Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe

Introduction

Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into delicious, cheesy puffs perfect for a snack or appetizer. These crispy, golden bites are quick to prepare and a great way to reduce food waste while enjoying a tasty treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Non-stick cooking spray or butter (for greasing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Generously grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray or butter.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, beaten egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder (if using), salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Mix until just combined without overworking the mixture.
5. Step 5: Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on top.
7. Step 7: Let cool for 5 minutes in the tin before gently removing.
8. Step 8: Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy potato puffs!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, sprinkle a little additional Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
• Mix in cooked bacon bits or diced ham for added flavor and texture.
• Try swapping cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheese twist.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme instead of chives for a herbal note.
• If your mashed potatoes are very thick, add a splash of milk to loosen the mixture slightly.

Storage

Store leftover cheese puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?

Yes, you can use fresh mashed potatoes, but let them cool completely before mixing to help the puffs hold their shape better while baking.

Can I freeze the cheese puffs?

Absolutely. Freeze baked puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen for best results.

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 81 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cheese puffs 1x

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Description

These delicious Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a perfect way to reinvent your mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy, bite-sized snacks. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are easy to prepare and bake, making them ideal for breakfast, appetizers, or party snacks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Mashed Potato Mixture

• 2 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Greasing

• Non-stick cooking spray or butter (for greasing)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for crisping the cheese puffs.
2. Prepare the Muffin Pan: Generously grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent the puffs from sticking during baking.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cold leftover mashed potatoes, beaten egg, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped chives or green onions, garlic powder if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain the light texture.
4. Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the potato mixture into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for slight expansion during baking.
5. Bake the Puffs: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the top.
6. Cool and Remove: Allow the cheese puffs to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes so they set slightly, then gently remove them from the muffin pan.
7. Serve: Serve the cheese puffs warm as a tasty appetizer or snack and enjoy their cheesy, crispy goodness.

Notes

• Make sure the mashed potatoes are cold to help the mixture hold together better.
• You can substitute cheddar with other types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for different flavors.
• Feel free to add extra herbs or spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick.
• These puffs are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
• Mini muffin pans can vary in size; adjust baking time slightly if using larger or smaller pans.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: leftover mashed potatoes, cheese puffs, baked potato snacks, appetizer recipes, cheddar cheese puffs, easy snacks