Golden, crispy on the outside and irresistibly creamy on the inside, Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the perfect bite-sized indulgence. These savory treats take classic mashed potatoes to a whole new level, blending rich cheese, butter, and herbs into a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Baked to perfection in muffin tins, they develop a beautifully crispy crust while remaining soft and cheesy inside, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on traditional mashed potatoes, a delicious party appetizer, or a comforting snack, these potato puffs are a game-changer. They’re easy to prepare with simple ingredients, yet they deliver gourmet flavor in every bite. Serve them fresh out of the oven with a sprinkle of chives, and watch them disappear in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Perfectly Crispy & Creamy – A delightful contrast between the golden crust and the soft, cheesy interior.
Great for Leftovers – An excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and turn them into something exciting.
Easy & Customizable – Adjust the cheese, herbs, or even add bacon for a personalized touch.
Kid-Friendly & Party-Ready – Bite-sized and packed with flavor, making them ideal for kids and appetizers.
No Deep Frying – Baked to golden perfection, meaning less mess and healthier than fried alternatives.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make perfect Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs, having the right tools will make the process easier and ensure the best results. Here’s what you’ll need:

Muffin Tin – Essential for shaping the potato puffs and helping them achieve a crispy exterior while staying fluffy inside. A non-stick or silicone muffin tin works best.
Mixing Bowl – To combine the mashed potatoes, cheese, eggs, and seasonings evenly.
Whisk or Fork – For beating the eggs before mixing them into the potatoes.
Potato Masher (if making fresh mashed potatoes) – Ensures a smooth and lump-free mash.
Grater – For freshly shredding cheese, which melts better and adds a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Spoon or Cookie Scoop – Helps portion out the mixture evenly into the muffin tin for uniform puffs.

Preparation Tips

Use Cold Mashed Potatoes – Chilled mashed potatoes hold their shape better when mixed with cheese and eggs. If your potatoes are freshly mashed, let them cool before using.
Shred Cheese Freshly – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Freshly grated cheese ensures a smoother, creamier texture.
Grease the Muffin Tin Well – To prevent sticking and allow the puffs to release easily. You can use butter, oil, or non-stick spray.
Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until combined to keep the puffs light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy puffs.
Fill the Muffin Cups Properly – Slightly mound the potato mixture in each cup to encourage a crispy, golden top when baking.

Following these tips will ensure your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs come out perfectly every time!

Ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

To make these delicious, crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside potato puffs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups mashed potatoes (cold or leftover works best)
2 large eggs (lightly beaten, helps bind the mixture)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix for extra flavor)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a savory, nutty taste)
¼ cup sour cream (makes the puffs extra creamy)
2 tablespoons melted butter (for richness)
2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (for freshness)
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Non-stick spray or butter (for greasing the muffin tin)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, eggs, shredded cheese, Parmesan, sour cream, melted butter, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated, but avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and fluffy.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Slightly mound the tops to help create that beautiful golden crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy. The puffs should be firm to the touch.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the potato puffs cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges and gently lift them out. Garnish with extra chives or a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Enjoy these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs warm, fresh out of the oven!

Notes

Best Potatoes to Use: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for mashed potatoes due to their creamy texture.
Customizable Flavors: Add crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, or diced ham for extra flavor.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, mix in some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
Make It Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just double-check that all your ingredients (like cheese and seasonings) are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap out cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use olive oil instead of butter.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Not Using Cold Mashed Potatoes – Warm mashed potatoes can make the mixture too loose, preventing the puffs from holding their shape.
Skipping the Grease on the Muffin Tin – These puffs can stick if not properly greased, making them difficult to remove.
Overmixing the Batter – Too much mixing will lead to dense puffs instead of light, fluffy bites.
Filling Muffin Cups Too Much or Too Little – Overfilling can cause spills, while underfilling won’t give you that crispy, golden-brown top.
Baking at the Wrong Temperature – A lower temperature won’t crisp them up properly, and a higher one may dry them out too quickly. Stick to 400°F (200°C) for the best results.
Not Letting Them Cool Before Removing – If you try to remove them immediately, they may fall apart. Letting them rest for a few minutes helps them firm up.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you achieve perfectly crispy, golden, and flavorful Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs every time!

What to Serve With Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs?

These crispy, cheesy bites are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, here are some delicious options to complement them.

8 Perfect Pairings

1. Grilled or Roasted Meats

Pair these potato puffs with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops for a hearty and satisfying meal. The crispy texture contrasts beautifully with juicy meats.

2. Soup or Stew

Dunk these puffs into a warm tomato soup, creamy mushroom soup, or beef stew for an extra comforting experience.

3. Salads

Balance the richness of the puffs with a fresh green salad, like Caesar salad, arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or a classic garden salad.

4. Eggs & Breakfast Dishes

Turn them into a breakfast side with scrambled eggs, omelets, or poached eggs for a fun alternative to hash browns.

5. Dipping Sauces

Enjoy them as a snack with dips like garlic aioli, ranch dressing, sour cream and chives, or marinara sauce for extra flavor.

6. Barbecue Favorites

These puffs go great with BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or smoked brisket, adding a crispy, cheesy contrast to smoky flavors.

7. Roasted or Grilled Vegetables

Pair with roasted asparagus, grilled zucchini, or sautéed mushrooms for a balanced meal.

8. Fish & Seafood

Serve alongside grilled salmon, shrimp, or baked cod for a light yet flavorful combination.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Store leftover Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave.

Freezing

These potato puffs freeze well! Follow these steps:

Let them cool completely after baking.
Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Oven (Best Method): Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Microwave (Quick but Less Crispy): Heat for 30-40 seconds, but they may soften instead of crisping up.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Puff)

Calories: ~120
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fats: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: <1g

Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mashed potato mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake them ahead and reheat in the oven for a crispy texture.

2. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, but homemade mashed potatoes provide a better texture and flavor. If using instant, make sure they are thick and not too runny.

3. How do I make them extra crispy?

For an extra crispy top, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top before baking, and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes at a higher temperature (425°F/220°C).

4. Can I make these without eggs?

Yes, but you’ll need a binding alternative like a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water), extra cheese, or a bit of flour to help them hold their shape.

5. What cheese works best?

Cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or a mix of cheeses work great. Avoid soft cheeses like ricotta, as they don’t provide enough structure.

6. Can I air-fry these instead of baking?

Yes! Place them in a greased air fryer basket at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, checking for a golden-brown crust.

7. What’s the best way to remove them from the muffin tin?

Let them cool for 5 minutes, then use a butter knife or small spatula to gently lift them out. Greasing the tin well helps prevent sticking.

8. Can I make them spicy?

Absolutely! Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.

Conclusion

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a fun and delicious twist on classic mashed potatoes, delivering the perfect balance of crispiness and creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, they’re easy to customize, make ahead, and even freeze for later!