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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Mix leftover mashed potatoes with eggs, cheese and fresh herbs. Scoop into greased mini muffin tin, top with more cheese. Bake till golden and puffy with crispy tops. Makes perfect little bites that are crispy outside, soft inside. Great way to use up extra mash and feed hungry crowd.

Featured in Finger Foods and Party Snacks.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:26:41 GMT
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Golden-brown cheesy mashed potato cups topped with chopped chives, arranged in a muffin tin. Pin it
Golden-brown cheesy mashed potato cups topped with chopped chives, arranged in a muffin tin. | zestplate.com

Got leftover mashed potatoes? Get ready to turn them into something magical! These cheesy mashed potato puffs are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with melty cheese. They're so good, you might start making extra mashed potatoes just to have leftovers!

Why You'll Love These

Looking for the perfect way to give those leftover potatoes new life? These potato puffs are your answer! They're like little clouds of cheesy goodness that everyone goes crazy for. Plus, they're versatile enough to serve as a side dish, appetizer, or even a late-night snack. Trust me, once you try them, you'll never look at leftover mashed potatoes the same way again.

What You'll Need

  • Leftover Mashed Potatoes: 2 cups - cold from the fridge works best!
  • Eggs: 2 large ones, they help make everything puffy
  • Monterey Jack: 1 cup total - save 1/4 cup for topping
  • Fresh Chives: 1/4 cup chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste - go easy if your potatoes are already seasoned
  • Sour Cream: Optional, but highly recommended for serving

Let's Make Magic!

Fire Up That Oven
Get your oven nice and hot at 400°F. Grab a mini muffin tin and give it a light coating of cooking spray.
Mix It Up
In a big bowl, mix your cold mashed potatoes with beaten eggs until smooth. Fold in that cheese and chives - don't overmix, we want these light and fluffy!
Fill 'Em Up
Scoop the potato mixture into your muffin tin. A cookie scoop works great here if you have one. Fill them right to the top!
Cheese Please
Sprinkle that reserved cheese over each puff. This is what gives them that gorgeous golden top.
Bake to Perfection
Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes until they're golden brown and puffy. Your kitchen's about to smell amazing!
The Final Touch
Let them cool for just a few minutes, then gently pop them out. Sprinkle with extra chives and serve with sour cream if you're feeling fancy.

Why These Are Special

Ever wonder how to make mashed potatoes even better? Turn them into these crispy, cheesy bites! They've got that perfect contrast of textures - crispy outside, fluffy inside - that makes everyone reach for seconds. Plus, they're way more fun to eat than regular mashed potatoes!

Making the Most of Leftovers

These puffs are the ultimate leftover makeover! Instead of reheating plain mashed potatoes (boring!), you're creating something totally new and exciting. It's like potato magic - nobody will even know they're eating leftovers.

Tips for Perfect Puffs

Want to know the secret to super-fluffy puffs? Start with cold mashed potatoes - they hold their shape better. And don't skip that rest time after baking; it helps them set up properly so they don't fall apart when you bite into them.

Mix It Up!

Feel free to play around with different cheeses or add-ins. Throw in some crumbled bacon, swap in cheddar cheese, or add a dash of garlic powder. These little puffs are super versatile - make them your own!

Four golden-brown, cheesy potato soufflés are arranged in a muffin tin, garnished with chopped chives. Pin it
Four golden-brown, cheesy potato soufflés are arranged in a muffin tin, garnished with chopped chives. | zestplate.com

Serving Suggestions

These puffs are perfect for any occasion - from casual family dinners to fancy holiday spreads. Set them out with some sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear! They're great hot, warm, or even room temperature, making them perfect party food.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Need different cheese?

Any melty kind works. Mix kinds maybe. Sharp gives kick. Just grate it fresh. Watch it brown nice.

→ No fresh herbs here?

Green onions work. Dried stuff fine too. Parsley's nice too. Whatever's handy. Fresh tastes best.

→ Want em real puffy?

Room temp stuff helps. Don't mix too much. Beat eggs good. Watch oven temp. Patient works best.

→ Making em early?

Mix day before fine. Keep cold wrapped. Bake just before. Fresh is better. Worth the wait.

→ No small pan here?

Big muffin pan works. Cook bit longer. Watch they brown. Still taste good. Just bigger bites.

→ Getting too brown?

Lower the heat. Move pan down. Watch time good. Cover with foil. Check more often.

→ Taking em places?

Best right there fresh. Could bake there. Pack stuff ready. Worth the work. Take backup snacks.

→ Need em faster?

Have stuff ready. Quick mix works. One bowl fine. Still needs bake time. Worth short wait.

→ Making big batch?

Double works fine. Need more pans. Watch oven space. Keep stuff warm. Makes good amount.

→ Want more flavor?

More herbs help. Try garlic too. Spice em up. Even bacon bits. Don't hide potato.

→ Not getting crispy?

Oven needs hotter. Less wet stuff. Pat tops dry. Space em more. Give more time.

→ Sticking to pan?

Grease real good. Non stick helps. Let cool bit. Run knife round. Worth good spray.

Conclusion

Love these? Try stuffed potato skins next. Or make crispy potato rolls. Both use good leftovers.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Game was on, everyone was hungry. Found leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge, mixed in cheese and herbs. Twenty minutes later these crispy puffs saved snack time!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Fatiha


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 mini puffs)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 3 eggs, beaten.
02 2 cups mashed potatoes, at room temperature.
03 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided.
04 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish.
05 Salt and pepper to taste.
06 Sour cream for serving (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to a cozy 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin, preparing the space for your little puffs to rise.

Step 02

In a large, welcoming bowl, whisk together the creamy mashed potatoes with the beaten eggs, mixing in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese and chopped chives. Season generously with salt and pepper, letting the flavors come together.

Step 03

Scoop the potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling them nearly to the brim to ensure a delicate puff and perfect set.

Step 04

Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheese onto each puff, adding a hint of golden brown crispiness.

Step 05

Bake your puffs in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Watch them puff up, becoming lightly golden brown with anticipation of the first bite.

Step 06

Allow them to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then, using a butter knife or offset spatula, gently guide each puff out of the tin.

Step 07

Serve them warm, adorned with a sprinkle of extra chives, and a touch of sour cream if desired. Delight in every cheesy, satisfied bite!.

Notes

  1. Cool the mashed potatoes completely before mixing with the eggs to ensure a perfect puff.
  2. Avoid overmixing the potato mixture to prevent it from becoming dense.
  3. For easier pouring, use a small cookie scoop to fill the muffin tin.
  4. For extra crispness, try using a standard muffin tin instead of mini.
  5. Position your baking rack on the lower part of the oven to achieve the ideal golden finish.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven.
  • 24-cup mini muffin tin.
  • Large bowl.
  • Whisk.
  • Butter knife or offset spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~