Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

🍽 Description:

Golden, crispy on the outside, and creamy cheesy on the inside, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a delicious way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into a fun and satisfying appetizer or side. Packed with cheese, herbs, and bacon (optional), these puffs are baked in muffin tins for perfect individual portions.

📝 Ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

• 1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon (optional)

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Butter or oil (for greasing muffin tin)

🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini or regular muffin tin.

2. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, green onions, bacon (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon mixture into muffin cups and lightly press to level the tops.

4. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes (mini tins) or 30 minutes (regular tins), until golden brown on top.

5. Cool & Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before gently removing with a spoon or knife. Serve warm.

🧂 Notes:

• Best with stiff mashed potatoes (avoid overly creamy or runny mash).

• Add chopped jalapeños or herbs (like parsley or chives) for extra flavor.

• Use a silicone muffin pan for easier release.

• Great for brunch, lunchboxes, or party snacks.

💡 Tips:

• Crispier tops? Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before baking.

• Want more fluff? Beat the egg well before mixing in.

• No bacon? Use sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.

• Freeze leftovers and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.

🍽 Servings:

Makes 12 mini or 6 regular-sized puffs
Serving Size: 2–3 puffs per person

🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Puff – Approximate):

• Calories: 100

• Protein: 4g

• Carbs: 10g

• Fat: 5g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 180mg

(Varies with ingredients and portion sizes)

✅ Benefits:

• Great use of leftovers

• Kid-friendly and easy to pack

• High in comfort-food satisfaction

• Customizable for vegetarian or meat-lover versions

• Portion-controlled, oven-baked – no frying involved!

❓Q&A:

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk if needed. Make sure mashed potatoes are dairy-free too.

Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
A: Yes, but make them thicker than normal and cool before mixing.

Q: Can I air-fry these?
A: Yes. Use silicone cups and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes.

Q: Can I add veggies?
A: Absolutely. Try finely chopped spinach, bell pepper, or corn.