Give your mashed potatoes a delicious upgrade with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs! These crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside bites are loaded with cheesy goodness.
Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, they’re a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or enjoy freshly made ones. Easy to make, incredibly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser, these potato puffs are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (whole, 2%, or plant-based alternative)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
- Cooking spray or melted butter, for greasing the muffin tin
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, green onions or chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
For extra crispiness, fold in the breadcrumbs (if using).
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.
For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top before baking.
Step 4: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown around the edges and set in the center.
Let them cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before removing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Run a knife around the edges to loosen the puffs, then carefully remove them.
Garnish with extra chives or green onions, if desired, and serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Swiss, Gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Texture Adjustments: For a smoother texture, use creamy mashed potatoes; for more bite, leave some potato chunks.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the potato mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delicious and creative way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes. With a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, cheesy center, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. The ingredients can be easily adjusted to suit different tastes, making them a versatile addition to any meal. Simple to prepare and perfect as a snack or side dish, these puffs are a flavorful treat you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (whole, 2%, or plant-based alternative)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
- Cooking spray or melted butter, for greasing the muffin tin
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, green onions or chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- For extra crispiness, fold in the breadcrumbs (if using).
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top before baking.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown around the edges and set in the center.
- Let them cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before removing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Run a knife around the edges to loosen the puffs, then carefully remove them.
- Garnish with extra chives or green onions, if desired, and serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.