Golden, crispy, cheesy on the outside and creamy on the inside – these Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins are everything you didn’t know your leftover mashed potatoes needed. Whether served as a fun side dish, a brunch table hero, or a grab-and-go snack, these little bites deliver flavor in every forkful.
They’re an excellent way to use up extra mashed potatoes while transforming them into something entirely new and crave-worthy. The cheesy top gets beautifully browned and slightly crispy, while the inside remains soft and comforting. Perfect for kids and adults alike, these muffins are comfort food reimagined.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins
Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins are not just practical, they’re irresistibly delicious. You get all the cozy flavors of mashed potatoes with the bonus of a crispy, golden exterior that makes each muffin feel like a special treat.
They’re also make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly, which is ideal for busy weekdays or hosting. Whether you’re looking to reinvent leftovers or planning a new side dish for your meal rotation, these muffins are bound to become a family favorite.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools and Equipment:
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl helps evenly combine all the ingredients without making a mess.
- Potato Masher or Hand Mixer: If you’re starting with fresh potatoes, a masher or mixer ensures a smooth texture.
- Muffin Tin: This is what gives the muffins their shape. Opt for a non-stick tin or use liners.
- Ice Cream Scoop or Spoon: For neatly portioning the mixture into each muffin cup.
- Oven: Preheated to bake these to golden perfection.
Each tool plays a vital role in ensuring the muffins hold their shape, bake evenly, and deliver the perfect combo of soft interior and cheesy crust.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins
- Mashed Potatoes: The base of the recipe, providing creaminess and structure. Great way to use up leftovers.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, melty goodness and helps form that irresistible golden top.
- Eggs: These bind everything together so the muffins hold their shape.
- Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and enhances the creamy texture.
- Green Onions: Bring freshness and a mild oniony bite to balance the richness.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts flavor without overpowering.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Butter (optional): For brushing the tops or bottoms for extra flavor and color.
How To Make the Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins
Step 1: Prep the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or use paper liners to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup with the potato mixture, pressing gently to compact slightly. Top with a little extra shredded cheese if desired.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the muffins are set. Let cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley or extra green onions, and serve warm.
How to Serve and Store Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins
These muffins are best served warm, right out of the oven, when the cheese is perfectly melty and the edges are crispy. They make a fantastic side dish for roasted meats or holiday spreads, but they’re also great as a snack or savory brunch bite.
For storage, let the muffins cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make these muffins gluten-free?
These muffins are naturally gluten-free if your mashed potatoes and cheese are gluten-free. Always double-check labels to ensure all ingredients are safe.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, if you’re short on time, instant mashed potatoes can be used. Just make sure they’re thick and not too runny.
Can I add extra fillings?
Absolutely! Try mixing in crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?
Grease your muffin tin well, or use silicone or paper liners to prevent sticking.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the batter and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Or, bake and freeze them for later.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is a go-to, but you can also use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend depending on your taste.
Want More Side Dish Ideas?
If these Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins were a hit, here are some other comforting favorites worth exploring:
- Try these Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions for a crispy, savory side with every bite.
- The Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe is creamy, bubbly, and totally fuss-free.
- Our Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole turns leftovers into a hearty meal.
- These Roasted Parmesan Green Beans make a bright, crunchy pairing with cheesy mains.
- Or go all-in with the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for a cheesy double-feature.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add bacon or a different cheese? Did you sneak in veggies?
I love seeing your creations and twists! If you have questions or tips, drop them below — let’s make these muffins even better together.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 muffins
Description
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins are a crispy, golden twist on leftover mashed potatoes, baked to perfection with gooey cheddar, fresh green onions, and creamy sour cream. A quick, kid-friendly side dish or snack—freezer-friendly, gluten-free, and meal-prep ready. Perfect for brunches, dinners, or potlucks!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
2 green onions, finely chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or use liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir the mixture until well blended.
4. Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup and pressing lightly to shape.
5. Top with extra shredded cheese if desired.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and set.
7. Cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Garnish with parsley or more green onions and serve warm.
Notes
Use thick mashed potatoes to avoid watery muffins.
Add crumbled bacon or spinach for a flavorful twist.
For crispier bottoms, sprinkle a little cheese at the base of each muffin cup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg

