Kate Walton
Golden, crisp, and oozing with cheesy comfort, these Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the snack or side dish you didn’t know you needed. Perfectly portioned into bite-sized puffs, they offer a genius way to breathe new life into leftover mashed potatoes. The crispy exterior meets a creamy, cheesy center—a match made in heaven for cozy evenings or party trays.
Whether you’re dealing with post-holiday surplus or just craving something warm and savory, these little delights transform humble ingredients into an irresistible treat. They’re quick to whip up and even quicker to disappear. Trust us, no one will guess these started as leftovers!
What Kind of Cheese Works Best for These Puffs?
Sharp cheddar is the go-to for a punch of flavor, but feel free to mix in some mozzarella for stretch or pepper jack for a little kick. A blend of cheeses gives the puffs richness and depth.
Ingredients for the Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Leftover Mashed Potatoes: The star ingredient—creamy and seasoned, they provide the soft, flavorful base.
- Shredded Cheese: Adds gooeyness and a savory layer of taste to each puff.
- Egg: Binds everything together to hold shape during baking.
- Flour: A touch of flour gives the mixture structure.
- Green Onions: Optional, but adds a bright contrast and mild bite.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning that elevates the base flavors.
- Butter or Cooking Spray: To grease the muffin tin and enhance that golden crispness.
How To Make the Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy release.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1 beaten egg, 2 tablespoons of flour, and optional chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Fill the Tin
Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each muffin cup to the top with the potato mixture. Lightly press down to compact it.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden and crisp. Let them cool for a few minutes before gently removing them from the tin.
How to Serve and Store These Puffs
Serve these cheesy puffs fresh out of the oven while they’re hot and crispy. They’re excellent on their own, but pair beautifully with sour cream, ranch, or a spicy aioli. For storing, let them cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the cheese puffs?
Yes! Freeze them after baking. Reheat in a hot oven directly from frozen until warmed through and crispy.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Definitely. Just make sure they’re well-seasoned before mixing in other ingredients.
What other add-ins work well?
Cooked bacon bits, minced jalapeños, or chopped herbs add great flavor twists.
Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?
You can, but they will be larger and need a bit more baking time. Keep an eye on that golden top.
What kind of cheese melts best?
Cheddar and mozzarella are great melters. Avoid dry cheeses like parmesan as the only cheese—they don’t provide the gooey center.
Do I need to let the mashed potatoes come to room temperature?
It’s helpful, but not required. Cold mashed potatoes might take a minute longer to bake.
Want More Appetizer Ideas?
If you love these Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
- Sweet Buttery Honey Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe
- Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe
- Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso
- Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip
- Avocado Boat Dip
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you sneak in bacon? Go heavy on the cheese? Maybe even try a spicy twist?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 20 mini puffs
Description
Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy bites with this easy and crowd-pleasing recipe. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these puffs come together quickly and are packed with flavor.
Ingredients
2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, egg, flour, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fill each muffin cup with the mixture, pressing slightly to compact.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
