These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with cheesy goodness, they make a great side dish, appetizer, or snack.

🧀 Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers work great!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

🥣 Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

3️⃣ In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, green onions, salt, and black pepper.
4️⃣ Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

5️⃣ Spoon the potato mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.

Step 4: Bake

6️⃣ Bake for 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

7️⃣ Let the puffs cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tin.
8️⃣ Serve warm and enjoy!

⏱️ Cooking Info:

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cooking Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 35 min
• Servings: 12
• Calories: 220 kcal per puff

30 Popular Questions & Answers About Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

General Recipe Questions

1. What are Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs?
   • They are fluffy, cheesy mashed potatoes baked in a muffin tin for a crispy and golden finish.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes! Prepare the mixture ahead and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Do I have to use a muffin tin?
   • No, you can shape them into small patties and bake on a lined baking sheet.
4. How do I make them crispier?
   • Brush with melted butter before baking or broil for 2 minutes at the end.
5. Are these good for kids?
   • Yes! They are bite-sized, fun, and cheesy—perfect for little hands.

Ingredient Substitutions

6. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
   • Yes! Just make sure they are thick and not too runny.
7. What other cheese can I use?
   • Try mozzarella, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavors.
8. Can I make these dairy-free?
   • Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and coconut or almond milk in the mashed potatoes.
9. Can I add bacon?
   • Absolutely! Crispy, crumbled bacon makes them even more delicious.
10. What if I don’t have green onions?

• Use chives, diced onions, or parsley instead.

Cooking & Preparation Questions

11. Do I need to grease the muffin tin?

• Yes! This prevents sticking and helps with crispy edges.

12. Can I use silicone muffin cups?

• Yes! They make removing the puffs easier.

13. Should I let the mashed potatoes cool before mixing?

• Slightly cool them so they don’t scramble the eggs.

14. Can I mix everything in a food processor?

• Yes, but mix gently to keep them fluffy.

15. Do I have to whip the eggs first?

• No, but whisking them lightly before adding helps with fluffiness.

Storage & Leftovers

16. How long do leftovers last in the fridge?

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

17. Can I freeze these?

• Yes! Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag and store for up to 3 months.

18. How do I reheat leftovers?

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes.

19. Can I microwave them?

• Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

20. Do they get soggy when stored?

• They can, but reheating in the oven or air fryer helps crisp them up again.

Customization & Variations

21. How can I make them spicy?

• Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.

22. Can I add protein?

• Yes! Chopped ham, cooked ground beef, or shredded chicken work well.

23. What if I want them extra cheesy?

• Stuff a small cheese cube inside each puff for a gooey center!

24. Can I add veggies?

• Yes! Try finely chopped broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach.

25. How do I make them gluten-free?

• This recipe is already gluten-free! Just check that all your ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

26. What sauce goes well with these?

• Serve with sour cream, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce.

27. What can I serve these with?

• They go great with grilled chicken, steak, or as a brunch side.

28. Can I serve these for breakfast?

• Yes! Pair them with scrambled eggs and bacon.

29. Can I serve these at parties?

• Yes! They make an easy finger food appetizer.

30. Can I use these as a stuffing for something else?

• Yes! Use them in bell peppers or stuff into mushroom caps before baking.

30 Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

For the Mashed Potatoes

1. Use thick mashed potatoes (not too runny).
2. Let them cool slightly before mixing with eggs.
3. If your mashed potatoes are dry, add a splash of milk.
4. Use leftover mashed potatoes for convenience.
5. Mix in garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.

For the Cheese

6. Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
7. Mix in Parmesan for a nuttier taste.
8. Try smoked cheese for a deeper flavor.
9. Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience.
10. Add a cheese cube inside for a melty center.

For Baking

11. Grease the muffin tin well.
12. Don’t overfill the cups—leave space for puffing up.
13. Bake until golden brown and slightly crispy.
14. Let them cool for a few minutes before removing.
15. Use a toothpick or knife to help loosen the edges.

For Extra Crispiness

16. Broil for 2 minutes at the end.
17. Brush with melted butter before baking.
18. Use Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
19. Add cooked bacon bits for texture.
20. Bake in a convection oven for even crisping.

For Meal Prep & Freezing

21. Make a double batch and freeze some.
22. Store in single portions for easy reheating.
23. Label and date your frozen puffs.
24. Reheat in an air fryer for best texture.
25. Pack in lunchboxes for a fun snack.

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are crispy, creamy, and bursting with flavor—a delicious twist on classic mashed potatoes! 🥔🧀✨