Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

If you’re a fan of cheesy, crispy, utterly irresistible comfort food, Mashed Potato Puffs are bound to win your heart! These golden bites transform leftover mashed potatoes into a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make snack or side that’s perfect for brunches, parties, or an indulgent weeknight treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mashed Potato Puffs call for simple, everyday ingredients, but each one brings something special to the flavor and texture party. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to get the very best result!

• Mashed potatoes (2 cups): The star! Use fresh, leftover, or even instant; just make sure they’re creamy, not watery.
• Large eggs (3, beaten): Eggs help the puffs rise and hold together — don’t skip them!
• Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup): For gooey, melty, sharp cheesy goodness. Try extra sharp for more flavor.
• Bacon bits (1/4 cup): For that irresistible smoky, savory bite. Use cooked, crumbled bacon if you prefer.
• Chives, chopped (1/4 cup): Chives add a bright, oniony freshness and a pop of color.
• Pepper, to taste: Black pepper helps balance richness and gives a gentle kick.
• Parmesan cheese, shredded (1/4 cup): A bold, salty finish that gets wonderfully crisp in the oven.

Variations

One of the best things about Mashed Potato Puffs is how wildly customizable they are. Feel free to make them your own with whatever’s in your fridge, or switch things up for different diets and tastes!

• Veggie-packed: Stir in sautéed spinach, finely chopped bell peppers, or even roasted corn for extra flavor and color.
• Loaded & Spicy: Mix in a dash of hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese to bring a spicy kick to your puffs.
• Herb Lovers: Swap chives for parsley, dill, or thyme for a fresh twist that brightens up the dish.
• Gluten-Free: These puffs are naturally gluten-free, just be sure any add-ins (like bacon bits) are compliant.

How to Make Mashed Potato Puffs

Step 1: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and fresh chives. Stir until absolutely everything is well blended and looks evenly distributed—the eggs are crucial here for achieving a puff that rises nicely and holds its shape.

Step 2: Season to Taste

Give your mixture a good sprinkle of black pepper. Taste the mix if your potatoes are neutrally seasoned; you can always add a touch more, but remember the cheeses and bacon will add salty depth. Stir once more to make sure every bite pops with savory flavor.

Step 3: Prep Your Muffin Tin

Lightly grease a muffin tin (either standard or mini for appetizers). This ensures your Mashed Potato Puffs pop right out with crispy edges intact! Use a heaping spoonful to fill each well, gently leveling the tops.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Sprinkle each mound with a generous layer of shredded Parmesan. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the tops are deeply golden and irresistibly crisp. As they bake, your kitchen will smell like potato heaven!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the puffs cool in the pan for about 5 minutes—this helps set the cheesy edges so they lift out cleanly. Serve them warm, ideally with a dollop of tangy sour cream for dipping. Prepare to watch them disappear!

How to Serve Mashed Potato Puffs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chives, a crack of black pepper, or a spoonful of cool sour cream on the side can make your Mashed Potato Puffs truly pop. For a festive look, try a few slivers of green onion or a dusting of smoked paprika.

Side Dishes

These savory puffs are wonderful alongside roasted chicken, glazed ham, or a crisp green salad. For brunch, serve them with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for an easy, indulgent spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Mashed Potato Puffs on a cake stand for a party-ready appetizer, or tuck them into lunchboxes for a fun, portable side. For small bites, use a mini muffin tin—guests will love popping these two-bite wonders!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mashed Potato Puffs are honestly just as crave-worthy the next day! Store cooled puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—just be sure they’re completely cooled to keep the outsides crispy.

Freezing

You can freeze these puffs for up to 2–3 months. After baking, let them cool, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before storing in a zipped freezer bag. That way, you can pull out exactly as many as you want!

Reheating

To revive that lovely crisp exterior, reheat Mashed Potato Puffs in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. For a speedy snack, microwave straight from frozen for about 1 minute—they won’t be quite as crunchy, but they’re still delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dressing up leftovers or planning a wow-worthy party snack, Mashed Potato Puffs are a joyful, cheesy, and utterly uplifting treat. Give them a try—after just one bite, you might find yourself making extra mashed potatoes on purpose!

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