Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food, enjoyed at family dinners, holidays, and cozy weeknights. But what if you could take those creamy, buttery mashed potatoes and transform them into something crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible? That’s where Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs come into play. This recipe takes the humble mashed potato and gives it a fun, crunchy twist, making it a perfect side dish, snack, or even an appetizer for gatherings.

The inspiration behind this recipe came one evening when I was experimenting with leftover mashed potatoes. As much as I love them, I wanted to create something a little different—a dish that still held all the comfort of mashed potatoes but with an exciting new texture and flavor. After a little experimenting, I landed on these crispy, golden potato puffs that are not only cheesy but also delightfully crunchy on the outside while remaining soft and creamy on the inside.

Whether you’re looking for a way to elevate your regular mashed potatoes or you’re searching for a new recipe to impress guests at your next dinner party, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are sure to be a hit. Read on to find out why I love them and how you can make them at home!

Why I Love This Recipe

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It can be served as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, making it suitable for any occasion. These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are a creative twist on traditional mashed potatoes, but they still capture the comfort and heartiness that we all love.

The combination of mashed potatoes and cheese makes for a mouthwatering treat, and the crispy golden coating on the outside takes it to another level. The puffs have a soft, fluffy interior, and the cheese melts perfectly within each bite. If you’re someone who loves both the texture of mashed potatoes and the flavor of cheese, these little puffs are a game-changer.

Another reason I love this recipe is how easy it is to make, especially if you have leftover mashed potatoes. You don’t need to start from scratch, which makes this a great way to use up leftovers while creating something that feels totally new. Plus, the ingredients are simple and affordable, meaning you can whip up these tasty bites without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s indulgent yet comforting, crispy yet creamy, and guaranteed to please a crowd, this recipe has all the right qualities. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare!

Ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

To make these cheesy mashed potato puffs, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together perfectly to create that crispy, cheesy, and soft texture:

Mashed potatoes: This is the base of the recipe, and while you can use freshly made mashed potatoes, this recipe is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Be sure they are well-seasoned and creamy, as this will help enhance the flavor of the puffs.
Shredded cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella is perfect for these puffs. The cheddar adds a rich, tangy flavor, while the mozzarella helps to create a melty and gooey center.
Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the mixture together, ensuring the puffs hold their shape when frying.
Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs will give the outside of the puffs a crispy texture. For extra crunch, you can use panko breadcrumbs, but regular breadcrumbs will also work fine.
Flour: A little flour helps the puffs keep their structure and gives the breadcrumbs something to adhere to.
Herbs and seasonings: To elevate the flavor, I like to add a bit of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. These seasonings bring out the flavors of the potatoes and cheese.
Butter: For frying the puffs, butter adds a rich flavor and helps to achieve that golden-brown crispy exterior.

These simple ingredients are what make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs so special—nothing too complicated, just a few basics that come together to create something extraordinary.

How Much Time Will You Need?

The great thing about this recipe is that it doesn’t take much time to make, especially if you already have mashed potatoes on hand. Here’s a breakdown of the time:

Preparation time: 15-20 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients, mixing everything together, and shaping the puffs.
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes. Frying the puffs until golden brown and crispy doesn’t take long at all.
Total time: Approximately 30-35 minutes. If you’re starting with leftover mashed potatoes, this is a quick and easy recipe that can be ready in under 45 minutes!

How to Make These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Now that you know what you’ll need and how much time you’ll need, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide for making these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs.

Step – 1: Prepare the mashed potatoes
If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, make sure they are soft and creamy. If you’re starting from scratch, cook and mash your potatoes as you normally would, adding butter, cream, and seasonings to taste.

Step – 2: Mix the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the shredded cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, flour, and seasonings. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until it’s well incorporated. The mixture should be firm but slightly sticky, so you can easily form it into small balls.

Step – 3: Shape the puffs
With your hands, form the potato mixture into small, round puffs about the size of a golf ball. If the mixture is too sticky, you can lightly flour your hands to help with shaping.

Step – 4: Fry the puffs
In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot, carefully add the potato puffs, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the puffs for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the puffs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step – 5: Serve and enjoy
Once the puffs have cooled slightly, serve them immediately while they’re still warm. They’re perfect as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, and can be paired with your favorite dipping sauce!

