Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

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Golden, crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth creamy on the inside, Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the side dish you never knew you needed. These irresistible bites combine velvety mashed potatoes, sharp melty cheese, and a hint of garlic all baked to bubbly perfection in muffin tins. It’s the kind of comfort food that adds a little gourmet magic to any meal.

Whether you’re repurposing leftover mashed potatoes or making a fresh batch just for this, these cheese puffs are easy to whip up and always a hit. Perfect as a holiday side, brunch addition, or even a savory snack, they pack in all the goodness of mashed potatoes with a crispy twist.

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What Kind of Cheese Works Best in Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?

While sharp cheddar is a classic favorite for its bold flavor and meltability, you can experiment with other cheeses too. Gruyère, mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses adds depth and character. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the creamy potato base.

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Ingredients for the Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

• Mashed Potatoes: The star of the show. Use creamy, well-seasoned mashed potatoes as your base. Leftovers work perfectly here.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds that gooey, cheesy goodness and a sharp flavor punch. Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded.
• Eggs: Help bind the mixture together so the puffs hold their shape.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and tang.
• Chopped Chives or Green Onions: Bring a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses savory depth without overpowering.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the other flavors.
• Butter (optional): For brushing the muffin tins or drizzling on top for added richness.

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How To Make the Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Step 1: Prep Your Tools

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and create a crisp edge.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in chopped chives or green onions. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated and smooth.

Step 3: Scoop into Muffin Tin

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the potato mixture. Gently press the tops down to create a level surface. You can sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if you like them extra gooey.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the puffs cool in the tin for about 5 minutes to firm up. Then, gently run a knife around the edges and lift them out. Serve warm, garnished with more chives or a dollop of sour cream.

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How to Serve and Store Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

These puffs are best served fresh from the oven when their edges are crisp and centers gooey. They make an excellent side dish for roasted meats or holiday mains, and they also work great as finger foods at brunch or parties. A little dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped herbs right before serving takes them over the top.

To store, let the puffs cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes to restore that crispy exterior. Freezing? Absolutely. Flash-freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a bag. They’ll last up to a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the mixture the day before and store it in the fridge. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?

Definitely. Bake them, let them cool, then freeze in a single layer before storing in a bag or container. Reheat in the oven to bring back the crispiness.

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes give you the fluffiest texture. Avoid waxy varieties like red potatoes for this recipe.

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

Absolutely. This is one of the best ways to give leftovers new life. Just make sure they’re well seasoned.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, they’re naturally gluten-free as long as none of your add-ins contain gluten. Always double-check labels if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Totally! Crumbled bacon, finely chopped spinach, or sautéed mushrooms can add even more flavor and texture.

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Want More Savory Side Dish Ideas?

If these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs won you over, you’ll love exploring these other savory, comforting creations from Life with Jam:

• Cheesy Cauliflower Patties for a lighter but equally cheesy option.
• Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole when you’re craving deep Southern comfort.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot makes a perfect main dish to pair with these puffs.
• Chicken Pot Pie Bake with Cheddar Bay Biscuits if you’re into cozy, creamy, biscuit-topped bakes.
• Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf for an ultra-cheesy bread side that rivals any restaurant.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or holiday side board so you can come back to it whenever you need a comfort food fix.

And once you’ve made them, let me know how yours turned out. Did you go with cheddar or try something bold like gouda? Did you sneak in bacon or herbs?

Share your twists and tips in the comments. I love seeing how you make these your own!

For more cozy recipes and new favorites, follow me on Pinterest: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

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