Cheesy Mashed Potatoes in Puff Form — cheesy and fluffy mashed potatoes with a crunchy layer of parmesan. These puffs are perfect for parties, family dinners, or anytime you feel like indulging in a savory snack that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

The cooled mashed potatoes are blended with cheddar cheese, chives, and a touch of garlic, and bound with an egg and a sprinkling of flour to form a cohesive mixture. When formed into little, bite-size puffs and rolled in Parmesan, this makes for a lovely bit of crunch at the outside of each. Baked at high heat, they’ll go golden and crisp at the edges and remain creamy and soft within.

Lastly, once baked, allow to cool for a few minutes in the pan to stabilize so they hold their shape, then enjoy warm. These puffs make an ideal side dish, an appetizer, or snack, and are lovely with sour cream or your dipping sauce of choice. They are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, uniting all of the comforting tastes of mashed potatoes into a fun, bite-sized, and dippable treat!

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Why You’ll Love It

Family-Friendly: These cheesy, bite-sized potato puffs are just as fun to eat as they are to make!
Great for Leftovers: This is a nice recipe to make when you have leftover mashed potatoes and want to transform them into something crispy and new.
Make-Ahead: No frying here; simple to mix, roll, and bake with minimal clean-up.
Versatile: These puffs are as versatile as they are tasty; they’re perfect as a party appetizer, a warming side dish, or a game-day snack.

Key Ingredients

Mashed Potatoes: Cold, leftover mashed potatoes are ideal because they are firmer and help the puffs hold their shape. If you’re using freshly mashed potatoes for this recipe, let them cool in the fridge before using.
Cheddar Cheese: The tanginess of cheddar provides melty, gooey texture and taste. You can get extra cheesy with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss.
Egg: Indispensable for binding the components so each puff retains its shape.
Chives: Adds an oniony zing and some color. You could use green onions or parsley, too.
All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure to the mixture so that the puffs hold together nicely in the oven. For gluten-free options, use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Garlic Powder: Adds a delicate garlic flavor that pairs well with the cheeses. (You could also use minced fresh garlic if you like.)
Parmesan Cheese: Rolling the potato balls in Parmesan before baking gives them a golden, crunchy crust and a delicious crunch.

Full measurements & instructions are located in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cheesy Potato Puffs

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so you can bake those puffs to golden brown perfection!
Grease Muffin Pan: Generously grease a mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray so the puffs don’t stick and come out easily.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Mix the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes with grated cheddar cheese, chopped chives, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add an Egg: Stir well until combined. The egg binds the puffs together while they bake.

Step 3: Form the Puffs

Form the Potato Balls: With clean hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the potato mixture into 1-inch balls.
Roll in Parmesan: For a crunchy, flavorful coating, roll each ball in grated Parmesan cheese.
Place in Muffin Pan: Spoon a ball into a well of the greased muffin pan, pressing lightly to mold it into shape.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the Puffs: Put the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake until the edges of the puffs are golden brown and crispy, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Monitor Cooking: The end of the cooking process reveals their trickiness, so be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Cool Briefly: Leave the puffs in the pan for a few minutes to cool and set, making them easier to remove.
Serve Hot: For best flavor and texture, serve the puffs hot. They’re great as an appetizer, side dish, or hearty snack!

Serving Suggestions

Dipping Sauces: Serve with sour cream, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce for a fun appetizer or snack.
Perfect Pairing: These puffs are delicious with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or soups.
Garnishes: Finish with more chives or a dusting of smoked paprika, if you like.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To re-crisp, simply put them back into the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-8 minutes.
Freezing: These potato puffs can be frozen! Once baked and cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will last for 2 months. To reheat, bake frozen directly in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the potato mixture and shape it into balls, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This can be a real time-saver if you’re preparing for a party or event.

Variations

Bacon Cheddar Puffs: Stir in some cooked, crumbled bacon into the potato filling for an extra savory treat that people will be fighting for!
Loaded Potato Puffs: Stir in a few spoonfuls of sour cream and some finely chopped green onions for a loaded baked potato effect.
Spicy Cheddar Puffs: Use a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce in the potato mixture for a spicy kick.
Garlic Herb Puffs: For extra aromatic flavor, add ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the garlic powder.
Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

Conclusion

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a clever, delicious way to make something fabulous out of mashed potatoes. Ideal for parties, intimate family meals, or simply a little something to spoil yourself, these puffs are sure to be a new favorite. Their crispy, golden crust and tender, cheesy inside are a match made in heaven.

Savor every bite, and don’t be surprised if they’re gone within minutes!