Substitutions

While this recipe is perfect as written, there are a few simple substitutions you can try to make it your own or accommodate different dietary preferences:

Cheese: You can swap the cheddar and mozzarella for other cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or even parmesan. Just be sure to choose cheeses that melt well for the best results.
Breadcrumbs: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed rice cereal for the coating.
Herbs: You can easily switch up the herbs in the recipe. Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary can be used in place of parsley or chives for a different flavor profile.
Dipping sauces: For a fun twist, try serving these puffs with different dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Best Side Dish for Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

These puffs are rich and cheesy, so they pair well with light, refreshing side dishes to balance out the heaviness. Here are three great side dishes to serve with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs:

Crisp garden salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the puffs perfectly.
Steamed vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots provides a healthy contrast to the cheesy potatoes.
Roasted chicken: The savory, flavorful roasted chicken pairs wonderfully with the crispy potato puffs for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presenting your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs is a great opportunity to elevate your dish, making it look as good as it tastes. Here are some serving and presentation tips to ensure these crispy treats are the highlight of your meal:

Garnish with fresh herbs: Once your puffs are plated, sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley, chives, or even a little grated Parmesan for an extra burst of color and flavor. The herbs not only add a pop of green but also enhance the overall look of the dish.
Serve with a dipping sauce: Pair these puffs with a delicious dipping sauce. Whether it’s a classic ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or a tangy garlic aioli, the right sauce can take your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs to the next level. Serve the sauce in a small bowl beside the puffs or drizzle it over the top for a more polished look.
Use a decorative plate: Serving your puffs on a clean, modern plate or platter adds a sophisticated touch. You could even use a rustic wooden board for a more casual, homey presentation. The key is to keep it simple and allow the puffs to shine.
Serve in individual portions: If you’re serving these as appetizers or at a party, consider serving them in individual portions, like in small ramekins or on mini plates. This makes them easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Add a side salad or fresh greens: A vibrant side salad or a few fresh greens can bring balance to the dish and also serve as a nice contrast to the golden-brown puffs. Try a simple green salad or lightly dressed arugula for a bit of peppery bite.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

While Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are already a fantastic treat, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to elevate the recipe even further. These little adjustments will ensure that your puffs come out perfectly every time:

Don’t overmix the mashed potatoes: When mixing your ingredients, make sure not to overwork the mashed potatoes. Over-mixing can lead to a dense texture. You want the puffs to be fluffy on the inside, so gently fold in the ingredients until they are just combined.
Chill the mixture before shaping: If you’re having trouble shaping the potato mixture into puffs, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before forming the balls. This will make the mixture firmer and easier to handle, preventing it from becoming too sticky.
Use a deep fryer for even cooking: While a skillet works just fine for frying, using a deep fryer ensures that the puffs cook evenly and become perfectly golden brown all over. If you don’t have a deep fryer, make sure the oil in your skillet is hot enough (about 350°F) before adding the puffs to avoid them becoming greasy.
Double fry for extra crispiness: If you want your puffs to be extra crispy, try double frying them. First, fry the puffs until they are lightly golden, then remove them and let them rest for a few minutes. Afterward, return them to the oil for a second fry until they are deeply golden and extra crispy.
Try adding bacon: For a smoky, savory twist, try mixing in some crispy, crumbled bacon to the mashed potatoes before shaping them into puffs. Bacon adds a nice crunch and an irresistible flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Add some heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, you can mix in some finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mashed potatoes. This will add a nice kick to your puffs without overpowering the flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid to ensure your Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs turn out perfectly every time:

Using cold mashed potatoes: If your mashed potatoes are too cold, the mixture may not bind together properly. It’s best to use mashed potatoes that are at room temperature, or gently warm them up in the microwave before mixing.
Not draining the oil properly: After frying the puffs, it’s important to let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. If you skip this step, your puffs may become soggy instead of crispy.
Frying at too low a temperature: If the oil is not hot enough, the puffs will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Make sure the oil is heated to around 350°F before frying, or else you’ll end up with soggy puffs.
Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many puffs at once can lower the temperature of the oil, leading to uneven cooking. Fry in small batches to ensure each puff gets crispy and golden on all sides.
Not seasoning the potatoes enough: Mashed potatoes are a blank canvas, and it’s important to season them well. If you’re not using enough salt and pepper in the mashed potatoes, the puffs may taste bland. Don’t be afraid to add a bit more seasoning until the potatoes taste flavorful.

How to Store It

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigeration: Let the puffs cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again.
Freezing: If you want to make these puffs ahead of time, you can freeze them. Arrange the puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 15 minutes.
Reheating: To keep the puffs crispy when reheating, avoid using the microwave. Instead, reheat them in the oven or a toaster oven to maintain their crunchy exterior.

FAQ

1. Can I make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the puffs and freeze them for later. Just follow the instructions to shape the puffs, freeze them, and then bake them from frozen when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
While fresh mashed potatoes will give you the best texture, you can use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch. Just make sure they are well-seasoned and have a smooth texture before mixing.

3. How do I make these puffs spicier?
To add a bit of spice, you can mix in finely chopped jalapeños, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mashed potatoes. You can also serve the puffs with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo.

4. Can I make these puffs in the oven?
Yes! If you prefer to bake them instead of frying, you can place the shaped puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden and crispy.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gouda, pepper jack, or even cream cheese can work well in place of the cheddar and mozzarella for a unique flavor.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs: A Crispy and Cheesy Treat