There’s something magical about taking simple mashed potatoes and turning them into something extraordinary. These Mashed Potato Puffs are the perfect way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy bites of pure comfort.
Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a fun snack, they bring a delightful combination of fluffy insides and golden, crispy edges that make them simply irresistible.
I first made these on a chilly winter evening when I needed a quick and satisfying side dish. My mashed potatoes from the night before were sitting in the fridge, and instead of reheating them the usual way, I decided to give them a crispy upgrade.
A little cheese, a touch of bacon, and a quick bake in a muffin tin—what came out of the oven was absolute perfection. Now, they’re a go-to for brunches, potlucks, or whenever I want a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dish.
Pair these Mashed Potato Puffs with a Fruit Cocktail Salad for a refreshing contrast, or serve them alongside Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a more balanced meal. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients—mashed potatoes, eggs, cheese, bacon bits, and a sprinkle of chives—you can whip up a batch in no time.
Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you get all the crispiness without the extra oil. If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to use leftover mashed potatoes, this recipe is a game-changer.
Why You Will Be Hooked?
- Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy on the Inside – The contrast in texture makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
- Great Way to Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes – No waste, just deliciousness!
- Baked, Not Fried – You get that perfect crispiness without the extra grease.
- Quick and Easy – Mix, scoop, and bake—perfect for busy days.
- Customizable – Add extra herbs, swap the cheese, or make them spicy for a unique twist.
Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Muffin Tin
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Oven
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup bacon bits
- 1/4 cup chives chopped
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- Mix mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, chives, and pepper in a bowl.
- Scoop the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin.
- Serve warm with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Enjoy as a side dish or snack!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 122kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Sugar | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
Helpful Tips For The Best Mashed Potato Puffs!
- Cold Mashed Potatoes Work Best – If your mashed potatoes are fresh and warm, chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before mixing. This helps the puffs hold their shape better.
- Don’t Skip the Eggs – Eggs act as the binder here. If you skip them, your puffs won’t hold together well and might turn too soft.
- Use a Muffin Tin, But Don’t Overfill – Filling the cups about ¾ full gives the puffs room to expand while still getting that perfect crispy edge.
- Crispier Tops? Broil for the Last 2 Minutes – If you love an extra crunchy top, switch your oven to broil mode for the final 2 minutes. Just watch them closely to prevent burning!
- Switch Up the Cheese for More Flavor – While cheddar is classic, try using Gruyère for a nutty taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Make Them Mini for Party Snacks – Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized puffs that are perfect for appetizers. Just reduce the baking time to about 12–15 minutes.
- Freeze for Later – These freeze well! Bake them first, let them cool, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, and they’re as good as fresh.
- Add a Bit of Garlic or Onion Powder – A small dash of either will subtly boost the overall flavor without overpowering the cheese and bacon.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
