If you’ve ever wondered what to do with extra mashed potatoes after a big meal, you’re not alone. Welcome to the world of Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs—an utterly irresistible bite-sized treat that gives your leftovers a magical new life. Golden and crispy on the outside, fluffy and cheesy in the center, these puffs are as fun to eat as they are simple to make. Once you taste them, you’ll never look at leftover potatoes the same way again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these puffs lies in their simplicity—each ingredient brings something special, from the creamy potatoes to the sharp bite of cheddar and the fresh pop of green onion. Gather everything you need and watch your leftovers transform into an addictive new favorite.
- Cold Mashed Potatoes (2 cups): The heart of our puffs, leftover mashed potatoes lend fluffiness and make this recipe a smart way to reduce food waste.
- Large Egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold everything together, giving your cheese puffs their perfect structure.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully and adds a rich, gooey texture in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Offers a salty, nutty punch that deepens the overall flavor.
- Chopped Green Onions (1/4 cup): Adds color and a mild oniony zest that brightens up each puff.
- Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives an aromatic background note without overwhelming the main flavors.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential to bring out all the delicious tastes—season generously if your potatoes were lightly salted.
- All-Purpose Flour or Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, as needed): Helps thicken the mixture for easy scooping and crispier results—add as needed for the perfect texture.
- Oil Spray or Melted Butter (for greasing): Ensures the puffs release easily and get a golden, slightly crispy crust.
How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your mini muffin tin and give it a good spritz with oil spray or brush each cup with melted butter. This tiny step ensures your Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs pop out effortlessly once they’re baked to perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cold mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, chopped green onions, garlic powder, plus a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well incorporated. If the mixture seems a touch too soft or sticky, add a little all-purpose flour or breadcrumbs—just enough until it holds together nicely for scooping.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Using a spoon (or a small cookie scoop for perfectly uniform puffs), fill each section of the muffin tin right up to the top, gently pressing the mixture down so each cup is packed and even. This is your ticket to golden brown, slightly domed puffs with gorgeous crispy edges.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Slide your filled tin into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know your Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are ready when the tops are a beautiful golden brown and the edges have just started to crisp up. The scent alone is enough to gather anyone in the kitchen!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once they’re done, let the puffs cool in the pan for about five minutes—this helps them firm up and makes removal a breeze. Gently loosen each puff with a spoon or small spatula and set them out on a plate. They’re ready for snacking, dipping, or showing off to guests!
How to Serve Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Garnishes
A great garnish elevates these cheesy bites from tasty to downright irresistible. Try a sprinkle of fresh chives, extra green onions, a dusting of paprika, or a drizzle of sour cream for a little luscious tang. For a bit of fun, serve with toothpicks for easy picking at parties.
Side Dishes
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs make the ultimate companion to all sorts of meals. Pair them alongside a fresh salad, a cozy soup, or your favorite grilled proteins. They’re an out-of-the-box alternative to rolls or breadsticks for any dinner table, and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn snack time into an event by serving these puffs on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces—try ranch, marinara, or even a spicy aioli. Stack them on skewers for a cute appetizer or nestle them into a breakfast brunch board with eggs and fruit. However you present them, Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any extra Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, making them perfect for meal prep or spontaneous cravings.
Freezing
If you have a bumper crop of puffs, stash some in the freezer! Arrange cooled puffs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months and are ready to bake straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven crispness, reheat your puffs in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and toasty—usually about five to seven minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the texture is best with a little dry heat to restore their golden edges.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes or only homemade?
Absolutely! Both homemade and instant mashed potatoes work well. Just ensure they’re thick and cooled, as watery or hot potatoes might make the mixture too runny to hold its shape.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to get creative—these puffs work with mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, or even crumbled feta. Each cheese brings a unique flavor, so experiment to find your family’s favorite combination.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the flour or breadcrumbs with a gluten-free version, such as almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. It won’t affect the cheesy, satisfying results at all.
How do I keep the puffs from sticking to the pan?
Generously grease your muffin tin with oil spray or melted butter, and let the puffs cool a few minutes before removing. A small offset spatula or butter knife helps lift them out without breaking them.
Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped cooked bacon, fresh herbs, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper are popular add-ins for a custom twist. Just don’t overload the mixture, so your puffs stay cohesive and scoopable.
Final Thoughts
Next time you have leftover mashed potatoes, don’t let them languish in the fridge—turn them into Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs and let your creativity shine. They’re simple, satisfying, and bound to make you look forward to leftovers every single time. Give them a try and let these crispy, cheesy bites win your heart!
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Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini puffs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delicious way to repurpose mashed potatoes into a tasty appetizer or side dish. With a crispy exterior and cheesy, flavorful interior, they are perfect for parties or even a simple snack.
Ingredients
Cold Mashed Potatoes:
2 cups
Egg:
1 large
Cheddar Cheese (shredded):
1/2 cup
Parmesan Cheese (grated):
1/4 cup
Green Onions (chopped):
1/4 cup
Garlic Powder:
1/4 teaspoon
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
All-Purpose Flour or Breadcrumbs:
1/4 cup (as needed)
Oil Spray or Melted Butter:
for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease or spray a mini muffin tin.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add flour or breadcrumbs if needed to bind the mixture.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups, filling each to the top and gently pressing down.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the puffs to cool for 5 minutes in the pan before removing and serving.
Notes
- You can customize with different cheeses, bacon, or herbs.
- Freeze leftovers and reheat in the oven or air fryer for a quick snack.
- Serve with sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 puffs
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
