Irresistibly Crispy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs – 7 Powerful Reasons These Golden Bites Are Pure Comfort Food Magic

Oh friends… thank you for being here. If there’s one thing that instantly brings everyone into the kitchen, it’s the smell of potatoes and cheese baking together. These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are one of those recipes that disappear faster than I can plate them.

They’re fluffy on the inside, crispy and golden on the outside, and loaded with melty cheddar in every bite. I first made them to use up leftover mashed potatoes — and now I make extra mashed potatoes just to have an excuse to bake these.

If you love comfort food that feels a little fancy but is secretly easy, you’re going to adore this recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list — I share cozy, crowd-pleasing dishes like this every week.

Now let’s turn humble mashed potatoes into something unforgettable.

Overview of Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

These mashed potato puffs are baked in a muffin tin, creating individual golden bites with crispy edges and soft, cheesy centers.

Why You’ll Love Them

• Perfect use for leftover mashed potatoes
• Crispy golden crust
• Gooey cheddar center
• Great appetizer or side dish
• Kid-friendly
• Freezer-friendly

What They Taste Like

Imagine creamy mashed potatoes infused with sharp cheddar, lightly seasoned, then baked until the edges crisp up beautifully. They’re fluffy inside with a delicate crunch outside.

Comfort food — elevated.

Full Ingredients (Complete & Detailed)

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• 3 cups mashed potatoes (cooled; homemade or leftover)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust depending on mashed potatoes)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crispiness)
• Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing pan

Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Tools You’ll Need

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or cookie scoop
• Oven

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

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Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Grease muffin tin generously with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:

• Mashed potatoes
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Milk
• Melted butter
• Green onions
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Mix until fully combined.

If mixture feels too soft, add breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon mixture evenly into muffin cups.

Fill each about ¾ full.

Sprinkle extra cheddar on top for golden finish.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until tops are golden brown and edges crisp.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

Let cool 5 minutes before removing from pan.

Serve warm for maximum cheese pull.

What to Serve with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

These are perfect alongside:

• Roast chicken
• Steak
• Grilled vegetables
• Fresh salad
• Tomato soup

For a complete comfort spread, try these from my kitchen:

• https://poulef.com/honey-butter-cornbread
• https://poulef.com/easy-homemade-carbonara
• https://poulef.com/gluten-free-banana-bread
• https://poulef.com/no-bake-energy-bites
• https://poulef.com/vegan-chocolate-chip-cookies

Because balance is everything.

Tips for Making Them Perfect

• Use cold mashed potatoes for better structure.
• Don’t overfill muffin cups.
• Grease pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
• Add extra cheese on top for crispy crown.
• Let cool slightly before removing.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store airtight up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months.

Reheat in oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.

General Information

Mashed potato bakes have long been a creative way to repurpose leftovers. Baking them in muffin tins creates crispy edges that you simply can’t get from a bowl of mashed potatoes.

It’s simple — but genius.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, but homemade tastes better.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Skip breadcrumbs or use gluten-free crumbs.

Why are mine falling apart?

They may need an extra egg or more breadcrumbs.

Can I make mini versions?

Yes — bake 15–18 minutes in mini muffin tin.

Can I air fry them?

Yes — 375°F for 12–15 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Puff – 12 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	210 kcal
Carbohydrates	20g
Sugar	2g
Protein	7g
Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	5g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	320mg

Interactive Element

If you make these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs, I would LOVE to see your golden creations!

Save and share on Pinterest here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Leave a comment below and tell me — did you add bacon or keep them classic cheesy?

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