Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs: 5 Irresistible Bites

If there’s one thing that can instantly brighten up a dinner table, it’s Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. Imagine crispy little bites of mashed potato heaven with gooey cheddar inside—yes, please! These golden beauties are the perfect solution when you’ve got leftover mashed potatoes sitting in the fridge and a hungry family wondering what’s for dinner. Spoiler: you’re about to win Mom of the Year or at least score some serious brownie points.

I love these because they’re simple, fun, and versatile. You can serve them as a side dish, a snack, or even as a party appetizer that disappears faster than you can set them on the table. Trust me, these are not your average potatoes—they’re comfort food with a little sass.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• Easy magic with leftovers – Got mashed potatoes from last night? Turn them into something exciting instead of reheating them for the third time.
• Cheesy goodness in every bite – Cheddar makes everything better. Period.
• Kid- and adult-approved – They’re crispy, cheesy, and bite-sized. Basically, irresistible to all ages.
• Bakes in under 20 minutes – Because none of us has time for a three-hour side dish on a Tuesday night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the short and sweet lineup for these cheesy delights:

• 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)

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Alright, let’s turn those plain mashed potatoes into crispy little bites of happiness. Don’t worry—this is the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is secretly super easy. Think of it as a kitchen magic trick: one minute you’ve got leftovers, the next you’ve got golden puffs that vanish off the tray.

Step 1: Mix It All Together

Grab your chilled mashed potatoes (cold works best because they’re easier to shape). Add in the egg, shredded cheddar cheese, chives, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or even your hands to mix—this isn’t a delicate batter, it’s a hearty potato mash-up. The goal? A mixture that sticks together like playdough, not like soup. If it feels too soft, just sprinkle in a little more flour until it behaves.

Step 2: Roll ’Em Up

Now comes the fun part. Scoop up a spoonful of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball or slightly smaller. Don’t stress about making them perfect spheres—rustic is charming (and no one is measuring). Kids love helping with this step, and honestly, it makes the process feel less like cooking and more like arts and crafts with food.

Step 3: Give Them Their Crispy Coat

Take each potato ball and roll it in Parmesan cheese until it’s covered. This is what creates that irresistible golden crunch once they’re baked. Think of Parmesan as the puffs’ stylish outer jacket—it keeps them crisp, savory, and just a little bit extra.

Step 4: Bake Until Beautiful

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your cheesy little creations on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them (they like personal space while baking). Slide the tray in and let the oven work its magic for 15–20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden brown and your kitchen smells like comfort food heaven.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Carefully pull them out of the oven, let them cool just enough to avoid a molten-cheese situation, and serve them warm. They’re at their absolute best when the inside is soft and melty while the outside has that perfect crispy bite. Pair them with a dipping sauce or enjoy them straight-up—they really don’t need much to shine.

Cooking Tips

• Flour check: If the mixture feels too soft or sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour until you can roll it without potato paste sticking to your hands.
• Switch up the cheese: Not a cheddar fan? Try mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Dipping dreams: Ranch, sour cream, or a zesty marinara sauce pairs beautifully with these puffs.

(Confession: My kids dunk them in ketchup like they’re french fries, and I don’t argue—it gets them eating, and that’s a win in my book.)

A Little Story from My Kitchen

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs were born out of necessity one Thanksgiving. I had way too many mashed potatoes left over and zero desire to eat reheated spuds for a week. I mixed them with a little cheese, tossed them in the oven, and suddenly, my kids were fighting over who got the last puff. From that moment on, it became a “thing” in our house. Now, I secretly make extra mashed potatoes just so I can whip up these puffs the next day.

FAQs About Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Time to Bake a Little Happiness

So there you have it—Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs that turn humble leftovers into little golden bites of joy. Whether you’re serving them as a side, snack, or crowd-pleasing appetizer, these cheesy gems will have everyone asking for seconds. And isn’t that the best kind of compliment?

More Recipes You’ll Love

If these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs had you swooning, you’re in for a treat—because there are plenty more cozy, cheesy, and share-worthy recipes waiting for you:

• Keep the potato party going with these irresistible Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes—crispy edges, fluffy centers, and loads of flavor.
• Planning a family dinner? This hearty Meatball and Mashed Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort-food casserole.
• For party nights or movie marathons, you’ll love scooping into this crowd-pleasing Meaty Texas Trash Dip—it’s cheesy, meaty, and totally addictive.
• And if you’re looking for a snack with a fun twist, these Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket bring just the right amount of heat wrapped in buttery dough.

Each of these recipes is easy, family-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear quickly—just like those potato puffs.

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