Name: Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup breadcrumbs

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the ultimate way to give last night’s mashed potatoes a second, utterly irresistible life! These golden, cheesy bites are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and deliver warm, savory comfort in every poppable puff—perfect for parties, snacks, or turning leftovers into something truly magical.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Golden Shell: Each Mashed Potato Cheese Puff bakes up with the dreamiest, crunchiest crust thanks to their breadcrumb coating.
Cheesy, Comforting Center: That first bite reveals a fluffy, cheesy filling that’s pure comfort and impossibly hard to resist.
Impressively Easy: You only need simple ingredients and leftovers to whip these up—no fancy skills or equipment necessary!
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you serve them as a snack, side, or party appetizer, these puffs always disappear fast (so make extra!).

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs is likely in your kitchen already. Each ingredient brings its own magic—melting cheese, tender mash, just the right amount of seasoning, and a crispy, golden finish—so don’t skip a thing!

Leftover mashed potatoes: The soft and starchy base that holds everything together—russet or Yukon Gold work beautifully here.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a melty richness and classic cheesy flavor; feel free to use sharp cheddar for a bolder bite.
Large eggs: These bind the mixture, giving the puffs structure while keeping them scrumptiously light.
All-purpose flour: A touch of flour firms up the mixture just enough so you can shape perfect, stable puffs.
Salt: A must for bringing out all the nuanced flavors and balancing the cheesy richness.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes and cheese.
Garlic powder: Delivers gentle, savory depth without overwhelming the flavors.
Breadcrumbs: These transform the exterior into that coveted, golden crunch—panko, Italian, or classic all work well.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are as adaptable as they are delicious! It’s easy to tweak them based on what you have or what you’re craving—so mix and match to make them fit your table (and your taste buds) perfectly.

Veggie-Loaded: Stir in finely chopped cooked broccoli, spinach, or caramelized onions for pops of color and added flavor.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of cayenne or chopped jalapeños if you love your snacks with some heat.
Herb Magic: Add fresh chives, parsley, or a touch of dill for an herby lift and bright, fresh finish.
Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a sprinkle of parmesan to change up the flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs—these substitutions work perfectly and keep the puffs just as tasty and crisp.

How to Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Step 1: Mix Up the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking. In a large bowl, combine your leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use a spatula or your hands to gently mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly blended—don’t over-work it, just enough to create a cohesive mixture.

Step 2: Shape and Coat

Grab a scoop or use your hands to roll the potato mixture into golf ball-sized rounds. Drop each puff into a shallow bowl of breadcrumbs, rolling gently to ensure every inch is coated in that crunchy goodness—you want a generous breading for the best crispy crust.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

Place your coated puffs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one so the air can circulate. Bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden and crisp on the outside. Let them cool slightly before serving so the insides settle into that irresistible, cheesy fluffiness.

Pro Tips for Making Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Cold Mash = Easy Rolling: If your leftover mashed potatoes are well-chilled, shaping neat puffs will be a breeze (and less sticky on your hands).
Coat Generously: For maximum crunch, be sure to roll each puff until it’s fully and evenly coated—the breadcrumbs are what set these apart!
Cheese Choices Matter: Use a mix of cheddar with a touch of parmesan for extra depth, or experiment with smoky or spicy varieties for a fun twist.
Perfect Baking: Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet—giving your puffs space ensures even, all-over golden crispness.

How to Serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Garnishes

Dress up your Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of grated parmesan or a pinch of smoked paprika takes them into show-stopping territory.

Side Dishes

These golden puffs pair beautifully with a simple green salad, a bowl of tangy tomato soup, or alongside roasted veggies for a fun twist on family dinner. Need a party platter? Add other finger foods—think sliders, wings, or veggie sticks—for a spread that wows.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful appetizer board, serve Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs with different dipping sauces—ranch, sriracha mayo, or marinara—and mini cocktail picks. Stack them high on a rustic serving platter or nestle them in parchment-lined baskets for a casual, pub-style vibe everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—all set for your next snack attack or lunchbox surprise!

Freezing

These puffs freeze like a dream! Arrange the baked puffs in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat straight from frozen for a quick, cheesy treat on busy days.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for several minutes—this revives their crispiness far better than the microwave and brings back that perfect golden crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs without breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! If you’re out of breadcrumbs, try swapping in crushed cornflakes, panko, or even finely crushed crackers. For a gluten-free alternative, use crushed rice cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs—they’ll crisp up beautifully.
Do I have to use leftover mashed potatoes, or can I make fresh mashed potatoes?

Leftover mashed potatoes are ideal because they’re a bit firmer and easier to shape, but fresh mash cooled to room temperature also works. Just avoid super-creamy, loose potatoes, as they can make the puffs too soft to hold their shape.
What type of cheese works best in Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?

Cheddar (especially sharp or medium) melts beautifully and brings bold flavor, but you can get creative with mozzarella, Swiss, gouda, or even toss in a handful of parmesan for extra savoriness.
Can I fry these puffs instead of baking them?

Yes! If you’re after a truly indulgent treat, heat a few inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the puffs in batches until golden and crisp. Just drain well on paper towels and let cool slightly before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to transform simple leftovers into something truly memorable, Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are your ticket to snack-time happiness. They’re easy, customizable, and always draw a crowd—so go ahead, give them a try, and watch how fast they vanish. Happy baking!