Name: Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs – Comfort Food Recipes at Their Best
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover works best); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 eggs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup flour; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Let me tell you, mashed potatoes never last long at my house. The minute I make them, someone always sneaks a spoonful before dinner’s even ready. That’s why I love turning those leftovers into something fun like these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. Soft inside, crispy outside, and full of cheesy goodness—they’re basically comfort food recipes wrapped up in golden bites. They’re a playful spin on classic potato and cheese recipes, but with a twist that makes them taste a bit like pizza puffs recipe or even mashed potato pancakes recipe, only lighter and easier to pop into your mouth. And hey, if you’re a fan of mashed sweet potato recipes, you could swap those in too for a sweeter, more earthy flavor. I like to serve these when friends come over, because they disappear faster than anything else on the table. Think of them as a snack that feels indulgent, but still leans toward healthy comfort food recipes when you bake them instead of frying. Plus, they’re just plain fun to eat—like little potato clouds with a cheesy surprise inside.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
3) Ingredients for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
4) How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
5) Tips for Making Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
6) Making Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
8) Try these side dishes next!
9) Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

These puffs transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy golden bites.
Cheese and potato combine for a classic comfort food recipe.
Bake instead of fry for a lighter, healthier option.
Easy enough for weeknights yet fun enough for parties.

2) Easy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe

I’ve always believed leftovers have secret potential. Mashed potatoes, for example, sit in the fridge looking plain until you scoop them into a muffin tin and give them a cheesy makeover. Suddenly, they’re golden puffs that feel fancy enough to serve at a dinner party. The contrast between soft centers and crisp edges gives them an irresistible charm.

What makes this recipe work is how little effort it demands. You don’t need special skills. Mix, spoon, bake. The oven handles the hard part. I often make these when my family wanders into the kitchen asking for a snack. They’re ready before anyone has time to complain.

Comfort food recipes shine when they bring ease and joy together. These puffs prove you can have both. They carry the warmth of homemade food and the speed of something simple. That balance makes them a favorite in my kitchen.

3) Ingredients for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Mashed Potatoes Leftover works best. The starch firms up after cooling, so the puffs hold their shape in the oven. Fresh mashed potatoes can be used, but you may need extra flour to keep them steady.

Cheddar Cheese Sharp cheddar melts into the potatoes, adding richness and a nutty bite. Other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack will also work, though the flavor shifts slightly with each choice.

Eggs They bind the mixture together. Eggs create a structure that lets the puffs rise and hold their crisp exterior. Without them, the mixture collapses into mush.

Parmesan Cheese Adds a salty, savory edge. The small granules melt slower than cheddar, which leaves pockets of flavor throughout the puff.

Flour A bit of flour helps keep everything tight. It soaks up excess moisture and adds body to the batter. The exact amount can shift based on how creamy your mashed potatoes are.

Seasonings Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. These bring out the depth of the potato and balance the richness of the cheese. They’re subtle but noticeable in every bite.

Parsley A garnish that adds color and freshness. Optional, but I find it brightens the plate and makes the puffs look lively.

4) How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a muffin tin. The tin gives the puffs shape, and the grease ensures they slip out without sticking.

Step 2. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar, eggs, Parmesan, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything feels smooth but still thick. The batter should scoop easily without sliding off the spoon.

Step 3. Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups. Fill each about three-quarters full so they have room to rise. Don’t worry if the tops look uneven. That rough texture crisps into a golden crown.

Step 4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The tops should turn brown, and the edges should pull away slightly from the tin. A crispy border signals they’re done.

Step 5. Cool for a few minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges if needed to loosen them. Sprinkle parsley over the top and serve warm.

5) Tips for Making Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Cold mashed potatoes give the best results. They thicken naturally and make shaping easier. Warm potatoes can turn watery, leading to floppy puffs. If all you have is fresh, stir in more flour until the mixture stiffens.

Cheese choice matters. A sharp cheddar gives strong flavor, but mixing in a softer cheese like mozzarella creates a gooey stretch. Experiment with blends to match your taste. Comfort food recipes often thrive on small personal tweaks like this.

Keep an eye on baking time. Every oven has quirks. If the edges brown too fast, lower the rack. If they stay pale, extend the bake a few minutes. Trust your senses more than the clock.

6) Making Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Ahead of Time

I often prepare these puffs before guests arrive. Mixing the batter early saves stress later. Scoop the mixture into a covered bowl and chill for up to a day. The flavors mingle as they rest, giving the cheese more time to blend with the potatoes.

When ready, portion the batter into muffin tins and bake. Cold batter may need an extra minute or two in the oven. The results stay crisp outside and soft inside, even with the pause between mixing and baking.

Comfort food recipes like this prove that planning ahead can work. Having a tray ready to slide into the oven lets me enjoy more time with friends instead of hovering over the counter.

7) Storing Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The texture softens but revives with a quick reheat. Place them on a baking sheet at 350°F for about ten minutes. They regain their crisp edges without drying out.

You can also freeze them. Lay cooled puffs on a tray until solid, then pack into freezer bags. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 15 minutes. They taste almost as fresh as the day you baked them.

I like keeping a stash in the freezer. On busy nights, they serve as a quick side dish that doesn’t demand much work. A warm puff pairs nicely with soup, grilled chicken, or even a big salad.

8) Try these side dishes next!

9) Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe