Fluffy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Crispy edges and gooey cheesy mashed potato puffs make weeknight dinners feel like a celebration.

Small bites pack serious flavor into every delectable morsel.

Comfort food gets a playful twist with these golden-brown pillows of creamy goodness.

Potatoes whipped smooth and mixed with sharp cheddar create irresistible texture and taste.

Home cooks can easily craft these crowd-pleasing appetizers without complicated techniques.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes, promising a dish that looks impressive but takes minimal effort.

You’ll want to serve these warm, straight from the oven, watching everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite.

What Goes Well with Potato Puffs

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these cheesy potato puffs on a rustic wooden board with small dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo for appetizer-style serving.
• Brunch Brilliance: Pair these crispy potato puffs alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a delightful weekend morning breakfast that will impress family and friends.
• Game Day Snack Attack: Stack these bite-sized treats on a platter during sports watching parties, offering a savory alternative to traditional chips and providing guests with a hot, cheesy finger food.
• Side Dish Sensation: Complement grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or tender steak with these golden potato puffs as a delectable and unexpected side dish that adds texture and flavor to any main course.

Best Way to Store Potato Puffs

• Store leftover potato puffs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh and ready for quick reheating.
• Carefully place cooled puffs in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 1 month for later enjoyment.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed puffs at 350F for 8-10 minutes, restoring their crispy exterior and bringing back that delicious cheesy texture.
• Quickly reheat individual puffs for 30-45 seconds, but be cautious to avoid making them soggy. Add a quick spritz of water to maintain moisture if needed.

FAQs

• Can I make these potato puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply fill the muffin tin and bake as directed.

• Are these potato puffs gluten-free?

Not automatically. To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free baking powder and check that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. They provide a creamy texture and hold together well when mixed with cheese and eggs.

Highlights of Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Whip Up Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers: These cheesy potato puffs are guaranteed to impress guests with their irresistible golden-brown exterior and creamy, cheesy interior that everyone will love.
• Maximize Kitchen Efficiency: Easily transform leftover mashed potatoes into a delightful new dish using basic pantry ingredients, making this recipe a smart solution for reducing food waste and creating something deliciously unexpected.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for simple ingredient swaps like different cheese varieties, herbs, or mix-ins, perfect for catering to various taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Prep, Big Flavor: Minimal preparation steps and straightforward mixing technique mean you can have these delectable potato puffs ready in no time, making them ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

Ingredients List for Potato Puffs

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy foundation that provides a smooth and rich texture for the puffs.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that adds bold flavor and melty goodness to the mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that brings a nutty and salty dimension to the potato puffs.

• Eggs: Essential for holding the mixture together and creating a light, fluffy texture.
• Milk: Helps to moisten the mixture and create a smooth consistency.
• Baking Powder: Provides lift and helps the puffs become light and airy.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic notes to the potato puffs.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Chives: An optional garnish that provides a fresh, mild onion-like flavor and green color.

How to Cook Mashed Potato Puffs

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Grab your mini muffin tin and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter.

Set your oven to warm up at 400°F, ensuring it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Mix Potato Mixture

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Beaten eggs
• Whole milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Baking powder

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Fill Muffin Cups

Carefully spoon the potato mixture into each muffin cavity, filling them about three-quarters full.

The mixture should look voluminous and promising.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy edges that hint at delicious crunchiness.

Step 5: Cool and Garnish

Remove the potato puffs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

Gently release them from the tin.

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the warm, puffy potato bites and serve immediately.

These cheesy delights are perfect as a side dish or appetizer that will impress everyone at the table.

Extra Notes for Potato Puffs

• Use cold mashed potatoes to help the puffs hold their shape better and prevent spreading during baking.
• Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and aged Parmesan for a more complex, deeper flavor profile.
• Line mini muffin tin with parchment paper squares or use non-stick cooking spray for easy removal of potato puffs.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or panko on top before baking to create a crispy golden exterior that adds delightful texture.
• Replace regular milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version, and use egg substitutes for a vegan alternative.

Switch-Ups for Potato Puffs

• Vegan Potato Puffs: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheddar, and swap milk with almond or soy milk for a plant-based version.
• Herb-Infused Potato Clouds: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or dill to the mixture for an aromatic herb-packed experience that elevates the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Puffs: Substitute mashed potatoes with riced cauliflower, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining a similar texture and cheesy flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Potato Bites: Mix in finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a zesty kick that adds heat and excitement to the original recipe.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible cheesy mashed potato puffs combine crispy exterior with creamy potato goodness. Cheese-lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will savor these delightful bites that elevate classic mashed potatoes into an elegant appetizer.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup milk

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a mini muffin tin by lightly coating with cooking spray at 400F (200C) temperature.
2. Combine mashed potatoes with all cheese varieties, eggs, milk, and dry seasonings in a mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients create a uniform, smooth mixture.
3. Carefully distribute the potato blend into muffin cups, ensuring each cavity is approximately three-quarters filled with the creamy preparation.
4. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven, allowing the puffs to transform into golden, crispy delicacies for 20-25 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and permit the cheesy puffs to rest momentarily, facilitating easier extraction from the tin.
6. Gently release each puff from the mold, garnishing with delicate chopped chives for an elegant finishing touch.
7. Serve immediately while warm, presenting these delightful potato morsels as an irresistible appetizer or side dish.

Notes

• Swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash to create a lower-carb version that’s equally delicious and diet-friendly.
• Add crispy bacon bits or chopped ham for extra protein and a savory flavor boost that elevates the entire dish.
• Use gluten-free baking powder to make these potato puffs suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising texture.
• Allow mixture to rest for 10 minutes before filling muffin tin to help ingredients bind better and create a more consistent, fluffy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg