Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Golden, crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside, these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the ultimate comfort food snack or side dish. Made with leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, and a few simple ingredients, these little puffs are baked or air-fried to perfection. They’re great for parties, after-school snacks, or a fun way to use up mashed potatoes in a brand-new form.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Leftovers – A creative and delicious way to use up extra mashed potatoes.
Cheesy & Crispy – Each bite delivers creamy potato with a gooey cheese center and crisp edges.
Bite-Sized & Fun – Ideal for snacks, party platters, or lunchboxes.
Easy to Make – Just mix, scoop, and bake or air fry.
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and reheat when needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cheese Puffs:

• 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made and cooled)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup flour or breadcrumbs (if needed, to firm up the dough)

For the Coating:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• Cooking spray or olive oil (for baking or air frying)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped cooked turkey bacon or turkey sausage
• ½ tsp smoked paprika or red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup cooked corn or diced bell pepper for texture

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or small cookie scoop
• Baking sheet or air fryer
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Oven or air fryer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with oil.

Step 2: Make the Potato Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until fully combined.
3. If the mixture is too soft to hold its shape, stir in flour or breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time until it firms up slightly.

Step 3: Shape the Puffs

1. Scoop about 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls.
2. Combine breadcrumbs and optional Parmesan in a shallow bowl.
3. Roll each ball in the coating mixture until fully covered.
4. Place on the prepared baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

1. Oven: Lightly spray or brush the puffs with oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
2. Air Fryer: Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, marinara, or a spicy aioli.
2. Garnish with extra chives or a sprinkle of sea salt if desired.

Tips for the Best Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Use Cold Potatoes – Cold mashed potatoes hold their shape better.
Don’t Overmix – Stir gently to keep the texture light and fluffy.
Chill Before Baking – If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate the shaped balls for 15–20 minutes.
Crisp Finish – Use panko for a crunchier crust, and don’t skip the oil spray.
Add a Surprise – Tuck a cube of cheese inside each puff for a melty center!

Serving Suggestions
Appetizer Platter – Serve alongside other small bites like deviled eggs or meatballs.
Snack Time – Perfect for kids with ketchup or ranch.
Side Dish – Great with grilled chicken, baked fish, or veggie burgers.
Brunch Board – Pair with eggs, toast, and fruit for a fun breakfast option.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze baked puffs on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven or Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F until warmed through and crispy.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, though they’ll lose some crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes—use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of regular.
2. What kind of mashed potatoes work best?
   Use thick, stiff mashed potatoes without too much liquid or butter for best results.
3. Can I make them ahead of time?
   Definitely—shape the balls and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
4. Can I fry them instead?
   Yes—shallow fry in oil until golden on all sides. Drain on paper towels before serving.
5. Can I add different cheeses?
   Absolutely—try mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for fun variations.

Final Thoughts
These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are crispy, creamy, and bursting with cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re reinventing leftovers or just craving a fun, savory snack, this easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal ingredients. Bake up a batch and watch them disappear!

Try them out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your puffs turn out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Puff):
Calories: 110 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 160mg

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