Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Name: Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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

Published: October 23, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple to Prepare: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these delicious puffs in no time.
Great Use of Leftovers: Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into something exciting, reducing food waste.
Versatile Flavor: Customize with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve as an appetizer at parties or as a side dish at family meals.
Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Whether it’s game day or movie night, these puffs are sure to be a hit!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your crispy mashed potato cheese puffs, gather the necessary tools and equipment to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Spoon or scoop
Oven

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining all the ingredients thoroughly.
Baking sheet: Provides a surface for even cooking and easy transfer of the puffs to the oven.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

For the Puffs

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

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your puffs will cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.

Step 3: Shape the Mixture

Using your hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into small balls. Aim for about one inch in diameter for uniform cooking.

Step 4: Coat with Breadcrumbs

Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated. This gives them that desired crispy texture once baked.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are spaced evenly apart for optimal baking.

Step 6: Bake the Puffs

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to prevent burning.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once done, remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm!

How to Serve Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Crispy mashed potato cheese puffs are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether as an appetizer or a snack, they pair wonderfully with different dips and sides.

With Dipping Sauces

Sour Cream: A cool and creamy dip that complements the warmth of the puffs.
Ranch Dressing: Adds a zesty flavor that enhances the cheesy goodness of the puffs.
Ketchup: A classic choice for those who enjoy a sweet and tangy contrast.

As Part of a Platter

Vegetable Platter: Serve alongside fresh veggies for a colorful and healthy touch.
Cheese Board: Include crispy puffs on a cheese board to impress guests at gatherings.
Charcuterie Board: Pair with cured meats for a savory snack experience.

With Salads

Caesar Salad: The crispiness of the puffs adds texture to the creamy salad.
Mixed Greens: Light greens balance the richness of the cheese puffs perfectly.

How to Perfect Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

To achieve deliciously crispy mashed potato cheese puffs, follow these helpful tips.

Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: Cold potatoes hold their shape better when forming puffs, creating a firmer texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently combine ingredients to maintain fluffiness in your puffs.
Coat Evenly with Breadcrumbs: Ensure each puff is coated thoroughly for an extra crunchy exterior.
Bake at High Temperature: Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures that the cheese melts properly while keeping the outside crispy.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavors.
Serve Immediately: For best results, serve them hot from the oven for maximum crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Crispy mashed potato cheese puffs can be paired with various side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens and vegetables provides a light contrast to the cheesy puffs.
Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the puffs.
Garlic Bread: Aromatic garlic bread makes for a flavorful addition to any meal featuring these tasty bites.
Steamed Broccoli: Healthy and simple, steamed broccoli adds nutrition and color to your plate.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables brings sweetness and earthiness to your meal.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs excellently with crispy snacks, enhancing your summer dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making crispy mashed potato cheese puffs can be straightforward, but some common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Not using enough seasoning: Seasoning is key for flavor. Always taste your mixture before shaping the puffs and adjust salt and spices as needed.
Overmixing the ingredients: Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until combined for light and fluffy puffs.
Skipping the breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs provide that perfect crispy exterior. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for achieving the right texture.
Not preheating the oven: Baking at the right temperature is crucial. Preheat your oven to ensure even cooking and a golden finish on your puffs.
Making puffs too large: Size matters! Smaller puffs cook more evenly and get crispier. Aim for golf ball-sized portions for best results.

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store crispy mashed potato cheese puffs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Containers: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent drying out.

Freezing Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months.
Containers: Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Note that they may lose some crispiness.
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook each side until warm and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?

Crispy mashed potato cheese puffs are small, delicious snacks made from leftover mashed potatoes mixed with cheese, eggs, and seasonings, then baked until golden brown.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with various cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor and texture in your cheese puffs.

How do I make these puffs gluten-free?

To make crispy mashed potato cheese puffs gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or use almond flour instead.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option compared to frying. The recipe provided is designed specifically for baking, ensuring they come out crispy without excess oil.

Final Thoughts

Crispy mashed potato cheese puffs are an easy and versatile snack or side dish that everyone will love. They’re perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes while being customizable with various cheeses and seasonings. Try making them today and enjoy their delightful crunch!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card