If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover mashed potatoes after a big family dinner, this recipe will become your new favorite. These Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, and packed with cheesy goodness. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re an easy and delicious way to turn yesterday’s leftovers into a crowd-pleasing treat. Whether you’re hosting a party, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a quick savory bite, these potato puffs check every box. They’re easy to prepare, use simple ingredients, and bake up beautifully golden in just minutes.
🥔 Why You’ll Love These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Leftover mashed potatoes don’t have to be boring. Instead of reheating them, why not give them a second life? These puffs are wonderfully versatile — crisp on the edges, fluffy in the center, and full of melted cheese that makes them completely irresistible.
They’re also a great way to reduce food waste and save money, transforming what could be thrown away into something absolutely delicious. Plus, you can easily adjust the flavors — add herbs, bacon bits, or even a sprinkle of paprika for a little extra kick!
If you love comfort food that’s simple, homemade, and satisfying, these potato cheese puffs are for you.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, you only need a few kitchen staples:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes – cold leftovers work best
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chives, chopped
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- Salt to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
These ingredients come together to create a rich, cheesy batter that bakes into golden perfection.
👩🍳 How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Making these puffs is incredibly easy — no fancy tools required. Here’s how:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a muffin tin. This will help your puffs bake evenly and release easily once they’re done.
2️⃣ Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and mix in the sour cream until smooth and creamy.
3️⃣ Add the Flavor
Stir in the shredded cheese, Parmesan, chopped chives, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients bring out the rich, savory flavor of the puffs.
4️⃣ Fold in Mashed Potatoes
Gently fold the mashed potatoes into the mixture until everything is well combined. Don’t overmix — you want the texture to stay light and airy.
5️⃣ Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the potato mixture into the greased muffin tin, filling each cup to the top.
6️⃣ Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are puffed and golden brown. The aroma alone will have everyone waiting in the kitchen!
7️⃣ Cool & Serve
Allow the puffs to cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Serve them warm as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer.
💡 Tips & Variations
✨ Make it your own: Add cooked bacon bits, chopped green onions, or herbs for extra flavor.
✨ Spice it up: A pinch of paprika, chili flakes, or garlic powder can elevate the taste.
✨ Use any cheese you love: Cheddar gives a sharp flavor, mozzarella melts beautifully, and gouda adds a creamy richness.
✨ Perfect for meal prep: These puffs reheat well in the oven or air fryer for a quick snack anytime.
🌟 Serving Ideas
These Cheesy Potato Puffs pair wonderfully with many dishes. Serve them alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a simple salad for a complete meal. They also make a fun appetizer for parties — just add a dipping sauce like sour cream and chive, ranch, or spicy aioli.
If you’re hosting brunch, try serving these with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a hearty and comforting spread.
🥄 Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that perfect crunchy texture!
🍽️ Final Thoughts
Turning your leftover mashed potatoes into cheese puffs is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to reduce food waste while creating something new and exciting. With just a handful of ingredients, you can serve a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and beautifully golden every time.
So next time you’re staring at that bowl of leftover mashed potatoes, don’t toss them — bake these cheesy puffs instead! Your family (and your taste buds) will thank you.
What other creative ways do you use up your leftovers? Let me know in the comments! 😋
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