Looking for a fun, tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes? These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the perfect solution! Imagine the crispy crunch of a golden exterior giving way to a soft, cheesy center—it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a new appetizer, or just craving something cheesy and savory, these puffs will definitely satisfy. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare, and they turn ordinary mashed potatoes into an irresistible bite-sized treat.

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs combine two of everyone’s favorite foods: mashed potatoes and cheese. These little golden bites pack a punch of flavor, and their crispy outside and gooey, cheesy interior make them the perfect balance of textures. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to make, and you can use leftover mashed potatoes, which means less waste and more flavor!

What makes these cheese puffs even better is how versatile they are. You can make them ahead of time, bake or fry them, and serve them at any time of day—whether it’s as a snack, a side dish, or an appetizer at your next gathering. They’re sure to impress anyone who tries them!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these cheesy bites of goodness:

2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Oil or cooking spray for frying/baking

Tip: You can find all the ingredients in the recipe card below.

Instructions

Making these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs is simple, and the result is so worth it. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare the mashed potatoes: If you’re using fresh potatoes, boil them until fork-tender. Then, mash them with butter and cream until they’re smooth and creamy. If you have leftovers, just reheat them until warm.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your warm mashed potatoes with the shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
Form the puffs: Using a spoon or your hands, scoop the mixture into golf ball-sized portions. Roll them into balls for even cooking.
Bake or Fry:
- For baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the potato balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- For frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan, and fry the potato balls until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve: Let the cheese puffs cool slightly, then serve them warm for the best cheesy experience.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few variations you can try:

Herbs and Spices: Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for an extra flavor boost. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Different Cheese: While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can mix it up by using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for a different twist on the flavor.
Meat Lover’s Version: For a heartier version, add cooked bacon bits, crumbled sausage, or diced ham to the mashed potato mixture for a meaty bite.

Heating/Storage

These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are perfect for meal prep or making in advance! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storage: Store the puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or fry them again for a minute or two to bring back the crispiness.
Freezing: If you want to make a larger batch, freeze the formed puffs (before baking or frying) on a baking sheet for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-lock bag or airtight container. You can bake or fry them directly from the freezer without thawing—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQ

Can I make these puffs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the puffs ahead of time by forming the balls and storing them in the fridge or freezer. Just bake or fry them when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use any type of potato you prefer, though russet potatoes are commonly used for mashed potatoes due to their fluffy texture. Just be sure to mash them well and remove any lumps before mixing in the other ingredients.

What’s the best way to fry these puffs?

To fry them properly, make sure the oil is heated to about 350°F (175°C). This ensures the puffs cook quickly, becoming crispy on the outside without absorbing too much oil.

Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes! Baking is a healthier option and still yields great results. Just be sure to bake them at a high enough temperature (375°F) to achieve a crispy texture.

Conclusion

These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a must-try for anyone who loves cheesy, crispy snacks. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll create a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re using leftovers or making them from scratch, these puffs are perfect for any occasion. So go ahead and give them a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

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Author: Chef sara
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 12-14 puffs
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy puffs! These easy-to-make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are golden on the outside and cheesy on the inside. Perfect for parties, snacks, or as a side dish, they’re a comforting bite-sized treat everyone will love. Whether baked or fried, these potato puffs are quick, flavorful, and irresistible.

Ingredients

2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 large eggs

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

Oil or cooking spray for frying/baking

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Instructions

Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Boil and mash fresh potatoes or reheat leftover mashed potatoes until warm.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Form Puffs: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions and form smooth balls.
Cook:
- For Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- For Frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the puffs until golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Let them cool slightly and enjoy warm!

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven or fry for 1-2 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezing: Freeze the formed puffs on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then store in a zip-lock bag. Fry or bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Customization: Add garlic powder, paprika, or fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor. Substitute cheddar with mozzarella or Parmesan for a different twist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
Method: Baking, Frying
Cuisine: American