Cream-Puffed Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Heavenly Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up delectable cheesy mashed potato puffs can turn an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary adventure.

Crispy edges and soft, creamy centers make these little delights irresistible.

Comfort food meets gourmet innovation with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Cheese lovers will adore the golden-brown exterior that gives way to a velvety interior.

Potatoes become something extraordinary when transformed into these light, airy puffs.

Imagine serving these as a side dish or appetizer that sparks conversation and delights everyone at the table.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these magical potato clouds.

Why These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Are So Addictive

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich cheddar and parmesan, these potato puffs deliver irresistible cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Serve as a stunning side dish, appetizer, or party snack that transforms ordinary mashed potatoes into an exciting culinary experience.
  • Simple Preparation Magic: Requires basic ingredients and minimal cooking skills, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks of all experience levels with straightforward mixing and baking steps.
  • Customizable Creativity: Easily adapt by adding bacon bits, herbs, or swapping cheeses to match personal taste preferences and create unique flavor variations.

What Goes into Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Main Ingredients:
  • Mashed Potatoes: The creamy base that provides the primary texture and flavor for the puffs.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and flavorful cheese that melts beautifully and adds richness to the potato mixture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that contributes a nutty and salty dimension to the potato puffs.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Sour Cream: These ingredients help bind the potato mixture together and create a smooth, cohesive texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps the puffs maintain their shape during baking.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Chives, Salt, Black Pepper: These seasonings add depth of flavor and a subtle herbal note to the potato puffs.
  • Olive Oil: Used for greasing the muffin tin to ensure easy release of the potato puffs.

How to Bake Mashed Potato Puffs That Are Light and Crispy

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F and generously coat a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil to help your potato puffs glide out effortlessly.

Step 2: Create the Potato Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Sharp cheddar cheese
  • Nutty parmesan
  • Tangy sour cream
  • Fresh eggs

Whisk everything until the mixture becomes silky smooth and perfectly combined.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

Gently fold in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Zesty chopped chives
  • Pinch of salt
  • Dash of black pepper

Stir softly to keep the mixture light and airy.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the potato blend into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to give them room to puff up beautifully.

Step 5: Smooth the Tops

Use the back of a spoon to create a perfectly even surface on each potato cloud.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for golden brown edges and crispy, puffy tops that signal they’re ready.

Step 7: Let Them Rest

Once out of the oven, allow the potato puffs to settle in the tin for 5 minutes, helping them set and cool slightly.

Step 8: Release and Plate

Run a knife around the edges of each puff to release them gently. Transfer to a serving platter with care.

Step 9: Final Touch

Sprinkle with additional chopped chives if you’re feeling fancy. Serve these delightful potato clouds warm as a side dish or appetizer that’ll make everyone smile.

Smart Tips for Fluffy, Cheesy Potato Puffs

  • Boost Cheese Flavor: Add an extra sprinkle of sharp cheddar or smoked gouda on top before baking for an intense, rich cheese taste.
  • Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper muffin liners or extra olive oil to guarantee smooth removal of potato puffs from the tin.
  • Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the potato mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenience.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture.
  • Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to create unique flavor profiles and personalize the dish.

Puffed Potato Flavor Ideas You’ll Want to Try

  • Spicy Jalapeño Potato Puffs: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a fiery kick. Sprinkle extra shredded pepper jack cheese on top before baking.
  • Mediterranean Potato Puffs: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil. Top with a sprinkle of oregano before serving.
  • Bacon Cheddar Potato Puffs: Fold in crispy crumbled bacon bits and extra sharp cheddar cheese. Garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor.
  • Herb Garden Potato Puffs: Incorporate a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley into the potato mixture. Use goat cheese instead of cheddar for a creamy texture.

Great Dishes to Pair with Mashed Potato Puffs

  • Pair Creamy Rosé Wine: Select a light, crisp rosé with subtle fruit notes to complement the rich, cheesy potato puffs, balancing their creamy texture and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • Serve Herb-Roasted Chicken: Create a perfect protein companion that matches the chive-infused potato puffs, offering a tender meat option that echoes the herb and cheese elements in the dish.
  • Match Tangy Green Salad: Prepare a zesty mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the potato puffs, providing a refreshing and palate-cleansing contrast.
  • Add Crispy Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the potato puffs for an extra layer of savory crunch that intensifies the dish's flavor complexity and adds a delightful textural element.

How to Store and Reheat Potato Puffs Like a Pro

  • Store cooled potato puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each puff individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Place completely cooled potato puffs in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Ensure all air is removed to prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm refrigerated puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Restore crispiness by placing them on a baking sheet, which helps revive their original texture and warmth.

Cheesy Potato Puff Questions? Let’s Break It Down

  • Are these potato puffs gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains all-purpose flour, making them not suitable for gluten-free diets.

  • Can I make these potato puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate. Just bake them right before serving for the best texture and crispiness.

  • What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar and parmesan are recommended, but you can experiment with other melting cheeses like gruyere or monterey jack for different flavor profiles.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these potato puffs?

A standard 12-cup muffin tin is essential. A whisk and mixing bowl are also helpful for creating a smooth potato mixture.

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Cream-Puffed Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Cream-Puffed Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe


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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy “Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs” elevate comfort food with golden, crispy edges and melted cheese. Delightful bites blend smooth potato texture with crunchy exterior, promising a crowd-pleasing side dish you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1/2 cup russet potatoes

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp chives, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil to ensure easy release of the potato puffs.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan, sour cream, and eggs, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.
  3. Fold in the all-purpose flour, chopped chives, salt, and black pepper, stirring gently to create a uniform consistency without overmixing.
  4. Carefully spoon the potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
  5. Smooth the tops of the potato puffs with the back of a spoon, creating an even surface for consistent baking.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the tops become crispy and slightly puffed.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the potato puffs rest in the tin for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly.
  8. Gently run a knife around the edges of each puff to loosen, then carefully transfer to a serving platter.
  9. Garnish with additional chopped chives if desired, and serve warm as a delightful side dish or appetizer.

Notes

  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or gouda for unique flavor profiles that complement the creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Reduce carbohydrate content by substituting half the flour with almond flour or replacing white potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.
  • Ensure consistent texture by using room temperature eggs and thoroughly mixing ingredients to prevent lumpy potato puffs that might affect the final rise and appearance.
  • Make ahead and freeze these potato puffs for up to one month – simply reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and warm, cheesy interior.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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