🎉 Introduction
Get ready to fall in love with these Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs — golden on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and bursting with comforting flavor in every bite.
These puffs are made from creamy mashed potatoes blended with melty cheese, eggs, and a hint of garlic, then baked or air-fried to perfection. They’re crisp on the edges, pillowy inside, and absolutely addictive. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, they’re a delicious way to use up leftover mashed potatoes — and they vanish fast!
Whether served at brunch, game night, or alongside your favorite entrée, these little bites deliver all the cozy goodness of mashed potatoes in a perfectly crispy form.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk and spatula
- Muffin tin or parchment-lined baking sheet
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven or air fryer
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably cold, leftover potatoes work best)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, gouda, or your favorite meltable cheese)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for flavor
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, cheeses, melted butter, flour, green onions, and seasonings.
Mix until the texture is thick, smooth, and scoopable.
💡 Pro Tip: If the mixture feels too soft, add a little more flour or cheese to help it hold shape.
Step 3: Shape or Scoop
Spoon the mixture into the mini muffin tin or form small balls (about 1½ inches) if using a baking sheet.
For extra crispiness, lightly brush the tops with melted butter or spray with oil.
Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
- Oven: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
- Air Fryer: Air fry for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
They’re done when crispy on the edges and lightly golden on top.
Step 5: Serve
Cool slightly before removing from the pan — they’ll firm up as they rest.
Serve warm with sour cream, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 12–15 puffs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes until crisp again.
🥄 Variations
- Bacon Cheddar Puffs: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
- Garlic Herb Puffs: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
- Broccoli Cheddar: Fold in finely chopped cooked broccoli.
- Loaded Potato Puffs: Top with sour cream, chives, and extra cheese.
- Sweet Potato Twist: Substitute mashed sweet potatoes and add a hint of cinnamon.
- Italian Style: Add mozzarella and a sprinkle of Italian herbs.
- Parmesan Crust: Roll in grated Parmesan before baking for an extra crispy shell.
- Mini Breakfast Bites: Add chopped ham or sausage for a morning snack.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese and flaxseed egg substitute.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes — just prepare them thicker than usual to hold their shape. - Can I fry them instead of baking?
Yes — shallow fry in oil over medium heat until golden and crisp on all sides. - Can I use leftover mashed potatoes with gravy or butter mixed in?
Definitely, just adjust the flour to balance moisture. - Can I make them ahead?
Yes — shape and refrigerate before baking, or freeze unbaked for later. - What cheese melts best?
Cheddar gives great flavor, but mozzarella or gouda creates a smoother texture. - Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes — they’ll be slightly softer but deliciously sweet and savory. - Can I make them gluten-free?
Replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. - Why are my puffs dense?
The mixture may be too wet — add a touch more flour or cheese next time. - Can I add onions or garlic directly?
Yes — sauté them lightly first to mellow the flavor. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — perfect for parties or meal prep!
🏁 Conclusion
These Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the ultimate comfort snack — crunchy outside, fluffy inside, and oozing with cheesy goodness. Simple to make, endlessly versatile, and always crowd-approved, they’re the perfect way to turn humble mashed potatoes into a gourmet treat.
Serve them hot and watch them disappear — because one bite is never enough!
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs – Golden, Cheesy & Irresistibly Fluffy Bites of Comfort
Get Our Best App for Daily Great Recipes 🍽️
Discover warm, delicious, home-style meals — fresh recipes added every day inside Jacky’s Kitchen.
Coming Soon
Ingredients
Get Our Best App for Daily Great Recipes 🍽️
Discover warm, delicious, home-style meals — fresh recipes added every day inside Jacky’s Kitchen.
Coming Soon
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, cheeses, melted butter, flour, green onions, and seasonings.
- Mix until the texture is thick, smooth, and scoopable.
- 💡 Pro Tip: If the mixture feels too soft, add a little more flour or cheese to help it hold shape.
- Spoon the mixture into the mini muffin tin or form small balls (about 1½ inches) if using a baking sheet.
- For extra crispiness, lightly brush the tops with melted butter or spray with oil.
- Oven: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
- Air Fryer: Air fry for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
- They’re done when crispy on the edges and lightly golden on top.
- Cool slightly before removing from the pan — they’ll firm up as they rest.
- Serve warm with sour cream, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat: Bake or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes until crisp again.🥄 Variations
Bacon Cheddar Puffs: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor. Garlic Herb Puffs: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese. Broccoli Cheddar: Fold in finely chopped cooked broccoli. Loaded Potato Puffs: Top with sour cream, chives, and extra cheese. Sweet Potato Twist: Substitute mashed sweet potatoes and add a hint of cinnamon. Italian Style: Add mozzarella and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. Parmesan Crust: Roll in grated Parmesan before baking for an extra crispy shell. Mini Breakfast Bites: Add chopped ham or sausage for a morning snack. Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese and flaxseed egg substitute.❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?Yes — just prepare them thicker than usual to hold their shape. Can I fry them instead of baking?
Yes — shallow fry in oil over medium heat until golden and crisp on all sides. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes with gravy or butter mixed in?
Definitely, just adjust the flour to balance moisture. Can I make them ahead?
Yes — shape and refrigerate before baking, or freeze unbaked for later. What cheese melts best?
Cheddar gives great flavor, but mozzarella or gouda creates a smoother texture. Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes — they’ll be slightly softer but deliciously sweet and savory. Can I make them gluten-free?
Replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Why are my puffs dense?
The mixture may be too wet — add a touch more flour or cheese next time. Can I add onions or garlic directly?
Yes — sauté them lightly first to mellow the flavor. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — perfect for parties or meal prep!
