Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Fluffy, golden potato puffs packed with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese. They’re crispy on the outside, soft inside, and perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer.

Ingredients

• 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes, cooled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing
• Cooking spray or a little oil for the muffin pan

Directions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray or oil.
2. Prepare the potato mixture
   Place the cooled mashed potatoes in a large bowl.

Add cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, flour, parsley, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Stir until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape.

3. Fill the muffin pan
   Divide the potato mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Fill each cup almost to the top and gently press the mixture down.

Brush the tops lightly with melted butter.

4. Bake
   Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the puffs are golden brown around the edges and the cheese is melted.

For an extra-crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

5. Cool slightly
   Remove from the oven and let the potato puffs cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes. Run a small knife around the edges if needed, then gently lift them out.
6. Serve
   Garnish with extra parsley or green onions and serve warm.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per puff, based on 12 puffs:

• Calories: 145 kcal
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Net Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Sugar: 1 g

Nutrition values are estimates and can vary depending on the mashed potatoes, cheese, and other ingredients used.

Q&A

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes. This recipe is an excellent way to turn leftover mashed potatoes into a new snack or side dish.

Can I add bacon?
Absolutely. Add ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon for a cheesy bacon version.

Can I make these without flour?
Yes. Replace the flour with 2–3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, or use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to help bind the mixture.

Can I freeze them?
Yes. Let them cool completely, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven until hot and crisp.

Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes. Place the puffs in greased silicone muffin cups or small oven-safe molds and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–16 minutes, until golden.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella give a great combination of sharp flavor and stretchiness. Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyère, or Pepper Jack also work well.