Introduction

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delightful, crispy snack perfect for any occasion. Creamy mashed potatoes combined with cheddar and herbs create a savory bite that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

The image shows several cheesy mashed potato puffs in a dark muffin tin against a white marbled background. Each puff is a fluffy mound with a light golden yellow base, fluffy and soft looking, topped with a layer of melted, browned cheese that has crispy edges and a rich orange hue. Scattered on top are small pieces of bright green chives, adding a fresh color contrast. The puffs appear round and slightly elevated within each cup of the tin, showing textures of creamy potato and melted cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups chilled mashed potatoes
1 large egg
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped chives (to taste)
Flour (as needed)
Garlic powder (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Parmesan cheese (for coating)

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s nicely blended.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
Step 3: Roll each ball in Parmesan cheese to coat them evenly.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the puffs on a baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 5: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Tips & Variations

Use cold mashed potatoes to help the puffs hold their shape better during baking.
Add finely diced cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.
If the mixture feels too soft, add a little more flour to make shaping easier.
Serve with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty snack.

Storage

Store leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.

How to Serve

The image shows golden cheesy mashed potato puffs baked in a muffin tin with six visible portions. Each puff has a light yellow base layer that is soft and fluffy with a textured surface. The top layer is melted cheddar cheese, slightly browned and crispy, scattered unevenly over each puff. Small chopped green chives are sprinkled on top of the cheese, adding a bright green color contrast. The muffin tin is metallic black, and the photo is taken on a white marbled texture surface. The lighting highlights the golden brown and cheesy texture clearly, showing the warm and fresh look of the puffs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the puffs in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to bake, or freeze them before baking for longer storage.

Can I bake these without cheese?

The cheese adds flavor and helps bind the mixture, but you can omit or substitute it with a cheese alternative. Just note the texture and taste may vary slightly.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delicious and crispy snack or appetizer made with creamy mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh chives, all baked to golden perfection with a Parmesan cheese coating. Perfect for parties or a savory treat any time.

Author: Toney
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: About 20 puffs 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Mixture

3 cups chilled mashed potatoes
1 large egg
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped chives (to taste)
Flour (as needed, approximately 1/4 cup)
Garlic powder (to taste, about 1/2 tsp)
Salt (to taste, about 1/2 tsp)
Pepper (to taste, about 1/4 tsp)

Coating

Parmesan cheese (for coating, about 1/2 cup shredded)

Instructions

Prepare the mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until it is well blended and holds together.
Shape the puffs: Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls, making sure they are compact and uniform in size for even baking.
Coat with Parmesan: Roll each potato ball in shredded Parmesan cheese to fully coat the surface, which will add a flavorful, crispy crust when baked.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat before baking the puffs.
Bake: Place the coated puffs on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. These puffs are best enjoyed warm as a snack or side dish.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or a binding agent such as cornstarch.
Ensure the mashed potatoes are well chilled to help the mixture hold shape better during baking.
You can add more herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
These puffs can be prepared in advance, shaped, coated, and kept refrigerated until ready to bake.
Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow crispiness on all sides.

Keywords: mashed potato puffs, cheesy mashed potato balls, baked potato snacks, appetizer ideas, party snacks