Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs – The Perfect Bite-Sized Comfort Food

If you love crispy edges, a fluffy potato center, and golden melty cheese in every bite, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs will become your new favorite go-to recipe. They’re quick, delicious, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Perfect for parties, snacks, brunch, or dinner sides—these savory puffs always disappear fast!

These irresistible mini potato bites prove that leftovers can turn into gourmet little treats. Let’s dive into the full recipe, expert tips, and everything you need to master the best Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs every single time.

What Are Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs?

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are fluffy, savory bites made from seasoned mashed potatoes mixed with cheese, eggs, herbs, and a touch of creaminess—baked inside muffin tins until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re like bite-sized loaded mashed potatoes, but easier, faster, and much more fun to serve!

They work perfectly as:

A comforting side dish
A holiday appetizer
A lunchbox treat
A crowd-pleasing finger food

Whether you’re using leftover mashed potatoes or making a fresh batch, these puffs turn simple ingredients into something truly special.

Ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Below is the full list of ingredients you need for this recipe. Feel free to customize the herbs and cheese to match your taste.

For the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

2 cups mashed potatoes (fresh or leftover; smooth and creamy)
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded cheese
Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a mix
¼ cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons melted butter
¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

Crispy bacon bits
Finely diced cooked ham
Jalapeños
Fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme)
Smoked paprika or chili flakes

Topping (optional, but recommended!)

Extra shredded cheese
Fresh herbs
Tiny piece of butter on top before baking

Required Kitchen Tools

You don’t need anything fancy to make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs, but the right tools will make the process smoother and give perfect results.

Essential Tools

Mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Silicone spatula
Mini muffin tin (recommended for bite-sized puffs)
Regular muffin tin (if you want larger puffs)
Nonstick cooking spray or butter/oil for greasing the pan
Cheese grater
Oven

Optional Tools

Piping bag (for neatly filling muffin cups)
Ice-cream scoop (for even portions)

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs – Step-by-Step

This recipe is extremely simple and beginner-friendly. Follow these clear steps for a perfect finish:

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

If you’re using leftovers, remove them from the fridge and let them soften a little.

If you’re making fresh mashed potatoes:

Peel and cut 3–4 medium potatoes.
Boil them with a pinch of salt until soft.
Mash with butter, salt, and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy.

Your potatoes should not be watery—thick mashed potatoes give the best puff texture.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to:

400°F (200°C)

A high temperature ensures the puffs become golden and crispy on the outside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:

Add 2 eggs and whisk lightly.
Add sour cream, melted butter, and mix until smooth.

This creates a creamy base that helps the puffs rise and stay soft inside.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

To the same bowl, add:

Mashed potatoes
Shredded cheese
Parmesan
Chives or green onions
Garlic & onion powder
Salt and pepper

Mix using a spatula until everything is fully combined and evenly distributed.

Your mixture should be thick—similar to thick cake batter or scoopable dough.

Step 5: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Generously grease a mini muffin pan with:

Butter
Oil
Or nonstick cooking spray

This helps the puffs become crispy on the outside and prevents sticking.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups

Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.

For extra flavor, you can:

Add a pinch of cheese on top
Add a tiny square of butter
Sprinkle herbs

This gives a beautifully golden, appetizing finish.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for:

20–25 minutes (mini muffins)

28–32 minutes (regular muffin tin)

You’ll know they’re ready when:

They puff up beautifully
The edges are deeply golden and crispy
The tops look slightly browned

Let them cool for about 5 minutes before removing.

Step 8: Serve Warm

These puffs taste their absolute best when served hot or warm, right out of the oven. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and incredibly cheesy.

Pair them with:

Sour cream dip
Garlic mayo
Ranch sauce
Spicy ketchup
Gravy

Helpful Tips for Perfect Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

1. Use High-Quality Cheese

Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded packaged cheese.

2. Don’t Skip the Eggs

They act as a binder and help the puffs stay light and airy.

3. Avoid Runny Mashed Potatoes

Watery potatoes make the puffs collapse or turn mushy.
If your potatoes are too soft, add a bit more Parmesan or flour.

4. Grease the Pan Very Well

This recipe loves sticking!
Use plenty of butter or spray.

5. Add a Crunchy Topping

A pinch of cheese or herbs on top makes them incredible.

6. Use a Mini Muffin Pan for Parties

Mini puffs are easier to serve and bake faster.

7. Turn Them Into Breakfast Puffs

Add:

Bacon
Sausage
Green peppers
Extra cheese

Perfect for busy mornings!

8. They Freeze Really Well

Freeze baked puffs in airtight bags.
Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

9. Perfect for Leftover Mashed Potatoes

This is the BEST recipe to turn leftovers into something delicious and presentable.

10. Customize the Seasoning

Try Cajun, smoked paprika, rosemary, thyme, oregano—or even a touch of truffle salt.

Approximate Nutritional Information (per puff)

Values may vary based on specific ingredients.

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	65–80 kcal
Protein	3–4 g
Carbohydrates	7–10 g
Fat	3–5 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sodium	80–110 mg
Sugar	<1 g

They are surprisingly light compared to traditional potato sides, especially when made with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs fit beautifully into almost any meal or occasion.

1. As a Side Dish

Serve with:

Roast chicken
Grilled steak
Meatloaf
BBQ ribs
Holiday turkey

2. As an Appetizer

Arrange them on a platter with dips:

Sour cream & chives
Garlic aioli
Hot cheese sauce
Ranch dressing

3. As a Brunch Item

Pair with:

Eggs
Toast
Bacon
Fresh vegetables

4. As a Holiday Treat

They’re ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s gatherings.

5. For Kids

Kids love the cheesy flavor and bite-size shape.
Great for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing

Keep leftovers in an airtight container.

Fridge: up to 4 days
Freezer: up to 2 months

Reheating

Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes
Air fryer: 4–5 minutes at 350°F
Microwave (least recommended): 20–25 seconds

Reheating in the oven or air fryer keeps the outside crispy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make
Budget-friendly
Uses leftover mashed potatoes
Kid-friendly
Cheesy, fluffy, and crispy
Perfect for any event
Freezer-friendly
Ready in under 30 minutes

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the kind of recipe you make once—and they instantly become a family favorite.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a simple, comforting, and incredibly tasty recipe that everyone will love, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the answer. With their fluffy, cheesy centers and crispy golden tops, they’re the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a weekday dinner, or reinventing leftovers, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.