Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

📖 Description:

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are crispy on the outside, fluffy and cheesy on the inside – the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or to add a comforting, savory bite to any meal. Baked in muffin tins, they make adorable and delicious snacks, side dishes, or appetizers for parties.

🥔 Ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

• 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made and cooled)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives

• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing muffin tin)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, green onions, sour cream (if using), salt, and pepper.

3. Spoon the mixture into each muffin cup, filling to the top and lightly packing it in.

4. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crisp.

5. Let cool for 5 minutes in the tin before removing. Serve warm.

📝 Notes:

• Use cold mashed potatoes – they hold their shape better when mixed and baked.

• You can add extras like bacon bits, jalapeños, or herbs for more flavor.

• Works best in a mini muffin tin to get crispy edges; a standard muffin tin can be used for larger puffs.

💡 Tips:

• Don’t overbake or they may dry out—golden brown tops are a good sign they’re done.

• Use sharp cheddar for the most pronounced cheesy flavor.

• To freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven to crisp them up again.

🍽️ Servings:

Makes about 12–16 mini puffs or 6–8 standard muffin-size puffs, depending on the tin size.

⚖️ Nutritional Info (Per Mini Puff – Approximate):

• Calories: 80

• Protein: 4g

• Carbs: 7g

• Fat: 5g

• Fiber: 0.5g

• Sugar: <1g

• Sodium: 130mg

(Will vary depending on ingredients used.)

🌟 Benefits:

• Great use of leftovers: Transforms plain mashed potatoes into a gourmet bite.

• Kid-friendly and portable – perfect for lunchboxes or snacks.

• Customizable to dietary preferences (e.g., swap dairy or add veggies).

• Low-effort, high-reward recipe ideal for busy nights or entertaining.

❓ Q&A:

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.

Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
A: Yes, as long as they’re thick and cooled – avoid runny mash.

Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Yes, if all your ingredients (especially cheese and sour cream) are certified gluten-free.

Q: Can I add meat or veggies?
A: Definitely. Add cooked bacon, ham, or finely chopped cooked veggies (like broccoli or bell peppers) into the mix.