Get ready to swoon over Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, a golden, crispy snack that cleverly transforms leftover mashed potatoes into an irresistible treat. Just imagine tender, cheesy insides with a crisp, savory shell—these puffs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game day, or anytime you want to surprise your family with something comfortingly familiar yet delightfully new. Whether you’re upcycling leftovers or simply craving an easy-to-make bite, you’re about to fall in love with this cheesy, fluffy, utterly addictive recipe!

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whipping up these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs couldn’t be easier, and the best part is how each ingredient brings its own magic: think melty cheese, fluffy potatoes, and the perfect hint of seasoning. Don’t skip a thing—the balance is what delivers that crave-worthy flavor and texture.

Leftover mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes are the heart of these puffs; they bind everything together and stay soft inside after baking.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds incredible gooeyness and a punch of tangy flavor in every bite.
Large eggs: The secret binding agent—eggs help set the structure, so the puffs don’t fall apart.
All-purpose flour: Just enough to keep everything cohesive and provide that sturdy but tender bite.
Salt: It sharpens up all the flavors and makes the cheese and potatoes truly pop!
Black pepper: A gentle kick that brings warmth and balance to each puff.
Garlic powder: For that savory, aromatic hint that makes the puffs irresistible.
Breadcrumbs: The crunchy outer layer, turning each bite into a golden, crispy delight.

How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Step 1: Heat the Oven

Before you start mixing, crank your oven up to 400°F (200°C). Getting things nice and hot is the key to achieving that irresistible, crispy exterior that makes Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs so special.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine your leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to make sure everything is evenly incorporated. You’re aiming for a thick, cohesive mixture that holds together but isn’t stiff—think spoon-able, not pour-able!

Step 3: Shape the Puffs

Scoop up a bit of the mixture and roll it gently between your palms to form balls about the size of a golf ball. If the mixture feels sticky, dampen your hands lightly to prevent sticking. This is the fun, hands-on part—get the kids involved for a kitchen memory!

Step 4: Coat in Crunch

Roll each ball in breadcrumbs, making sure all sides are thoroughly coated. This step is the secret behind that beautiful golden finish and satisfying crunch you’ll get in every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the coated puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing each one slightly apart. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the puffs are puffed up, deeply golden, and crisp on the outside. Let them cool slightly before serving, as the centers will be deliciously hot and gooey!

How to Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Garnishes

Top your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs with a light sprinkling of chopped chives, parsley, or even a dusting of paprika for an extra touch of color and flavor. A little dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce on the side makes these puffs incredibly inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair them with a crisp green salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or roasted veggies for a more complete meal. Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs also work beautifully alongside grilled meats or as a snackable addition to your party platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the puffs on a rustic wooden board, arranging them on skewers for easy serving, or nestling them in cupcake wrappers for finger-food fun at parties. These puffs are as stylish as they are scrumptious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days—perfect for sneaking a quick snack later!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the baked puffs! Just place them in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to two months.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked crispness, reheat puffs in a 375°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes straight from the fridge, or a little longer if frozen. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy instead of crisp.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs work brilliantly with instant mash, as long as it’s thick and not too watery. Just let it cool before mixing with the other ingredients so the eggs don’t scramble.

What types of cheese can I substitute for cheddar?

Feel free to get creative—mozzarella makes the puffs extra stretchy, pepper jack offers a spicy kick, or try gouda for a subtle smoke. Any good melting cheese will fit right in!

Can these be air fried instead of baked?

Yes, air frying works really well for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs! Cook them at 380°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crisp and golden.

Are they gluten-free?

They aren’t gluten-free as written, but you can easily swap in gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make a batch everyone can enjoy. The results are just as tasty!

How can I make them spicy?

If you love a little heat, toss some chopped jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce into the mix. It’s a fun twist that livens up the puffs.

Final Thoughts

Go ahead—give these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs a spot on your table! They’re quick to whip up, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to win over anyone who tries them. I can’t wait to hear how you make them your own!

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 25 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 puffs 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these puffs make a perfect appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs:

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Shape Puffs: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized puffs using your hands or a scoop.
Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each puff in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

You can customize these puffs by adding herbs or spices of your choice to the mashed potato mixture.
Make sure the mashed potatoes are well-seasoned for flavorful puffs.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American