Fluffy Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe Magic

Crispy golden edges and a fluffy interior make these leftover mashed potato cheese puffs a delightful way to reinvent your meal remnants.

Packed with melty cheese and herbs, this recipe turns simple leftovers into an irresistible appetizer or snack.

The combination of creamy potatoes and sharp cheddar creates a mouthwatering bite that disappears faster than you can plate them.

Every puff bursts with comfort and flavor, promising a satisfying crunch in each nibble.

Waste becomes wonder as cold mashed potatoes get a delicious second life.

Unexpected and easy, these cheese puffs will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to transform your leftover potatoes into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

• Eggs: Binds the mixture together, providing structure and richness to the puffs.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy flavor and helps create a creamy, smooth texture.
• Mashed Potatoes: Transforms leftover potatoes into a delightful, crispy appetizer.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a golden, crispy exterior with deep, savory notes.
• Chives: Brings a mild onion-like freshness and bright green color to the dish.
• Salt: Elevates and balances the overall flavor profile of the puffs.

• Muffin Tin: Provides the perfect shape and helps create crispy, individual portions.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures easy removal and adds a subtle buttery flavor to the edges.

Tools to Turn Mashed Potatoes into Crispy Puffs

• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Muffin Tin: 12-cup tin for creating perfectly shaped potato puffs.
• Grater: For shredding fresh cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
• Whisk or Fork: To beat eggs and mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Spatula: Helpful for folding mashed potatoes and scraping bowl.
• Baking Mitt: Protect hands when handling hot muffin tin.

Cooking Up Cheese Puffs from Mashed Potatoes

• Potato Puff Foundations

Warm up your kitchen oven and ready a muffin tin with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Creamy Mixture Base

Whisk eggs until they become light and fluffy, then blend in tangy sour cream to create a smooth foundation for your cheesy potato puffs.

• Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle in sharp cheddar and salty Parmesan cheese, then add fresh chopped chives and a whisper of seasoning to create a flavor-packed blend.

• Potato Integration

Gently incorporate leftover mashed potatoes into the cheesy mixture, ensuring every spoonful will be a delightful combination of textures.

• Muffin Tin Magic

Carefully fill each muffin cup to the brim with the potato mixture, creating little pillows of cheesy goodness ready to transform in the oven.

• Golden Transformation

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and puff up with irresistible charm.

• Cooling and Serving

Let the potato puffs rest briefly, then tenderly remove them from the tin and serve as a crowd-pleasing side or standalone snack that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tricks for Crispy Outside, Creamy Inside

• Enhance the puffs by adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill to introduce more depth and aromatic notes to the dish.
• Mix in diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to transform the potato puffs into a zesty, spicy version that tingles taste buds.
• Incorporate crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or cooked crumbled sausage into the mixture for extra protein and a satisfying textural contrast.

Serving Ideas for Potato Cheese Puffs

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a light, crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy potato puffs.
• Dip and Enjoy: Serve with cool sour cream, zesty ranch dressing, or homemade salsa for an extra flavor kick that complements the warm, cheesy puffs.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange these golden potato puffs on a platter alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a stunning weekend brunch spread that will impress guests.
• Game Day Appetizer: Transform these puffs into a crowd-pleasing finger food by cutting them into smaller bite-sized portions perfect for parties and game night gatherings.

Reheating and Storing Tips for Cheese Puffs

• Refrigerate and Reheat with Ease: Store leftover potato puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and tasty.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm these cheesy puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and warm, soft interior.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Pack cooled potato puffs in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 1 month for convenient make-ahead meals.
• Smart Prep Strategy: Make a double batch and save half for later, giving you a quick and delicious side dish or snack ready whenever hunger strikes.

Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delectable mashed potato cheese puffs combine crispy exterior with creamy potato goodness. Cheese-lovers appreciate these simple yet elegant appetizers that elevate leftovers into irresistible party snacks you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (710 ml / 24 fl oz) mashed potatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or favorite melting cheese)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) chives
• ⅓ cup (80 ml / 2.7 fl oz) sour cream
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease a muffin tin thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Base Mixture: Whisk eggs in a large bowl until smooth and frothy, then blend in sour cream until the mixture reaches a uniform consistency.
3. Flavor Infusion: Fold in sharp cheddar, Parmesan, chopped chives, and kosher salt, creating a rich and aromatic mixture that promises depth of flavor.
4. Potato Integration: Gently incorporate cold leftover mashed potatoes into the cheese blend, using a delicate folding technique to maintain the mixture’s airiness.
5. Filling and Baking: Evenly distribute the potato mixture into muffin tin cavities, filling each to the top. Transfer to a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) and bake for 22-27 minutes until the tops turn golden-brown and develop a crispy, puffy exterior.
6. Resting and Serving: Allow potato puffs to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven. Carefully extract from the tin using a small offset spatula or butter knife, then serve immediately as a delectable side dish or appetizer.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold mashed potatoes into the egg mixture to maintain a light, airy texture and avoid dense, heavy puffs.
• Cold Potato Trick: Use cold leftover mashed potatoes for better structural integrity and easier mixing in the recipe.
• Golden Brown Perfection: Watch carefully during the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve a crispy, golden-brown top without burning.
• Removal Technique: Let puffs rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to help them set and make removal from the tin easier without breaking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg