Fluffiest Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe for Sunday Dinner

Crafting delightful cheesy mashed potato puffs brings pure comfort to your kitchen table.

Crispy edges and pillowy centers create an irresistible appetizer everyone adores.

Potatoes whipped with sharp cheddar deliver incredible flavor in each delicate bite.

Leftover mashed potatoes become magical when transformed into these golden-brown delights.

Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe a weeknight favorite.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master these delectable little puffs.

Serve them warm and watch smiles spread across hungry faces as they disappear from the plate.

Why Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Are So Good

• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Cheesy, crispy potato puffs appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Easily customizable with different cheese types, herbs, or add-ins like bacon bits, transforming a classic mashed potato into an exciting, crispy appetizer or side dish.
• Minimal Clean-Up Champion: Uses just one bowl for mixing and a muffin tin for baking, reducing kitchen mess and making preparation and cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients Needed for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy base that provides the primary texture and flavor for the puffs.
• Cheese: Adds rich, melty goodness and enhances the overall taste of the potato puffs.
• Eggs: Serve as a binding agent to help the puffs hold their shape and create a light, fluffy texture.

• Green Onions, Garlic Powder: Provide a subtle, aromatic kick to complement the potato and cheese.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall flavor profile.

• Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy consistency in the potato mixture.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional topping that adds a crispy, golden exterior to the puffs.

Step-by-Step Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Guide

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F and spray your muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Potato Magic

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Beaten eggs
• Whole milk
• Chopped green onions
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until wonderfully blended and smooth.

Step 3: Fill The Muffin Cups

Carefully spoon the potato mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters full.

The mixture should look fluffy and inviting.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs over the top of each potato puff for extra crispiness.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for golden brown edges and a crispy top that signals these potato puffs are ready.

Step 6: Cool And Serve

Let the potato puffs rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps them set and makes them easier to remove from the tin.

Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, crispy goodness!

Tips to Get Crispy and Cheesy Puffs

• Chill mashed potatoes before mixing to help them hold shape better in the muffin tin.
• Use sharp cheddar or gruyère for more intense flavor and better melting properties.
• Line muffin cups with parchment paper strips for easy removal and clean release.
• Prepare mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking for convenient meal prep.
• Replace eggs with ground flaxseed or chia seed mixture for a plant-based version of the recipe.

Fun Variations for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Vegan Potato Clouds: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cheese, and plant-based milk for a completely plant-based version.
• Spicy Southwest Puffs: Add diced jalapeños, swap green onions for cilantro, and mix in some chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Herb Garden Potato Bites: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley instead of green onions for an aromatic herbal version.
• Gluten-Free Crispy Puffs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions for Mashed Potato Puffs

• Brunch Delight: Serve these cheesy potato puffs alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a hearty morning meal.
• Appetizer Elegance: Plate these golden puffs on a small platter with a zesty herb dipping sauce for elegant party snacks.
• Side Dish Magic: Pair these puffs with roasted chicken or grilled steak as a delicious alternative to traditional potato sides.
• Vegetarian Companion: Complement the puffs with a fresh green salad and tangy vinaigrette for a complete vegetarian lunch option.

How to Keep Mashed Potato Puffs Fresh

• Store leftover potato puffs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh and maintaining their texture.
• Wrap each potato puff individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
• Warm refrigerated puffs at 350F for 10-12 minutes, restoring their crispy exterior and heated through evenly.
• Reheat from refrigerated state for 30-45 seconds, checking midway to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes work great. Just prepare them according to package instructions before mixing with other ingredients.

• How do I prevent the puffs from sticking to the muffin tin?

Generously grease the muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. You can also use parchment paper liners for easy removal.

• Can I make these potato puffs ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and bake them, then reheat in the oven at 350F for 10 minutes before serving to restore crispiness.

• What cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is ideal, but you can also use parmesan, monterey jack, or a cheese blend for added flavor.

Puffed Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy cheesy mashed potato puffs deliver comfort in every golden bite, combining creamy potatoes with melted cheese. Perfectly portable and crowd-pleasing, you’ll crave these irresistible little morsels that elevate classic potato goodness into a delightful appetizer or side dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs

Dairy and Liquid:

• 1/4 cup milk

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400F (200C) and thoroughly coat a muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, whisked eggs, milk, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until well integrated.
3. Carefully distribute the potato mixture into muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
4. Optional: Dust the top of each potato puff with breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture and golden finish.
5. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and crisp edges.
6. Remove from oven and allow potato puffs to rest and set for 3-4 minutes, which helps them maintain structural integrity when removed from the tin.
7. Gently extract the potato puffs from the muffin tin using a small offset spatula or butter knife, and serve immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

• Enhance texture by using day-old mashed potatoes for firmer, less watery puffs.
• Swap regular cheese with sharp cheddar or gouda for an intense flavor profile.
• Make these gluten-free by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat cheese and milk alternatives like Greek yogurt or almond milk.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 257 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 315 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg