Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs 🧀🥔
Got leftover mashed potatoes? Turn them into golden, fluffy, cheesy mashed potato puffs baked in a muffin tin! These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and green onion flavor.
They’re ideal for appetizers, lunchbox sides, or brunch spreads, and best of all—they’re ridiculously easy to make with ingredients you already have on hand.
🌟 Why I Love This Recipe
These puffs are:
- A brilliant way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes
- Crispy, cheesy, and flavorful in every bite
- Oven-baked and mess-free
- Perfect for freezing, reheating, and snacking
You’ll never look at leftover potatoes the same way again!
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or fresh)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
⏱️ Total Time: 10 minutes prep + 25 minutes bake
🍽️ Yield: 12 puffs (standard muffin tin)
🔁 Substitutions & Add-Ins
- Use any shredded cheese you love: mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack.
- Add crispy bacon bits for a loaded potato twist.
- Sub chives or parsley for green onion.
- Make it spicy with a pinch of cayenne or dash of hot sauce.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with silicone cups.
2. Mix It Up
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Mashed potatoes
- Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses
- Eggs
- Milk
- Green onions
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about ¾ full.
Use a spoon or small scoop to create a slight dome for a “puff” effect.
4. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and set.
5. Cool & Serve
Let the puffs cool in the tin for a few minutes before removing.
Serve warm and enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness!
💡 Tips for Perfect Puffs
- Spray the muffin tin well to avoid sticking, especially with cheese-heavy recipes.
- For a crispier crust, bake an extra 2–3 minutes or broil for 1 minute at the end.
- Make them in a mini muffin pan for party-ready bites.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These puffs are versatile and pair beautifully with:
- Fried or poached eggs for brunch
- A side of ranch dip or sour cream
- Soup or chili for an upgraded side dish
- As a game-day snack with Beer Cheese Dip
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individually or store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes to restore crispiness.
🥔 More Cheesy Recipes You’ll Love
- Dorito Casserole
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Peanut Butter Brownies (For dessert after all that cheese!)
🥄 Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are crispy, savory, and dangerously addictive—plus, they’re a genius way to reduce waste and revamp leftovers. Whether you serve them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your household.
Tried them? Tag @chefmaniac on Instagram—we’d love to see your fluffy puffs! And don’t forget to subscribe for more clever, comforting, and cheesy recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
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