Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe Perfect for Parties

Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of golden, cheesy mashed potato puffs baking to perfection in the oven. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and a hint of seasoning creates a snack that’s both comforting and utterly addictive. The first time I made these, I couldn’t believe how quickly they vanished from the plate. The kids were sneaking extras when they thought I wasn’t looking, and even my husband—who swears he doesn’t like potatoes—was piling them onto his plate. It was one of those moments where I just stood there, smiled, and thought, “I’ve definitely struck gold with this recipe.”

I first stumbled upon the idea for these crispy mashed potato cheese puffs during a holiday potluck years ago. A neighbor had crafted something similar, and it was the hit of the party. I couldn’t stop thinking about them afterward. So, I decided to recreate them, tweaking and testing until I found that perfect balance of crispy edges, cheesy goodness, and fluffy interior. And now, it’s become a staple for every gathering, from cozy family dinners to big celebrations. Honestly, these puffs feel like little bites of joy—they’re dangerously easy to make, yet they bring so much happiness to the table.

Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or looking for an impressive appetizer for a festive occasion, these crispy mashed potato cheese puffs are the answer. They’re the kind of dish you’ll want to pin on your party ideas board and whip up whenever you need a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this recipe—because once you try them, they’ll become your signature dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: These come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining or weeknight indulgence.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen—think leftover mashed potatoes, cheese, and a few pantry staples.
• Perfect for Parties: Whether it’s a big celebration or a casual get-together, these puffs are guaranteed to be a hit.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love these cheesy bites. They’re always the first appetizer to disappear!
• Versatile: You can tweak the seasonings or cheeses to suit your taste, making this recipe adaptable to everyone’s preferences.

What sets this recipe apart is the delightful texture—a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, fluffy, cheesy center. It’s a clever way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, and the result is so good, you might find yourself making extra mashed potatoes just to have leftovers for this recipe. Plus, these puffs are baked, not fried, which means you’re getting all the crispy satisfaction without the mess of oil. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for turning any gathering into a memorable occasion.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and a satisfying texture without the fuss. You might already have most of these in your kitchen:

• Mashed potatoes: About 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly. (Creamy and seasoned ones are best, but plain will do too.)
• Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup. (Feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor.)
• Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup, grated. (Adds a salty, nutty kick.)
• Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten. (This helps bind the ingredients together.)
• All-purpose flour: ¼ cup. (Use gluten-free flour if needed.)
• Breadcrumbs: ½ cup, preferably panko for extra crunch. (You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.)
• Green onions: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped. (Optional but adds a nice pop of color and flavor.)
• Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon. (For a subtle savory note.)
• Salt and pepper: To taste. (Adjust based on how seasoned your mashed potatoes are.)
• Butter: For greasing the muffin tin. (You can use cooking spray as an alternative.)

Feel free to play around with different types of cheese, herbs, or spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Fresh parsley or chives would be a wonderful addition to these puffs, especially for a pop of color!

Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin: Use a non-stick muffin tin to ensure easy removal of the puffs.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls to mix the ingredients together.
• Whisk: For beating the eggs smoothly.
• Spatula: To mix everything and transfer the batter to the muffin tin.
• Non-stick spray or butter: To grease the muffin tin and prevent sticking.

If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can use small ramekins or even shape the mixture into small patties and bake them on a lined baking sheet. The results will still be delicious!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a non-stick muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of mashed potatoes, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
3. Add 2 lightly beaten eggs into the mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Gradually sprinkle in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, mixing until the mixture comes together in a thick, scoopable consistency. If your mashed potatoes are very soft, you might need a little extra flour.
5. Fold in ½ cup of breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (Tip: Taste your mashed potatoes beforehand to avoid over-salting!)
6. Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin tin. Fill each cup about three-quarters full. Smooth the tops with the back of the spoon for even cooking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are crispy.
8. Allow the puffs to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Use a butter knife to gently loosen the sides if needed.
9. Serve warm with a side of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are a few tips to ensure your crispy mashed potato cheese puffs turn out perfectly every time:

• Consistency matters: Your mashed potatoes should be thick and not runny. If they’re too loose, try adding a little extra flour or breadcrumbs to firm up the mixture.
• Don’t overfill: Avoid filling the muffin cups to the brim. Three-quarters full is ideal to allow for even cooking and a nice puffed shape.
• Grease generously: Whether you’re using butter or cooking spray, make sure your muffin tin is well-greased to prevent sticking.
• Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is classic, try mixing in mozzarella, gouda, or feta for a unique flavor twist.
• Watch the bake time: Keep an eye on the puffs during baking. They should be golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges—but don’t overbake, as they’ll lose their fluffy texture.

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations to try:

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The texture will remain deliciously fluffy.
• Seasonal Twist: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a spring-inspired flavor. In winter, try mixing in minced rosemary for a cozy touch.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a little heat. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Personally, I love adding a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top before baking—it gives the puffs a wonderful crunch and an extra burst of flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These crispy mashed potato cheese puffs are best served warm, straight out of the oven. Arrange them on a platter for a party appetizer or serve them alongside a hearty soup for a comforting meal. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of garlic aioli makes them even more irresistible.

If you’ve got leftovers (which rarely happens in my house), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness. You can also freeze the puffs for up to a month—just reheat them directly from frozen for 10-12 minutes.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each serving of these crispy mashed potato cheese puffs is packed with comforting flavors and nutrients:

• Calories: Approximately 100 per puff.
• Protein: Thanks to the cheese and eggs, these puffs are a great source of protein.
• Calcium: Both cheddar and Parmesan provide a boost of calcium for bone health.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easy to adapt for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: Perfect for vegetarians looking for a hearty appetizer.

While these are undeniably indulgent, they’re baked—not fried—making them a slightly healthier option for satisfying your cravings.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious, these crispy mashed potato cheese puffs are the perfect choice. They’re versatile, crowd-pleasing, and a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the fun variations, I promise these little bites will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Print Recipe

These crispy mashed potato cheese puffs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer with a golden, cheesy exterior and a fluffy interior. Perfect for parties or family gatherings!

• Author: Lucy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 puffs 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for greasing the muffin tin

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a non-stick muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
3. Add lightly beaten eggs into the mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Gradually sprinkle in all-purpose flour, mixing until the mixture comes together in a thick, scoopable consistency.
5. Fold in breadcrumbs and finely chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin tin. Fill each cup about three-quarters full and smooth the tops.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are crispy.
8. Allow the puffs to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Use a butter knife to gently loosen the sides if needed.
9. Serve warm with a side of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

[‘Ensure mashed potatoes are thick and not runny; add extra flour or breadcrumbs if needed.’, ‘Avoid overfilling the muffin cups to allow for even cooking.’, ‘Experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or spices for unique flavors.’, ‘Keep an eye on the bake time to avoid overbaking.’]

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 puff
• Calories: 100
• Sodium: 150
• Fat: 5
• Saturated Fat: 3
• Carbohydrates: 8
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 4

Keywords: mashed potato puffs, cheese puffs, party appetizer, baked potato puffs, vegetarian snack