I absolutely adore how these mashed potato cheese puffs transform leftover mashed potatoes into delightful, crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside snacks. Whether I’m serving them as appetizers, game-day bites, or a cozy movie-night treat, they never fail to impress.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how incredibly easy these are to whip up, yet the bursts of cheesy, savory flavor feel indulgent. Their golden-brown, crispy exterior is stunning, and each bite delivers that gooey, comforting goodness—perfectly crowd-pleasing and satisfying.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Leftover mashed potatoes
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Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella—whichever melts best for me)
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Eggs (to bind everything and help give puffiness)
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All-purpose flour (just enough to provide structure)
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Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper (for seasoning)
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Breadcrumbs (to coat the puffs for a crispy finish)
directions
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I preheat my oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
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I mix leftover mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, eggs, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything forms a cohesive mixture.
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I shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized puffs.
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I roll each puff in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
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I place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 20–25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
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I let them cool just a bit, then serve warm—often alongside ranch or marinara sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields about 12 puffs or so—perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack.
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Timing: From start to finish, it takes roughly 30 minutes, with a quick prep and about 20–25 minutes baking time.
Variations
I sometimes:
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Swap cheddar for mozzarella or gruyère for a different flavor profile.
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Add chopped chives or garlic powder directly into the mixture for more aromatic depth.
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Mix in crumbled bacon or finely diced ham for a rich, meaty twist.
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Serve them with sour cream, sriracha mayo, or aioli instead of ranch for a flavor kick.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. To reheat, I gently warm them in the oven or an air fryer—they come out crispy again in just a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftover ones?
Yes—I let them cool completely before handling. That prevents them from becoming too sticky or wet.
Are these gluten-free?
Not as written—they use all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs. But I’ve substituted gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs successfully.
Can I freeze these?
Absolutely—I freeze them after baking, then reheat directly from frozen in the oven. They remain crispy and delicious.
What if my mixture feels too wet?
I add a little more flour or a few extra breadcrumbs to firm it up until it’s easier to shape.
Can I make them smaller or larger?
Yes—just adjust baking time accordingly. Smaller bites need less time, while larger ones may need a few extra minutes.
Conclusion
I’m always thrilled by how these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs reinvent leftovers with minimal effort into something irresistibly cheesy, crispy, and comforting. They’re ideal for entertaining or elevating a simple meal—definitely one of my favorite no-fuss, high-reward treats.
Print
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Total Time: ~35–40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 puffs (assuming yield from 2 cups mashed potatoes)
Description
Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these golden puffs are a fun and delicious way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into bite-sized snack perfection.
Ingredients
2 cups mashed potatoes
2 large eggs
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven and prepare for baking. (While the original source didn’t specify the oven temperature or bake time, a typical temperature is 200 °C / 400 °F.)
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
Shape the mixture into bite-sized puffs or balls and roll them in breadcrumbs to coat completely.
Place the puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased foil.
Bake until golden and crispy on the outside—typically around 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway (timing estimated based on standard baking for similar snacks).
Serve hot, optionally with your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., sour cream or aioli)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: ~20–25 minutes
- Category: Main course
