These golden, crispy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the answer to what to do with leftover mashed potatoes - and trust me, they're so good you'll start making extra potatoes just for this recipe! My kids discovered these little gems last Thanksgiving when I was desperately trying to use up our mountain of leftover mashed potatoes, and now they beg me to make them every week.
Each bite delivers a perfect contrast of crispy exterior and creamy, cheesy center that melts in your mouth. This is one of those fun quick recipes that transforms humble ingredients into something absolutely magical, and I promise you'll never look at leftover potatoes the same way again.
Why You'll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
These aren't just any potato based appetizers - they're pure comfort food magic in bite-sized form. What makes these cheesy mashed potato puffs so incredible is how they turn simple ingredients into something that tastes gourmet. My husband calls them "little clouds of happiness," and he's not wrong! The combination of fluffy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and that perfectly golden exterior creates an irresistible texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Plus, they're one of those easy yummy food to make recipes that work perfectly as Thanksgiving potato sides, party appetizers, or even a fun dinner side. These are definitely one of my favorite ideas for mashed potatoes that feels both familiar and exciting.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- What You'll Need
- How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- Aliana's Pro Tip
- Easy Swaps
- Storage & Serving Tips
- What to Serve With Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- FAQs About Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Related
- Pairing
- Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- More DINNER
What You'll Need
These ingredients are probably sitting in your kitchen right now - that's the beauty of this simple recipe that uses up potatoes so deliciously!
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (leftover work perfectly)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Extras
You can add crispy bacon bits, fresh herbs like chives, or swap in your favorite cheese blend for extra flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Mix the Base
Combine cold mashed potatoes, beaten egg, both cheeses, and flour in a large bowl. Stir until well combined but don't overmix.
Add the Flavor
Fold in chopped green onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The mixture should hold together when scooped.
Shape the Puffs
Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, drop rounded portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make them about golf ball size.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat oven to 400°F and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Can I make these cheesy mashed potato puffs ahead of time? Yes! Shape them and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking, or freeze for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen.
Cool and Serve
Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving - they'll be extremely hot inside but absolutely worth the wait.
Aliana's Pro Tip
The secret to perfect puffed potatoes? Use cold mashed potatoes straight from the fridge.
My mom taught me this trick - cold potatoes hold their shape better and create that amazing contrast between the crispy outside and creamy inside.
Also, don't skip the Parmesan cheese - it adds that extra depth of flavor that makes these taste like restaurant-quality cheesy herb mashed potato puffs.
Easy Swaps
No green onions? Regular chives or even finely diced regular onion work great. You can also use recipes using potato flakes if you don't have leftover mashed potatoes - just prepare them according to package directions and let them cool completely first.
Storage & Serving Tips
These are best served immediately while the outside is crispy. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2 days and reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
What to Serve With Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
These work beautifully as things to eat with mashed potatoes or alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or as part of a vegetable side dish for Easter spread. My family loves them with a dollop of sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping.
FAQs About Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure they're completely cooled before mixing with the other ingredients.
What if my mixture seems too wet?
Add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds together when scooped.
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes! Heat oil to 350°F and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
How do I know when they're done?
They should be golden brown and firm to the touch on the outside.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're looking for more things to make out of potatoes and fun mashed potatoes recipe ideas, these dishes are perfect for using up those extra spuds:
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version. You'll find this cheesy mashed potato puffs recipe in my side dishes collection where all my family's favorite potato recipes live.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe:
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine cold mashed potatoes, egg, cheeses, and flour in a large bowl to create a uniform base.
- Fold in chopped green onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper carefully to distribute the savory flavors.
- Scoop rounded portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to prepare them for the oven.
- Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool the puffs for a few minutes on the sheet to let the cheesy centers set before serving.
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