Fluffy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe: Golden Bites of Joy

Crispy edges and a pillowy soft center make these irresistible cheesy mashed potato puffs a game-changer for comfort food lovers.

Golden-brown and packed with cheesy mashed potato goodness, this recipe turns leftover potatoes into a delightful appetizer or side dish.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch that melts into creamy, cheesy perfection.

Home cooks will adore how simple these puffs are to prepare with just a few pantry staples.

The combination of sharp cheddar and fluffy potatoes creates an unbeatable flavor profile that disappears quickly from any serving plate.

Rich, cheesy, and utterly addictive, these potato puffs are sure to become a new favorite at your table.

Dive into this delectable recipe and watch these little morsels steal the show at your next meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 13

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Ingredient Breakdown

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy foundation that provides soft, comforting texture and helps bind ingredients together; use leftover or freshly made potatoes for best results.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and melty goodness; choose a high-quality sharp or medium cheddar for maximum taste.
• Chives: Brings fresh, mild onion-like brightness and vibrant green color; opt for fresh chives for the most appealing garnish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create structure and crispy exterior; ensures puffs hold their shape during baking.
• Egg: Acts as a crucial binder that helps ingredients stick together and adds richness.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle savory depth; use fresh garlic for more intense flavor if preferred.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances overall taste and balances other ingredients; use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides golden, crunchy exterior and nutty flavor; select freshly grated Parmesan for maximum crispness.

Tools Needed to Make Mashed Potato Puffs

• Oven: Essential for baking the potato puffs to golden, crispy perfection.
• Mini muffin pan: Crucial for shaping and creating the perfect bite-sized puffs.
• Large mixing bowl: Key for combining all ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Cookie scoop or hands: Helpful for forming uniform potato balls.
• Cheese grater: Needed to grate Parmesan for the crispy coating.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Useful for mixing ingredients thoroughly.

How to Prepare Cheesy Potato Puffs

• Potato Preparation

Gather leftover mashed potatoes from the refrigerator. Ensure they are cold and have a firm consistency for easier handling.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine potatoes with sharp cheddar, fragrant chives, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Crack a fresh egg into the mixture to bind everything together, creating a harmonious blend of creamy and zesty flavors.

• Shaping Magic

Gently form small rounded balls using your hands or a convenient cookie scoop. Roll each delicate sphere in grated Parmesan, creating a crispy golden exterior that promises delightful crunch.

• Baking Transformation

Place the potato puffs into a greased mini muffin pan. Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 400°F. Watch as they transform into golden, puffy bites with crispy edges in about 15-20 minutes.

• Serving Delight

Allow the puffs to rest briefly after baking. Serve these irresistible morsels while warm, letting the cheesy aroma invite everyone to enjoy a bite-sized potato treat.

Tips for Fluffy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Potato Puff Pro Tips: Elevate Your Appetizer Game
• Potato Temperature Trick: Ensure mashed potatoes are cold before mixing to help the puffs hold their shape perfectly during baking.
• Cheese Lover's Swap: Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, gouda, or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles that'll surprise your taste buds.
• Crispy Coating Hack: For extra crunch, try rolling potato balls in breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of Parmesan cheese for a surprising textural twist.
• Herb Garden Boost: Kick up the flavor by adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the potato mixture for a burst of freshness and aromatic goodness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the potato balls in advance and refrigerate them before baking. This technique helps them firm up and makes entertaining a breeze.

Serve Potato Puffs as Appetizers or Sides

• Party Poppers: Serve these crispy potato puffs as delightful appetizers at game nights or holiday gatherings. Guests will love popping these cheesy bites right into their mouths.
• Dipping Delights: Create quick dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo to complement the savory potato puffs. Add fresh herbs to elevate the sauce's flavor profile.
• Brunch Buddies: Pair these cheesy potato puffs with scrambled eggs, bacon, or a light salad for a hearty weekend brunch spread. They make an excellent side dish that adds texture and excitement to your morning meal.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack these portable potato puffs in a container for outdoor lunches or picnics. They taste delicious at room temperature and provide a satisfying snack that's easy to transport and share with friends.

Store Cheesy Potato Puffs Correctly

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover potato puffs in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sticking.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm the chilled puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispiness. Avoid microwave heating to keep the exterior crunchy and prevent soggy results.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze uncooked potato mixture balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before coating with Parmesan and baking as original recipe suggests.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the potato mixture one day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld and saves precious cooking time when ready to bake. Simply roll, coat, and bake when desired.

Crispy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Classic cheesy mashed potato puffs elevate comfort cuisine with crispy edges and creamy centers. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly for a delightful side dish you can enjoy alongside roasted meats or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large egg
• 3 cups mashed potatoes (chilled)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• ¼ cup chives (chopped)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)
• cooking spray (for greasing the muffin pan)
• butter (for greasing the muffin pan)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and thoroughly grease a mini muffin pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing: Combine mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese, chives, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Incorporate the egg, whisking until the mixture reaches a smooth, consistent texture.
3. Forming: Shape the potato mixture into compact balls using a cookie scoop or hands. Roll each ball in Parmesan cheese, creating a crispy coating. Gently place into the prepared muffin pan, pressing lightly to fill each cavity.
4. Baking: Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn golden brown and develop a crisp exterior. The puffs should be perfectly cooked with a tempting, crunchy finish.
5. Serving: Rest the puffs in the pan for a few moments to stabilize their structure. Carefully transfer to a serving plate and enjoy while warm, relishing the harmonious blend of creamy potato and crisp cheese.

Notes

• Potato Temperature Trick: Use cold, leftover mashed potatoes for better binding and firmer texture in the puffs.
• Cheese Coating Technique: Roll potato balls thoroughly in Parmesan to create a crispy, golden exterior that enhances flavor and crunch.
• Pan Preparation Hack: Generously grease mini muffin tin to prevent sticking and ensure smooth removal of delicate puffs.
• Doneness Check: Monitor puffs closely in final minutes of baking to achieve perfect golden-brown edges without burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg