Cheesy Herb Mashed Potato Puffs – A Crispy, Cheesy Side Dish Delight!
Introduction:
Looking for a fun and flavorful way to use leftover mashed potatoes? These Cheesy Herb Mashed Potato Puffs are the perfect solution! Baked in muffin tins until golden and crispy on the outside, these bite-sized delights are loaded with cheddar, Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a side dish, or a savory snack, these puffs will quickly become a family favorite.
Cheesy Herb Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Ingredients:
-
2 cups mashed potatoes (can be freshly made or leftover, but smooth and lump-free)
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
2 large eggs
-
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
-
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (or green onions for variation)
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the muffin tin)
Recipe Summary
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
-
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
-
Servings: 12 puffs
-
Course: Appetizer / Side Dish / Snack
-
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
-
Difficulty: Easy
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures the potato puffs come out easily and get a crisp exterior.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
-
Mashed potatoes
-
Shredded cheddar cheese
-
Grated Parmesan cheese
-
Eggs
-
Flour
-
Chopped chives
-
Garlic powder
-
Salt and pepper
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined and form a thick, scoopable batter.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the mashed potato mixture. Gently press the mixture to even it out.
Optional Tip:
Sprinkle a little extra cheddar or Parmesan on top for added cheesy crispiness.
Step 4: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and lightly crispy.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the puffs rest in the tin for 2–3 minutes to firm up. Then, gently loosen the edges with a knife and remove them from the pan.
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture!
Serving Suggestions
-
Party Appetizer: Serve with sour cream or ranch dipping sauce.
-
Brunch Side: Perfect alongside eggs and bacon.
-
Lunchbox Favorite: Easy to pack and reheat.
-
Holiday Side Dish: A fun twist on classic mashed potatoes.
Tips and Variations
-
Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time.
-
Swap cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for different flavor profiles.
-
Add finely chopped bacon or ham for extra protein.
-
Prefer gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour or almond flour instead.
Storage and Reheating
-
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Freeze: Freeze after baking; reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
-
Reheat: Pop in a toaster oven or 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until heated through.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Herb Mashed Potato Puffs are irresistibly crispy, fluffy, and flavorful. They’re ideal for using up leftover potatoes and turning them into something truly special. Great for kids and adults alike, they’ll disappear fast—so you might want to make a double batch!