Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

If you’ve never tried Mashed Potato Puffs, you are in for the most delightful treat! Fluffy, cheesy, golden, and loaded with savory flavor, these are the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or to create a showstopper side everyone will rave about. With their crisp edges and creamy, irresistible center, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Mashed Potato Puffs is how approachable the ingredient list is. Every component contributes its own punch of flavor or creamy texture, creating a side that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.

• Mashed potatoes (2 cups): The heart of the recipe—use leftovers or fresh, or even instant for busy nights! Smooth, lump-free potatoes work best for that classic, creamy texture.
• Eggs (3 large, beaten): These act like magic glue, giving the puffs their fluffy lift and helping hold everything together.
• Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): The cheddar melts into gooey, tangy ribbons that make every bite irresistible—use sharp for extra punch!
• Bacon bits (1/4 cup): Salty, savory, and adding bits of crunch. Feel free to substitute with turkey bacon or skip for a vegetarian version.
• Chives (1/4 cup, chopped): These add a fresh, vibrant pop and a subtle onion flavor that balances all the richness.
• Pepper, to taste: Adjust according to your love of a peppery finish—think freshly cracked for best results.
• Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, shredded): Sprinkled on top, it bakes into a golden, savory crust that you’ll want on everything.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Mashed Potato Puffs is how wildly adaptable they are. Don’t be afraid to riff on this recipe to match your pantry, dietary needs, or the flavor profile of your meal!

• Veggie Packed: Fold in finely diced bell peppers, cooked broccoli, or spinach for a boost of color and nutrition (plus, sneaky veggies for picky eaters!).
• Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda instead of cheddar for a fun twist—each brings a unique melty goodness.
• Herb Lovers: Sprinkle in fresh parsley, dill, or thyme along with (or instead of) chives for layers of fresh herbal flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or some pickled jalapeños to take your Mashed Potato Puffs to zesty new heights.

How to Make Mashed Potato Puffs

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Generously grease a standard muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray—this ensures the puffs lift out beautifully golden and intact, with crispy edges all around.

Step 2: Mix Your Filling

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and chives. Give it all a good stir until the mixture looks creamy and evenly blended. Season with pepper; a good few grinds add a lovely bit of warmth.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon hearty mounds of your potato mixture into each muffin cup, filling them right up to the top. Use the back of your spoon to gently even the surface for an attractive, bakery-style finish.

Step 4: Add the Golden Topping

Sprinkle a generous pinch of Parmesan cheese over each puff. This is the secret to those gloriously crisp, umami-packed tops that make Mashed Potato Puffs so addictive!

Step 5: Bake Until Glistening & Serve Warm

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tops are deeply golden and the edges look beautifully crisp. Let them cool for 5 minutes (they firm up a little, making them easy to remove), then pop them out and serve warm—don’t forget a dollop of cool sour cream on the side!

How to Serve Mashed Potato Puffs

Garnishes

Classic sour cream is a must, but you can elevate Mashed Potato Puffs with a sprinkle of extra chives, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even crispy fried onions for added crunch and color.

Side Dishes

Pair your puffs alongside roast chicken, grilled steak, or a bright, zesty salad. They also make a fabulous addition to brunch spreads, especially with eggs and fresh fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Mashed Potato Puffs on a platter with cocktail picks for a playful appetizer, stack them in a bread basket lined with a tea towel, or arrange atop a wooden board with charcuterie fixings for a modern twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Mashed Potato Puffs cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days—perfect for quick snacks or next-day lunches.

Freezing

Once baked and cooled, freeze puffs in a single layer. Once solid, move them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2–3 months; a lifesaver for busy days or unexpected guests!

Reheating

Reheat Mashed Potato Puffs straight from the fridge or freezer—just pop them in the microwave for about a minute, or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and re-crisped on the outside.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something joyful about a tray of golden, cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs coming out of the oven—warm, crispy, and packed with comfort. If you try them, get ready for second helpings and lots of compliments! I’m cheering you on, and I can’t wait to hear how they turn out in your kitchen.

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