Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a crispy, cheesy, and creamy treat that makes for a perfect side dish or appetizer. These little puffs are made with mashed potatoes, cheese, and a few simple ingredients, then baked to golden perfection. Here’s a simple recipe to make them:

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

Mashed potatoes – 3 cups (preferably leftover mashed potatoes, or freshly made and cooled)
Cheddar cheese – 1 cup, shredded (or a mix of your favorite cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack)

Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup, grated
Egg – 1 large, beaten
Breadcrumbs – 1/2 cup (panko breadcrumbs work great for extra crunch)

Green onions – 2, finely chopped (optional, for added flavor)
Garlic powder – 1/2 tsp
Salt and pepper – to taste

Butter – for greasing the muffin tin
Fresh parsley – for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to prevent the puffs from sticking.

2. Prepare the mashed potatoes:

If using leftover mashed potatoes, make sure they are cool enough to handle. If you’re making fresh mashed potatoes, allow them to cool down to room temperature.

3. Make the mixture:

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, chopped green onions (if using), salt, and pepper.
Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped.

4. Form the puffs:

Using a spoon or your hands, scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin tin. Fill each cup about 3/4 full, pressing the mixture down gently to compact it slightly. If you want a crispier top, you can sprinkle a little more breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan on top of each puff.

5. Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy. You can also broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end for an even crispier top.

6. Serve:

Once done, remove the potato puffs from the muffin tin and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

Add-ins: Feel free to add in cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or chopped herbs for extra flavor.
Texture variation: If you like your puffs extra cheesy, you can add more cheese inside the mixture or place a small cube of cheese in the center of each puff before baking.
Make ahead: You can make the potato mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking.

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and packed with cheesy goodness. They’re a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or just to make a delicious side dish for any meal. Enjoy!