Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are one of those cozy little bites that disappear faster than you expect. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, they turn simple mashed potatoes into something fun and snackable. Each puff is packed with melted cheese and baked until golden, making them perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to party platters.
What makes these puffs special is how approachable they are. They are a great way to give leftover mashed potatoes new life, but they are just as good when made fresh. Served hot from the oven, they strike that perfect balance between comfort food and crowd pleasing finger food.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and loved by both kids and adults. They come together quickly with simple ingredients and bake up beautifully without much effort. Whether you serve them as a side dish, an appetizer, or a snack, they always feel like a treat.
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work wonderfully for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. As long as they are well seasoned and not overly runny, they will hold their shape and bake up fluffy inside. If your mashed potatoes are very soft, a little extra cheese or egg helps firm the mixture just enough.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
The ingredient list for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs is short and familiar, which is part of their charm. Each component plays a role in giving the puffs structure, flavor, and that irresistible cheesy center.
• Mashed potatoes provide the base and create the soft, creamy interior.
• Shredded cheese melts into the potatoes and adds rich, savory flavor.
• Eggs help bind everything together so the puffs keep their shape.
• All purpose flour adds light structure without making them dense.
• Salt enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes and cheese.
• Black pepper adds a gentle warmth and balance.
• Chopped green onions or herbs bring a fresh note that cuts through the richness.

How To Make the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Step 1: Prepare the potato mixture
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, eggs, shredded cheese, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and scoopable.
Step 2: Fill the muffin pan
Lightly grease a mini muffin pan and spoon the potato mixture into each cup, filling them almost to the top. Smooth the surface gently so they bake evenly.
Step 3: Bake until golden
Bake the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs in a preheated oven until the tops are golden and slightly crisp. The centers should feel set but still soft when pressed.
Step 4: Cool and release
Let the puffs cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan. This helps them hold together and makes them easier to serve.
Serving and Storing Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are best served warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is perfectly melted. This recipe feeds about four to six people as a side dish or makes a generous appetizer platter. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to bring back their crisp edges.
What to Serve With Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs?
Roasted chicken
The crisp exterior of the puffs pairs beautifully with juicy roasted chicken.
Grilled steak
Serve these puffs alongside steak for a comforting alternative to classic potatoes.
Fresh green salad
A light salad balances the richness of the cheesy puffs.
Creamy soups
They make a great dunking companion for tomato or vegetable based soups.
Holiday mains
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs fit right in next to turkey, ham, or roast beef.
Want More Cheesy Side Dish Ideas?
If you enjoy Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs, you might also love other comforting sides like Cheesy Ranch Potatoes, Tennessee Onions, Southern Cornbread Poppers, or the Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs for another fun twist on potatoes and cheese.
Save This Recipe For Later
Save this recipe to your Pinterest boards so you can come back to it whenever you need an easy, crowd pleasing side dish. You can find more daily recipe inspiration over on Janet Dishes on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/janetdishesrecipes/.
Conclusion
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are proof that simple ingredients can turn into something special. With their crisp edges, soft centers, and rich cheesy flavor, they are a reliable favorite for any occasion. Once you make them, they tend to become a regular request at the table.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini puffs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with melted cheese. This easy baked potato appetizer is perfect for using leftover mashed potatoes and makes a crowd pleasing side dish, snack, or party bite.
Ingredients
2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a mini muffin pan.
2. Combine mashed potatoes, cheese, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and green onions in a large bowl.
3. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
4. Fill the muffin pan cups nearly to the top with the potato mixture.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden.
6. Cool slightly, then remove and serve warm.
Notes
Use thick mashed potatoes for best texture.
Different cheeses can be used depending on preference.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 puffs
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
