let the puffs sit for 5 minutes after baking. Taking them out too soon might cause them to fall apart.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs?

Grilled Steak

The creamy richness of the puffs pairs beautifully with a juicy grilled steak for a comforting dinner combo.

Roasted Chicken

Serve these alongside herb-roasted chicken for a hearty and wholesome meal.

Fresh Green Salad

Balance out the richness with a crisp salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette.

Fried or Poached Eggs

These make a fantastic brunch when topped with a runny egg. Trust me—it’s heavenly.

Tomato Soup

Dip the puffs into a warm, tangy tomato soup for a cozy, cheesy twist on comfort food.

Sautéed Greens

Add sautéed spinach or kale on the side for a burst of color and nutrition.

Yogurt Dip or Sour Cream

Serve them as appetizers with a dollop of herbed sour cream or Greek yogurt dip.

Crispy Bacon

For a breakfast or brunch platter, pair these with crispy bacon and fresh fruit.

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How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Storing Leftovers:

• In the Fridge: Place any leftover puffs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. They’ll stay fresh and ready to enjoy whenever you need a cheesy snack.
• In the Freezer: You can also freeze these puffs for later! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a container or bag so they don’t stick together.

Reheating:

• In the Oven: For the crispiest texture, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps retain their crisp edges and warm, cheesy interior.
• In the Microwave: If you’re in a rush, microwave them for 30-45 seconds per puff. While they’ll lose some of their crispiness, they’ll still taste delicious.
• In an Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, this is a great option! Heat the puffs for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to bring back that crispy texture.

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Serving Ideas for Leftover Puffs

• Cheesy Potato Puff Sandwich: Stuff these puffs in a warm, soft roll with some sliced deli meats, veggies, and sauce for an indulgent sandwich.
• Breakfast Skillet: Slice them up and toss them into a skillet with scrambled eggs, bacon, and avocado for a hearty breakfast.
• Puff Salad: Chop them up and use them as a crunchy topping for a salad—add a drizzle of dressing for a fun, cheesy twist.

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Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are everything you could want in comfort food: easy to make, full of flavor, and super versatile. Whether you’re reinventing leftovers or making them from scratch, these little puffs are guaranteed to impress. You’ll find yourself making them over and over again—just make sure to save some for later!

Variations to Try

While this recipe is already a winner, sometimes a small twist can take it to the next level. Here are a few variations you can try to make your cheesy mashed potato puffs even more exciting:

1. Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potato Puffs

Add crispy bacon bits into the mixture for a smoky, savory touch. The combination of bacon and cheddar is always a crowd-pleaser.

2. Jalapeño Cheddar Puffs

For a spicy kick, finely chop some fresh jalapeños and mix them into the mashed potatoes. The heat from the peppers paired with the creamy cheese is a winning combination.

3. Italian-Inspired Puffs

Add some finely chopped basil, oregano, and a bit of Parmesan to the base for a Mediterranean twist. You can also substitute the cheddar with mozzarella for an extra gooey, melty texture.

4. Truffle Mashed Potato Puffs

If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle in a little truffle oil and stir in some grated Parmesan for a rich, earthy flavor. These will feel like a luxurious treat!

5. Sweet Potato Cheesy Puffs

Swap out the regular potatoes for roasted sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet flavor that complements the cheese perfectly. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.

6. Vegan Option

For a plant-based version, use non-dairy milk and vegan cheese, and swap the egg for a flax egg. You can even add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

7. Veggie-Loaded Puffs

Sneak in some extra veggies like chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or grated carrots for a more wholesome bite. These add flavor and texture while making the puffs a bit healthier.

8. Garlic Herb Mashed Potato Puffs

Infuse the mashed potatoes with roasted garlic or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to elevate the flavor profile. These are especially perfect for pairing with roasted meats.

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Pairing Drinks with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

To complete your meal or appetizer spread, here are some drink pairing ideas:

• Wine: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc balances the richness of the cheese. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir would complement the savory flavor.
• Beer: Try pairing these puffs with a pale ale or a light lager for a refreshing contrast to the creamy potatoes.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: For non-alcoholic options, a glass of cold iced tea or freshly squeezed lemonade offers a nice tangy contrast to the richness.
• Sparkling Water: If you want something light and refreshing, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon will cleanse your palate between bites.

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Conclusion

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are an incredibly versatile, easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress at any meal or gathering. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with one of the fun variations, they’re always a hit. Plus, they can be made ahead, stored, and reheated, making them an excellent option for busy days or parties.

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