Golden, legendary, and utterly addictive—MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS are little bites of pure comfort with crispy edges and melt-in-your-mouth, cheesy centers. This irresistible appetizer perfectly marries the nostalgia of classic mashed potatoes with a fun, updated twist that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or simply savoring with your favorite dipping sauce. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can bring so much joy to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in these MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS serves an important role—whether adding creamy richness, spectacular flavor, or that golden, crispy crunch on the outside. Here’s everything you’ll need and why you won’t want to skip a single one:
- Leftover Mashed Potatoes (2 cups): The starchy base and star of the show, giving these puffs their luscious, fluffy texture.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): For a gooey, savory center that brings just the right amount of cheesiness.
- Large Eggs (2): These bind everything together and help give the puffs their light, soufflé-like lift.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Just enough to hold the mixture without making it dense—perfect for shaping the puffs.
- Salt (1 tsp): Essential to brighten flavors and balance the richness.
- Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a hint of warmth and peppy flavor to every bite.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): A dash of savory depth that takes your puffs from good to absolutely crave-worthy.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): These give the MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS their signature crispy coat and irresistible crunch.
How to Make MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting the oven nice and hot is key for that rapid, beautiful browning and to help the puffs set just right as they bake.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine your leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This step is truly where the magic happens—every ingredient melds together into a thick, luscious dough. Take a moment to appreciate the heavenly aroma as everything comes together!
Step 3: Shape the Puffs
Now for a bit of fun! Scoop out the mixture (a cookie scoop or your hands work perfectly) and roll it into golf ball-sized rounds. You want them uniform so they bake evenly, plus they look so inviting when they’re all arranged on the tray.
Step 4: Coat with Breadcrumbs
Roll each puff in the breadcrumbs until they’re completely covered. This step is what gives MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS that legendary crunch and gorgeous golden color.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated puffs a little apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them into the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until they’re crisp and golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when they look irresistibly puffy and the house smells like cheesy heaven.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the puffs cool for just a couple of minutes—enough so you don’t burn your fingers, but not so long that you miss out on that glorious steam escaping as you break one open. Grab your favorite dipping sauce and dig in!
How to Serve MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! Sprinkle freshly chopped chives, parsley, or a dash of extra cheese over your platter of MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS just before serving. A tiny spoonful of sour cream or a drizzle of sriracha on the side? Pure heaven.
Side Dishes
While they shine as an appetizer, MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS are right at home alongside grilled meats, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad. Their versatility means you can serve them at a weeknight family dinner or as the highlight of a holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pile them high in a tower on a rustic wooden board, nestle them into cupcake wrappers, or thread several onto skewers with colorful veggies between each puff for a festive, finger-friendly treat. Kids especially love them this way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS (which is rare!), simply transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
Need to plan ahead? After baking and cooling, freeze the puffs on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’re ready to reheat and enjoy for up to two months—perfect for sudden snack cravings or surprise guests.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven crispness, reheat your MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven wins for texture!
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes! Instant mashed potatoes can be used in a pinch. Just prepare them according to package instructions and let them cool before mixing with the rest of the ingredients. The taste and fluffiness might vary slightly, but the puffs will still be delicious.
What other cheeses work in this recipe?
Cheddar is classic, but you can easily swap in mozzarella, pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for a different flavor profile. A blend of cheeses also adds a unique depth—experiment to find your favorite!
How do I prevent my puffs from falling apart?
Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately, and don’t skip the eggs or flour, which add structure. If your mixture feels too loose to shape, add a tablespoon more flour at a time until it holds together easily.
Are MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS gluten-free?
They can be! Simply use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. With those easy swaps, this recipe becomes a great option for gluten-sensitive guests.
What sauces go best with these puffs?
Classic ketchup is always a hit, but try offering sour cream, ranch, chipotle aioli, or even a smoky barbecue sauce for dipping. Each one brings a new flavor experience to your MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS platter.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about transforming humble leftovers into MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS that everyone clamors for. Whether you’re serving them up as a festive appetizer or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, these little puffs are pure joy. Give them a try, and watch smiles appear with every cheesy, crunchy bite!
Print
MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful crunch of mashed potato cheese puffs, where crispy exteriors give way to creamy, cheesy centers. Perfect as an appetizer for parties or a cozy snack for movie nights, these puffs are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they’re a hit for all occasions!
Ingredients
Leftover Mashed Potatoes
- 2 cups
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup
Eggs
- 2 large
All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup
Salt
- 1 tsp
Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp
Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp
Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Shape the Mixture: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized puffs using your hands or a scoop.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each puff in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff (30g)
- Calories: 94
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
