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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Featured in Finger Foods and Party Snacks.

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.

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Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 11 May 2025 20:57:10 GMT
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

Wondering what to do with that extra mashed potato? We've got you covered! These puffy cheese-filled potato bites have a crunchy exterior and soft, creamy middle loaded with melting cheese. They're so yummy, you might find yourself purposely making too many mashed potatoes just so you'll have extras!

What Makes These So Good

Need the ultimate way to transform your potato leftovers? These fluffy puffs are the answer! They're basically tiny clouds of cheesy delight that everybody loves. And they work for everything - side dish, starter, or midnight munchies. I'm telling you, after one taste, leftover mashed potatoes will never seem boring again.

Your Ingredients

  • Cold Mashed Potatoes: 2 cups - straight from the refrigerator works great!
  • Eggs: 2 large ones, they create the puffiness
  • Monterey Jack: 1 cup in total - keep 1/4 cup aside for the top
  • Fresh Chives: 1/4 cup diced, with extra for topping
  • Salt and Pepper: As needed - be careful if your potatoes are already flavored
  • Sour Cream: Not required, but makes a wonderful accompaniment

How To Make Cheesy Potato Puffs

Heat Your Oven
Warm your oven to 400°F. Take a mini muffin pan and spray it lightly with cooking oil.
Combine Everything
In a large bowl, stir your refrigerated mashed potatoes with the beaten eggs until blended. Gently add cheese and chives - don't stir too much or they won't be fluffy!
Spoon Into Pan
Put the potato mix into your muffin cups. A cookie scoop is handy if you've got one. Fill them completely!
Add More Cheese
Scatter your saved cheese on each potato puff. This creates that beautiful golden crust.
Cook Until Golden
Stick them in the oven for around 20 minutes until they're browned and puffy. Your house will smell fantastic!
Finishing Touches
Cool them briefly, then carefully remove from the pan. Add more chives and serve with sour cream for extra fanciness.

What Makes Them Different

Curious how to improve mashed potatoes? Turn them into these crunchy, cheese-filled treats! They've got that amazing texture contrast - crunchy outside, soft inside - that makes everyone want more. And they're much more fun to eat than plain old mashed potatoes!

Leftovers Reimagined

These puffs totally transform your leftovers! Instead of just warming up plain mashed potatoes (so dull!), you're making something completely fresh and tasty. It's potato wizardry - nobody will ever guess they're eating yesterday's dinner.

Secrets For Success

Wanna know how to get really airy puffs? Start with chilled mashed potatoes - they keep their shape way better. And don't rush that cooling time after baking; it helps them firm up so they stay together when you bite them.

Create Your Version!

Don't be afraid to switch things up with different cheeses or extras. Toss in some crispy bacon bits, try cheddar instead, or add a bit of garlic powder. These little bites can be changed up any way you want!

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

Ways To Enjoy Them

These puffs work for any event - casual family meals or fancy holiday gatherings. Put them out with some sour cream or your top choice of dip, and watch them vanish! They taste great whether hot, warm, or room temperature, which makes them perfect for parties.

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: ~