Looking for a delicious way to use up leftover mashed potatoes? These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the perfect solution! They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory snack, side dish, or appetizer, these puffs deliver on all fronts. Plus, they’re super simple to make and taste even better the next day, making them a great option for meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Uses Leftover Mashed Potatoes: A great way to repurpose leftovers and minimize food waste.
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Cheesy and Crispy: With melted cheese inside and a crispy exterior, these puffs are irresistible.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare them in advance and bake when you’re ready to serve.
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Customizable: Add your favorite cheese or herbs to make them your own.
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Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that are easy on the wallet.
Ingredients
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3 cups mashed potatoes (best if chilled)
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese)
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
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2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
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1/3 cup sour cream
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Salt to taste
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2 eggs, beaten
Optional Substitutions:
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For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
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For lactose-free, use lactose-free cheese and sour cream.
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking. This ensures the puffs don’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
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In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sour cream together until smooth. This will help give the mashed potatoes a light, creamy consistency.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Herbs
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Stir in the shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese (optional), and chopped chives. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Prepare the Potatoes
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Gently fold in the mashed potatoes. Be careful not to overmix to keep the fluffy texture of the potatoes. Make sure the mixture is well combined but still retains its structure.
Step 5: Spoon the Mixture into the Muffin Tin
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Spoon the mashed potato mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. This allows the puffs to rise slightly during baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
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Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and puffed up.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
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Let the puffs cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish to complement your main course.
Notes
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Cold Mashed Potatoes: Cold potatoes hold their shape better and make the mixture easier to form and bake. Use chilled mashed potatoes for the best results.
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Customize with Herbs: Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even garlic powder for extra flavor.
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Crunchy Topping: For a crunchy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the puffs before baking.
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Cheese Substitutions: Feel free to get creative with your cheese! Gouda, Gruyère, or even blue cheese can be used for a more complex flavor profile.
Tools You’ll Need
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Muffin tin
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Mixing bowl
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Whisk
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Spoon for filling muffin tin
Conclusion
These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a fun, flavorful, and easy way to turn your leftover mashed potatoes into a mouthwatering snack or side dish. With their crispy exterior and cheesy interior, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy them with a dip, as a side, or on their own, they’re perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
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Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs – Easy & Delicious Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs (depending on size)
Description
These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes while creating a crispy, cheesy, and savory treat that can serve as a snack or a side dish. They’re perfect for meal prep and taste even better the next day. Get ready for a cheesy and crunchy bite of goodness!
Ingredients
3 cups mashed potatoes (chilled for best results)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or any favorite melting cheese)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
1/3 cup sour cream
Salt, to taste
2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin to prevent the puffs from sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sour cream until smooth. This will ensure the mashed potato mixture has a creamy, light consistency.
Add Cheeses and Chives:
Stir in the shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped chives. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Combine with Mashed Potatoes:
Gently fold the mashed potatoes into the egg mixture. Be careful not to break down the potatoes too much—just enough to combine everything evenly. Add salt to taste.
Spoon into Muffin Tin:
Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. This will give the puffs room to rise during baking.
Bake the Puffs:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the puffs have risen.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the puffs to cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm!
Notes
Cold mashed potatoes are key! They hold their shape better, making the mixture easier to form and bake.
Herb Ideas: Try adding rosemary, thyme, or any herbs you love to enhance the flavor.
Extra Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda, Gruyère, or blue cheese for a more complex flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
