Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

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Golden, crisp, and oozing with cheesy goodness, mashed potato cheese puffs are the kind of comfort food that makes everyone smile. These little bites are fluffy on the inside with a perfectly crunchy exterior, making them irresistible whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They’re also a clever way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, transforming something simple into something that feels gourmet.

The beauty of these puffs lies in their versatility. You can serve them at family dinners, holiday gatherings, or casual game nights. They’re easy to customize with your favorite cheeses, herbs, or even a dash of spice, so every batch can be uniquely yours. Warm, savory, and undeniably satisfying, they have a way of disappearing off the plate faster than you expect.

Why You’ll Love This Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

These puffs are wonderfully crispy on the outside yet light and airy inside, with melted cheese that pulls you in for another bite. They’re quick to prepare, kid-friendly, and can be made ahead and reheated without losing their crunch. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer that impresses or a snack that comforts, these little puffs deliver every time.

Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes are perfect for this recipe. They already have seasoning, butter, and creaminess, which helps create a flavorful base. Just make sure your mashed potatoes aren’t too runny—if they are, you can stir in a bit of flour or extra cheese to balance the texture before shaping them into puffs.

Ingredients for the Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

The secret to achieving the best flavor and texture lies in a good balance of creamy mashed potatoes and sharp cheese. Each ingredient plays its role in creating that golden puff everyone will love.

• Mashed Potatoes – The base of the recipe, giving the puffs their soft, fluffy interior.
• Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully inside the puffs, adding a sharp, savory flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese – Provides a salty, nutty kick that enhances the overall taste.
• Eggs – Help bind the mixture together and give the puffs structure.
• Flour – Keeps the texture firm and prevents the puffs from falling apart.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps crisp up the outside when baking.
• Garlic Powder – Lends a subtle savory depth without overpowering.
• Parsley – A touch of freshness to balance the richness.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to round out all the flavors.

How To Make the Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar, parmesan, eggs, and seasonings. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated. Add flour gradually to create a thick but scoopable consistency.

Step 2: Shape the Puffs

Using a spoon or small scoop, portion the mixture into small rounds. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each puff.

Step 3: Add a Golden Finish

Lightly brush the tops with melted butter for extra crispiness. This will help achieve that perfect golden color once baked.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and slightly puffed. Remove and let cool just enough to handle before serving.

Step 5: Serve Warm

These are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is gooey and the outside still crunchy.

Serving and Storing Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

These puffs are best served hot from the oven when the cheese is still gooey and the outside is perfectly crisp. They make an excellent appetizer, a side dish for dinner, or even a snack for gatherings. This recipe yields about 20–24 puffs, enough to serve 6–8 people depending on portion size.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back into the oven or an air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crunch. Freezing is also an option—place the cooled puffs in a freezer-safe bag and reheat directly from frozen when needed.

What to Serve With Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?

Crispy Fried Chicken

The savory crunch of fried chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy interior of these puffs.

Tomato Basil Soup

Dipping the puffs into a warm, herby tomato soup makes them even more comforting.

Fresh Green Salad

A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the cheese puffs.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

The light seafood flavors complement the hearty potato base.

BBQ Ribs

Smoky, saucy ribs with cheesy puffs on the side create a feast worth remembering.

Roasted Vegetables

Earthy roasted carrots, zucchini, or broccoli make a wholesome pairing.

Steak with Gravy

Serve these puffs alongside a juicy steak with rich gravy for a hearty dinner.

Creamy Coleslaw

The crunch and freshness of coleslaw cut through the richness of the puffs beautifully.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love these mashed potato cheese puffs, you’ll enjoy diving into more comforting and hearty dishes that make family meals feel extra special. Try these other favorites:

• Crispy and Delicious Easy Chinese Egg Rolls for a crunchy appetizer full of flavor.
• Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese when you’re craving a gooey, cheesy sandwich.
• Easy Chicken Fried Rice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you want something creamy and indulgent.
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak to elevate your next steak night.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or snack board so you can find it anytime. These puffs are too good not to make again and again.

And don’t forget to share how yours turned out. Did you add extra herbs? Maybe tried a different cheese blend? I love hearing the creative twists others bring to this recipe. Drop your tips and experiences in the comments to inspire more delicious variations.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and creative snacks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next favorite recipe to make at home.

Conclusion

Mashed potato cheese puffs are a bite-sized blend of comfort and flavor, proving that even the simplest ingredients can shine when prepared with love. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cozy night in, or just to use up extra mashed potatoes, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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