There is something truly irresistible about Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs that makes them a crowd favorite every time I bring them to a gathering or serve them for a cozy family night. These little golden bites combine the creamy comfort of mashed potatoes with the rich, melty goodness of cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a delightfully crispy exterior. Whether as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs strike that perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and satisfying that keeps everyone reaching for more.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs recipe plays an important role in building that luscious texture and flavor that make these puffs so magical. What’s amazing is how simple pantry staples come together to create something truly memorable.

3 cups chilled mashed potatoes: Using chilled potatoes helps the mixture firm up, making the puffs easier to shape and helping them hold together while baking.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder, giving structure and stability to your puffs so they don’t fall apart in the oven.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings that classic sharp, creamy cheesiness that’s at the heart of this recipe’s irresistible flavor.
Chopped chives (to taste): Adds a fresh, mild onion note that brightens the rich, cheesy blend beautifully.
Flour (as needed): Just enough to help the mixture become pliable and to ensure firmness when baked.
Garlic powder (to taste): Infuses a subtle, savory depth that complements the cheese and potatoes perfectly.
Salt (to taste): Enhances every flavor, making the cheesy mashed potato flavor pop.
Pepper (to taste): Adds a touch of warmth and piquancy for balance.
Parmesan cheese (for coating): This creates a crispy, flavorful crust that’s simply irresistible once baked.

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Start by placing your chilled mashed potatoes into a mixing bowl. Adding the egg, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the bowl, mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should be soft but hold together well, so add a little more flour if it feels too loose. This blend is the flavor-packed foundation for your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs.

Step 2: Shape the Puffs

Next, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls with your hands. Don’t worry about making each puff perfect—these rustic shapes add to the charm and even baking. Once shaped, roll each ball generously in Parmesan cheese to coat. This step is key to achieving that amazing crispy crust that makes these puffs so addictive.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange your coated puffs on the sheet with some space in between, then pop them in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until each puff turns a beautiful golden brown on the outside and boasts a lovely crunch. When you pull them out, the smell alone will have everyone’s mouths watering.

How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra chopped fresh chives or a dusting of finely grated Parmesan on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor. For an extra touch, a small dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of spicy aioli brings a creamy, tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the crispy, cheesy puffs.

Side Dishes

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a versatile companion to many meals. They shine alongside roasted meats like chicken or pork, or served with a crisp salad full of vibrant greens and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through their richness. They also work wonderfully as a delightful appetizer or snack at any party.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to jazz things up for guests, serve the puffs in mini paper cups or on a wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing. You can also try stuffing a small bit of cooked bacon or jalapeño inside the puffs before coating with Parmesan for an extra surprise. The possibilities are endless to make your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs the star of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place your leftover Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They will keep well for 3-4 days, making for a convenient ready-to-eat snack or side that you can pop back in the oven to refresh.

Freezing

These puffs freeze beautifully. Arrange shaped but unbaked puffs on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can bake individual portions fresh from frozen anytime you want a quick, comforting bite.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the puffs on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. This revives their golden crust and gooey cheesy interior just like when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes are perfect for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. Just make sure they are well-chilled and not too watery so the mixture holds together nicely.

What kind of cheese works best besides cheddar?

Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or a smoked cheese for different flavor profiles. Just remember some cheeses melt more smoothly than others.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice. Parmesan coating and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easily adaptable.

Is it possible to fry these instead of baking?

Definitely! You can shallow or deep fry the puffs until golden brown and crispy. Frying gives a different texture—extra crunchy on the outside and soft within.

How do I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs scale up very well. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings desired and mix in a larger bowl. Just keep an eye on baking time, as more batches may require oven rotation.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like sharing a batch of warm, crispy, and cheesy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs with the people you love. They are comfort food elevated to a fun, bite-sized snack that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Trust me, once you try them, these puffs will become a regular favorite in your kitchen too. So grab your chilled mashed potatoes and get baking—deliciousness awaits!