Description
Turn leftover mashed potatoes into golden, crispy, cheesy bites with these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. Perfect as a quick breakfast, easy dinner side, or party appetizer, this easy recipe delivers creamy interiors and crunchy tops baked right in a muffin tin. Ideal for using up leftovers and impressing guests with minimal effort—definitely one of those food ideas you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients
2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
nonstick cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a standard muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
3. Spoon the mixture into the greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full and smoothing the tops.
4. Top each portion with a small pinch of extra cheese.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
6. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before gently removing with a spoon.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use thick mashed potatoes for best structure—avoid overly creamy or loose mixtures.
Let the puffs cool slightly before removing them to prevent them from breaking apart.
Customize with mix-ins like bacon, chives, or diced ham for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cheesy mashed potato puffs, leftover mashed potatoes, easy recipe, quick breakfast, dinner ideas, healthy snack, food ideas