Fluffy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Fluffy Clouds of Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Soft, pillowy, and loaded with cheesy mashed potato puffs, these delightful bites promise to steal the show at any gathering.

Golden-brown edges give way to a creamy, cheesy interior that melts in your mouth with each bite.

Packed with rich flavors and a delightful texture, these puffs turn ordinary potatoes into something extraordinary.

They’re surprisingly simple to whip up, requiring just a few basic ingredients from your kitchen.

The crispy exterior provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety center.

Serve these irresistible morsels as an appetizer or side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

These potato puffs are about to become your new go-to recipe for impressing dinner guests.

Serving Potato Puffs at Brunch or Dinner

  • Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair these cheesy potato puffs with tangy ranch, zesty marinara, or spicy sriracha mayo for an extra flavor kick.
  • Create a Party Platter: Arrange the puffs on a large platter with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a variety of colorful dipping sauces for a stunning appetizer spread.
  • Add as Side Dish: Complement main courses like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish with these crispy, cheesy potato puffs for a delightful meal enhancement.
  • Game Day Snack: Prepare these puffs for sports gatherings, movie nights, or casual get-togethers as a crowd-pleasing finger food that everyone will love.

How to Keep Puffs Tasty

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover cheesy mashed potato puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Carefully place cooled potato puffs in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They'll maintain quality for up to 1 month when properly sealed and protected from freezer burn.
  • Reheat with Crispiness: Warm refrigerated or thawed puffs in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain their delightful crispy exterior and prevent soggy texture.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Make the potato mixture and shape into balls up to 24 hours before cooking. Cover and refrigerate, then roll in breadcrumbs and bake when ready to serve for maximum freshness and convenience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 5

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Ingredient List

For Potato Base:
  • Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Creamy foundation that provides a rich, comforting texture and transforms yesterday's side dish into a delightful new creation.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic kick that elevates the potato's natural flavor without overwhelming the dish.
For Cheese Enhancement:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty, sharp cheeses that bring irresistible depth and a golden, crispy exterior while boosting protein and creating an indulgent flavor profile.
For Binding and Coating:
  • Eggs: Acts as a crucial glue that helps hold the potato mixture together and ensures a perfect crispy coating.
  • Breadcrumbs: Delivers a satisfying crunch and creates a gorgeous golden-brown exterior that provides textural contrast.
  • Chives (Optional): Introduces a mild oniony freshness and beautiful green specks for visual appeal.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the potato puffs.

Tools to Form and Bake Potato Puffs

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly.
  • Baking sheet: Perfect for creating crispy, evenly baked potato puffs.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps get ingredient quantities just right.
  • Whisk or fork: Great for beating eggs and mixing ingredients.
  • Spoon or ice cream scoop: Helps shape uniform potato balls.
  • Breadcrumb plate: Convenient for coating potato puffs evenly.
  • Spatula: Useful for transferring potato puffs to baking sheet.

Step-by-Step for Making Fluffy, Cheesy Puffs

  • Oven Preparation Warm up your oven and get your baking sheet ready for some crispy magic.
  • Mixing Magic Blend your leftover mashed potatoes with delicious cheeses, herbs, and seasonings until everything looks super yummy and well combined.
  • Egg Bath Gently dunk each potato mixture into beaten eggs for a silky smooth coating.
  • Breadcrumb Transformation Roll the eggy potato balls through crunchy breadcrumbs, creating a gorgeous golden exterior.
  • Baking Adventure Place your potato puffs on the baking sheet and slide them into the hot oven, letting them transform into crispy, cheesy delights.
  • Serving Joy Pull out your golden-brown potato puffs and serve them immediately while they're hot and irresistibly crunchy.

Ideas for Stuffings, Mix-Ins, and Seasonings

  • Sprinkle in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill to elevate the potato puffs with vibrant, aromatic notes that complement the cheesy base.
  • Add a kick by mixing in jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or cayenne powder for those who enjoy a spicy twist on classic comfort food.
  • Substitute eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing texture or flavor.
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Fluffy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Fluffy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy cheesy mashed potato puffs deliver comfort and elegance in one delightful bite. Light cheese pillows emerge golden from oven, offering savory satisfaction with each delectable morsel you’ll eagerly devour.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (473 ml) mashed potatoes (leftover)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tbsps chives (chopped, optional)
  • Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or oil to prevent adherence.
  2. Potato Mixture: Merge leftover mashed potatoes with cheddar, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, ensuring thorough incorporation of all components.
  3. Egg Coating: Whisk eggs until smooth and uniform in texture.
  4. Forming Puffs: Craft potato mixture into compact round balls or slightly flattened patties, maintaining structural integrity.
  5. Breading Process: Immerse each potato puff into whisked eggs, allowing excess to cascade off, then enrobe completely in breadcrumbs for a crisp exterior.
  6. Baking: Strategically position potato puffs on the prepared baking sheet, providing adequate spacing for optimal heat circulation.
  7. Oven Transformation: Roast for 20-25 minutes, midway rotating the pan to achieve consistent golden-brown coloration and crackling texture.
  8. Serving: Extract from oven when puffs display a radiant golden hue, crisp exterior, and thoroughly heated core. Transfer to a serving platter and present immediately while piping hot and supremely crunchy.

Notes

  • Prevent Crumbling: Ensure mashed potatoes are cold and thick to help potato balls maintain shape during coating and baking.
  • Crumb Coating Technique: Press breadcrumbs firmly onto potato balls to create a secure, crispy exterior that won’t fall off during cooking.
  • Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety and perfect texture.
  • Leftover Magic: Best results come from day-old, chilled mashed potatoes as they bind more effectively and create a sturdier puff.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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