Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delicious way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, cheesy snack. They are easy to make and perfect for parties or a comforting appetizer.

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
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into small balls using your hands or a spoon.
- Step 4: Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Step 5: Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced evenly.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped herbs like chives or parsley to the potato mixture before shaping.
- Try different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a new twist.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like sour cream or spicy ketchup for added taste.
Storage
Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?
Yes, you can use fresh mashed potatoes. Just make sure they are cooled and not too watery for the best results.
Can I bake these puffs instead of frying them?
This recipe is designed for baking to keep them light and crispy without extra oil. Frying is not recommended here as it may cause uneven cooking.
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Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 puffs 1x
Description
These Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into golden, cheesy bites of comfort. Coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and baked to perfection, they offer a crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful inside—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ingredients
Main 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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the cheese puffs.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a uniform mixture.
- Shape into Balls: Using your hands or a spoon, shape the potato mixture into small bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they are compact enough to hold their shape during baking.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each shaped ball thoroughly in the cup of breadcrumbs until fully coated, which will create a crispy crust once baked.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and place the breadcrumb-coated balls onto the sheet, leaving a small space between each for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake the potato cheese puffs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving these delicious crispy puffs warm for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes that are not overly runny for best results; thicker mashed potatoes help the puffs hold their shape.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
- For extra crispiness, you can spray the puffs lightly with cooking oil before baking.
- These puffs can be reheated in the oven to retain their crisp texture; avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.
- Adding chopped herbs like chives or parsley can enhance the flavor and provide a fresh note.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mashed potato puffs, crispy cheese bites, leftover mashed potatoes recipe, cheesy appetizer, baked potato snacks

