Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs – The Ultimate Leftover Makeover!
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Looking for a creative way to use leftover mashed potatoes? These cheesy mashed potato puffs are the answer! Baked in a muffin tin, they’re crisp on the outside, creamy inside, and bursting with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re prepping a fun appetizer, lunchbox snack, or side dish, this 3-ingredient recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need three simple ingredients:
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2 cups mashed potatoes
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-ins (for extra flair):
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Chopped chives or parsley
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Crumbled bacon
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Minced garlic or onion powder
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Egg (for extra binding if using mix-ins)
How to Make Mashed Potato Puffs
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or use non-stick spray.
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Mix the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan in a bowl. Add any desired extras.
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Spoon the mixture into muffin cups, pressing lightly to pack.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and crispy around the edges.
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Cool slightly, then pop them out and serve warm with sour cream, ranch, or your favorite dip!
Tips & Notes
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For extra crunch, sprinkle more Parmesan on top before baking.
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Use cold, firm mashed potatoes for best results.
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Add an egg if your mash is too loose or soft.
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These freeze well! Just reheat in an air fryer or oven for best texture.
Serving Ideas
Serve these puffs as:
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An appetizer at parties
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A lunchbox snack for kids
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A side dish for roasted meats or grilled veggies
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A creative brunch item with sour cream and green onions
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze for up to 1 month.
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Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer until hot and crispy again.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re transforming holiday leftovers or just craving something savory, these cheesy mashed potato puffs are a no-fuss, high-reward recipe. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and everyone always asks for more!
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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Description
These cheesy mashed potato puffs are the ultimate way to reinvent your leftover mashed potatoes! Baked in a muffin tin until golden and crispy, they’re bursting with melty cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or appetizer.
Ingredients
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2 cups mashed potatoes (cold or leftover works best)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-ins:
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1 egg (for firmer puffs)
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2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions
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2 tbsp crumbled cooked bacon
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with silicone cups.
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Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar, Parmesan, and any optional mix-ins. Stir until evenly combined.
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Scoop into muffin cups: Fill each muffin cavity about 3/4 full, pressing gently.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until tops are golden and edges are crispy.
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Cool slightly, then remove from the tin and serve warm.
Notes
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Egg optional: If your mashed potatoes are very creamy, an egg can help bind the mixture better.
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Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
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Reheat tip: Reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
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Freezer-friendly: Flash-freeze after baking and reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.