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Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs – Crispy, Cheesy, and Irresistible!
Ever find yourself staring at a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes and wondering what to do with them? Before you reach for the fridge again, let me introduce your new favorite comfort snack — Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. These golden, crispy bites are fluffy on the inside, loaded with melted cheese, and bursting with savory flavor.
Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these cheesy potato puffs transform humble leftovers into something extraordinary. They’re quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and an excellent way to give day-old mashed potatoes a delicious new life.
🥔 Why You’ll Love These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Waste-free cooking: A creative way to use up leftover mashed potatoes after holidays or big family dinners.
- Cheesy, crispy perfection: The outside gets beautifully golden while the inside stays creamy and cheesy.
- Simple pantry ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your kitchen already.
- Kid-friendly: Kids love the cheesy flavor and bite-sized shape.
- Versatile: Serve them as a snack, side, or even a party appetizer.
These little flavor bombs are like cheesy mashed potato clouds — soft, creamy, and just the right amount of crispy around the edges.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Potato Puffs
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan (optional, for extra crispness)
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits or diced ham for a heartier version
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for added flavor
- ¼ cup sour cream for extra creaminess
🥄 Instructions
1. Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Mix the batter.
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, flour, shredded cheese, and seasonings. Stir until smooth and evenly blended. The mixture should be thick but scoopable — not runny. If your mashed potatoes are very soft, add a tablespoon or two of flour until it holds together.
3. Add the extras.
Stir in green onions or chives (and optional bacon, if using). Mix just until incorporated.
4. Form or scoop.
If using a baking sheet, drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture into small mounds, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a mini muffin tin, fill each cup about three-quarters full.
5. Bake until golden.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are puffed and golden brown. For extra crispness, broil the tops for 1–2 minutes at the end.
6. Cool slightly.
Let the cheese puffs rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows them to set and makes them easier to handle.
7. Serve and enjoy!
Serve warm with a dipping sauce — sour cream, ranch, or even spicy aioli work perfectly.
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these cheese puffs transform leftover mashed potatoes into golden, irresistible bites.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, eggs, flour, shredded cheese, and seasonings until well combined.
- Add green onions and optional parmesan, mixing until just incorporated.
- Scoop heaping tablespoons onto baking sheet or fill muffin cups 3/4 full.
- Bake 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispness.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving with dipping sauce.
Notes
Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for an extra crispy version.
🧀 Pro Tips for Perfect Cheese Puffs
1. Use cold mashed potatoes.
Cold leftovers are ideal since they firm up the mixture and help hold the puffs together during baking.
2. Adjust texture as needed.
If the batter feels too sticky, add more flour one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk or an extra egg.
3. Don’t skip the cheese!
Cheese not only adds flavor but also helps the puffs get that irresistible golden crust.
4. Add crunch.
For crispier puffs, sprinkle extra parmesan or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
5. Air fryer version:
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. They’ll come out beautifully crisp and evenly golden!
🧄 Flavor Variations
1. Jalapeño Cheddar Potato Puffs
Mix in finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
2. Herb & Garlic Puffs
Add Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill for a fragrant twist.
3. Loaded Potato Puffs
Top baked puffs with sour cream, bacon bits, shredded cheese, and green onions for a “loaded baked potato” effect.
4. Parmesan Herb Puffs
Swap cheddar for parmesan and add extra garlic powder — perfect for Italian-themed dinners.
5. Veggie Puffs
Fold in finely chopped cooked broccoli, spinach, or corn for a hidden veggie boost.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a holiday appetizer with a side of sour cream or garlic aioli.
- Pair with soup or chili for a hearty side dish.
- Add to a brunch spread — they go wonderfully with eggs and fruit salad.
- Use them as game-day snacks — dip in spicy sriracha mayo or queso sauce.
🕒 Make Ahead & Storage
To Store:
Keep leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving — they’ll get soft.
To Freeze:
Freeze baked puffs on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until hot and crisp.
🌿 Fun Fact: Turning Leftovers Into Gold
Transforming leftovers into creative dishes isn’t just resourceful — it’s a culinary art form. In fact, “next-day cooking” has roots in traditional farmhouse kitchens where nothing went to waste. Recipes like Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs celebrate that same spirit — taking humble ingredients and turning them into something special.
💬 Final Thoughts
If comfort food could take the shape of a bite-sized golden puff, this would be it. Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are crisp on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and ridiculously easy to make. They’re proof that leftovers don’t have to be boring — they can become your new favorite snack.
Whether it’s post-holiday leftovers or a quick weekday fix, these puffs deliver cheesy satisfaction in every bite. So next time you have leftover mashed potatoes, don’t reheat them — reinvent them!
