Name: Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs: 2 Easy Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sour cream; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Mashed potato cheese puffs have become my absolute go-to for satisfying those savory cravings, and I’m so excited to share this simple recipe with you! I first discovered how amazing these little bites could be when I had leftover mashed potatoes from a big family dinner. Instead of tossing them, I decided to get creative, and what emerged was pure magic: golden, crispy little morsels bursting with gooey cheese. These mashed potato cheese bites are incredibly versatile, perfect for a quick breakfast, a fun party appetizer, or even a kid-friendly snack. The aroma of baking cheese and potatoes filling my kitchen is just heavenly. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Get ready to fall in love with these delightful puffs! They’re truly a game-changer:

Incredibly easy mashed potato cheese puffs to whip up, even on busy weeknights.
Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes, reducing food waste.
The combination of creamy inside and crispy outside is irresistible.
These cheesy mashed potato puffs are a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
They make fantastic make-ahead appetizers for parties.
You can customize the cheese and seasonings to your liking.
A satisfying snack that feels like a treat but is surprisingly simple.
They’re a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Creating these delightful mashed potato cheese puffs is wonderfully straightforward, especially when you have the right mashed potato cheese puffs ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to make these savory bites:

2 cups mashed potatoes – make sure they are thick and not watery; room temperature is best
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – a good melter that adds a creamy texture
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – for that classic, bold cheesy flavor
1 large egg – acts as a binder to hold everything together
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – helps thicken the mixture for better shaping
2 tablespoons sour cream – adds extra moisture and a slight tang
1 tablespoon melted butter – for richness and a touch of flavor
1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the other flavors
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper – a little spice to balance the richness
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – for a pop of color and freshness as a garnish

How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Let’s dive into how to make mashed potato cheese puffs! It’s a simple process that turns humble mashed potatoes into something truly special. Trust me, these baked mashed potato cheese puffs are worth every second.

Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a nonstick muffin tin and give it a light grease – this is key for easy removal later!
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine your cooled mashed potatoes with 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese. Add the egg, flour, sour cream, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Mix everything together gently but thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until it’s well combined. You want a thick, cohesive mixture that’s easy to scoop.
Step 4: Spoon the potato mixture into your prepared muffin cups, filling them almost to the top. Press down gently with the back of your spoon to create a nice, compact puff.
Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of each puff. This creates that extra cheesy crust we all love.
Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and slightly crispy edges. The aroma will tell you they’re just about ready!
Step 7: Once baked, let the puffs cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. Then, carefully remove them from the tin.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness, and serve them warm. Enjoy your delicious homemade potato cheese puffs!

Baking Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

For perfectly baked mashed potato cheese puffs, aim for that golden exterior. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until they’re puffed up and have a lovely, crisp, golden-brown color. Letting them rest for a few minutes before removing from the tin is crucial for their shape.

Air Fryer Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Want an even crispier bite? You can totally make these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place the puffs in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Pro Tips for the Best Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

I’ve made these little delights countless times, and a few tricks really elevate them. Follow these tips, and you’ll be serving up the best mashed potato cheese puffs every time!

Use cold, thick mashed potatoes. Warm or watery potatoes will make the mixture too soft to shape and bake properly.
Don’t overmix the ingredients once you add the flour and egg; this can lead to tougher puffs.
Shredding your own cheese from a block is better than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly and contains fewer anti-caking agents. For more on cheese, check out Food Network’s guide to cheese.
For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the tops with cooking spray before baking.

What’s the secret to perfect mashed potato cheese puffs?

The absolute secret to perfect mashed potato cheese puffs is starting with cold, firm mashed potatoes. This gives you a good base to work with, ensuring they hold their shape and get that lovely crispy exterior when baked. Learn more about tips for perfect potato dishes on our homepage.

Can I make mashed potato cheese appetizers ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can prep these mashed potato cheese appetizers ahead! You can mix the ingredients and form the puffs up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly and refrigerate them in the muffin tin before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold. For more on food prep, see our contact page for tips.

How do I avoid common mistakes with potato cheese fritters recipe?

To avoid common pitfalls with this potato cheese fritters recipe, make sure your mashed potatoes aren’t too wet. If they are, you might need to add a touch more flour. Also, don’t overfill the muffin cups; leave a little space for them to puff up beautifully. You can find more helpful advice in our privacy policy.

Best Ways to Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

These delightful puffs are incredibly versatile and make fantastic mashed potato cheese appetizers. They’re perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special. Serve them warm straight from the oven with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or try a dollop of sour cream or ranch. They also pair beautifully with a crisp green salad for a light lunch, or alongside grilled chicken or steak for a comforting meal. For a party, arrange them on a platter with some chives sprinkled over the top – they disappear fast!

Nutrition Facts for Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Curious about what’s in these delightful puffs? Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving, so you know exactly what you’re enjoying:

Calories: 120 kcal
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 0.5g
Sodium: 180mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on healthy eating, consult resources like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

How to Store and Reheat Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Even though these homemade potato cheese puffs are best enjoyed fresh, they store and reheat like a dream! Once they’ve cooled completely on a wire rack, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the cooled puffs on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, pop them back into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for an extra-crispy texture!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

What are mashed potato cheese puffs?

These delightful bites are essentially savory appetizers made from a base of mashed potatoes mixed with cheese, egg, and seasonings, then baked or fried until golden and crispy. They’re a fantastic way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into something new and exciting, perfect for snacking or serving guests. You can learn more about our story here.

Can I use different cheeses for my mashed potato and cheddar puffs?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for mozzarella and cheddar, feel free to experiment. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan can add wonderful flavor dimensions. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well for that gooey center. For terms of use regarding ingredient substitutions, please see our terms of use.

How do I get my mashed potato cheese puffs really crispy?

For maximum crispiness, ensure your mashed potatoes are quite firm and not watery. Using a higher baking temperature, like the 400°F (200°C) in the recipe, helps achieve a golden crust. Baking them in an air fryer is also a fantastic method for extra crispiness, as mentioned in the tips! For more cooking tips, visit our GDPR information page.

Are these mashed potato cheese puffs good for parties?

Yes, they are! These make excellent mashed potato cheese appetizers because they can be made ahead and reheated. Their small, bite-sized form is perfect for mingling, and the cheesy, savory flavor appeals to almost everyone. They’re always a hit!

Variations of Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative with these delicious variations of mashed potato cheese puffs! They’re so adaptable, you can tailor them to any taste or dietary need.

Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño to the potato mixture for a fiery twist. These spicy mashed potato cheese puffs are a real treat!
Herb Garden Delight: Mix in 1 tablespoon of fresh chives, dill, or even some finely chopped rosemary with the potato mixture. This adds a lovely fresh flavor to your mashed potato cheese balls recipe.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You’ll still get wonderfully crispy mashed potato cheese puffs without the gluten.
Air Fryer Perfection: For an extra-crispy exterior, prepare the mixture as directed, form into small balls, and air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and delicious.

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs: 2 Easy Bites