If you love creamy mashed potatoes and melty cheese, then you are in for a real treat with this Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe. These bite-sized delights are crispy on the outside, wonderfully soft and cheesy on the inside, and perfect for sharing at any gathering or enjoying as a comforting snack. The combination of fluffy mashed potatoes, sharp Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, and a touch of fresh chives makes every puff burst with flavor and texture. Whether you’re using leftover mashed potatoes or making fresh, these puffs come together quickly and promise to be a crowd-pleaser every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, familiar ingredients come together to create magic in this recipe. Each plays an essential role, whether it’s building the creamy base, adding flavorful layers, or providing that perfect golden crust.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes: Using leftover mashed potatoes is perfect and saves time, just make sure they’re smooth and creamy for the best texture.
- 2 large eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and give the puffs stability while baking.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar), divided: Sharp Monterey Jack or cheddar adds a rich, melty cheesiness that makes these puffs irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: Fresh chives bring a mild onion flavor and a splash of color that livens up the dish.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for seasoning, especially to bring out the natural flavor of the potatoes and cheese.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle kick and depth of flavor to balance the dish.
- Sour cream, for serving (optional): A tangy dip that complements the creamy potatoes beautifully when you want an extra touch.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a mini muffin tin thoroughly. This step ensures your puffs will release easily once baked, keeping their beautiful shape intact.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, eggs, ¾ cup of shredded cheese, and freshly chopped chives. Season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper to make sure every bite sings with flavor. Mix everything well until it’s fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the potato mixture evenly into each cup of your mini muffin tin. Fill nearly to the top to create nice, full puffs that will bake into light, fluffy bites. Take your time filling to avoid spilling and maintain even sizes.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheese over the top of each puff. This layer melts and bakes to a golden, slightly crispy topping that adds a gorgeous texture contrast and visually appetizing finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden brown color on top and ensure the puffs are set and slightly firm to the touch. The baking process crisps the edges while keeping the inside lusciously soft.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the puffs cool in the tin for a few minutes before gently removing with a small spatula or knife. Serving them warm maximizes their cheesy goodness. Pair with sour cream if you like, for an extra creamy dip that’s simply perfect!
How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped chives or a light dusting of paprika can add color and a little extra flavor punch to your puffs. You can also drizzle a touch of melted butter or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess and balance.
Side Dishes
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe puffs stand up wonderfully alongside salads, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty soup. They’re fantastic as a finger food at parties or paired with grilled meats at dinner for a comforting, crowd-pleasing combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these puffs in a rustic bread basket lined with parchment paper or on a colorful platter with assorted dips like spicy aioli or garlic herb cream cheese. For an elegant touch, garnish each puff with a tiny sprig of fresh herbs or a thin crisp slice of radish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain their texture and flavor for enjoying later.
Freezing
These puffs freeze really well! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, making them a convenient snack or side dish for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, bake frozen or refrigerated puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that perfect crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Just boil and mash fresh potatoes until smooth and creamy, then let them cool before mixing with the other ingredients. This way, you get the same fantastic texture and flavor as with leftovers.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar are both great choices because they melt beautifully and add a nice flavor punch. You could also try a blend or substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste.
Can I make these puffs gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not include any flour or breadcrumbs. Just double-check your cheese labels to ensure they haven’t been processed with gluten-containing additives if you have a sensitivity.
How do I make the puffs extra crispy?
Using a mini muffin tin and baking at 400°F helps with crisping the edges. Additionally, you can brush the tops lightly with a bit of melted butter before adding the cheese topping for an extra golden crust.
Are these puffs suitable for freezing and reheating?
Definitely! Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe freezes wonderfully and can be reheated in the oven with no loss in flavor or texture, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack or side dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, comforting dish that combines the best of creamy potatoes and melty cheese, this Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple to make, irresistibly tasty, and sure to bring smiles around your table. Give it a try soon and watch how quickly these little puffs disappear!
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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are bite-sized, savory treats made from creamy mashed potatoes mixed with eggs, cheese, and fresh chives, then baked until golden and crispy on top. Perfect as a party appetizer or a comforting side dish, these flavorful puffs are easy to prepare and delicious served warm with a dollop of sour cream.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover works great)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar)
For Serving
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, eggs, 3/4 cup of shredded cheese, and chopped fresh chives. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste, mixing thoroughly until well blended.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each nearly to the top for perfect portion sizes.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over the tops of each filled muffin cup to create a delicious cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown on top and set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the puffs to cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Serve warm, optionally with sour cream on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Leftover mashed potatoes work best for this recipe, ensuring the mixture is not too runny.
- You can substitute the cheese with your favorite variety such as mozzarella or gouda.
- For a crispier bottom, try using a silicone muffin pan or line with mini cupcake liners.
- These puffs can be prepared in advance and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Adding finely chopped cooked bacon or ham can add extra flavor if desired.
