Hey there, fellow foodies! Today, I’m super excited to share a recipe that will transform your leftover mashed potatoes into something truly magical—Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs! These bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick snack, a side dish, or even as part of an amazing food platter. They’re cheesy, crispy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re ready in just 30 minutes, making them a great addition to your weeknight dinner ideas or quick family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Transforms leftover mashed potatoes into a whole new dish
- Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for snacks, sides, or appetizers
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably cooled and creamy)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to make these Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
- If using, fold in chopped chives for fresh flavor and color.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the mixture onto the baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Lightly spray or brush tops with cooking spray or oil to help crisp during baking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving warm.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some tips to ensure your Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs turn out perfectly:
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for the best results—they should be cooled and firm for easier handling.
- Don’t overmix the potato mixture; it should hold together but still be slightly chunky.
- For an extra crispy exterior, you can chill the shaped puffs in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with different cheeses—smoked cheddar or mozzarella work great too!
How to Serve
These Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are versatile and can be served in many ways:
- As a side dish for your favorite easy pasta recipes or creamy garlic pasta.
- As a snack on its own or paired with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch dressing.
- As part of an amazing food platter alongside other finger foods like mini quiches or deviled eggs.
- As a quick addition to your weeknight dinner ideas or 30-minute meals.
Looking for more delicious recipes to pair with these puffs? Check out my How to Make the Best Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks or These Cheddar Bay Biscuits for more tasty ideas!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are best served fresh, but you can prepare the mixture ahead of time:
- Prepare the potato mixture and shape the puffs, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Store baked puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again.
- You can also freeze the shaped puffs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake frozen puffs at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 5-7 minutes.
There you have it—a simple, delicious, and creative way to repurpose mashed potatoes into Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs! These are perfect for busy moms looking for quick family dinners or anyone who loves a good easy pasta recipe to round out their meal. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out—I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Ingredients
Main
- 2 cups mashed potatoes cooled and creamy
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives optional
- cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Fold in chopped chives if using, for fresh flavor and color.
- Portion the mixture onto the baking sheet using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Spray or brush tops with cooking spray or oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly before serving.