Do Share Recipe

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites Recipe: The Ultimate Snack

I stumbled upon this recipe when I had a mountain of leftover mashed potatoes and wanted to create something new. These little puffs came out of the oven golden and crispy, with a wonderfully soft, cheesy center.

They were an instant hit! They have become such a staple that they even make an appearance alongside more complex dishes. If you enjoy creative recipes like this, you should also explore our guide for our Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Sauce Recipe.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Perfection

To get started on these delicious bites, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. The key is to use cold, firm mashed potatoes, which helps the puffs hold their shape beautifully.

2 cups mashed potatoes – Leftovers are perfect for this, but make sure they are cold.
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Grating your own cheese from a block provides a better melt.
1 large egg – This acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together.
½ cup bread crumbs – Plain or Italian-style bread crumbs work well to create a crispy exterior.
2 tbsp chopped green onions – Fresh green onions add a mild, bright flavor.
2 tbsp butter, melted – This adds richness and helps the puffs brown nicely.
1 tsp garlic powder – For a savory kick that pairs wonderfully with potato and cheese.
½ tsp salt – Adjust to your taste, especially if your mashed potatoes are already seasoned.
¼ tsp black pepper – Freshly ground pepper offers the best flavor.
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (optional) – A sprinkle on top adds a salty, nutty finish.

Note: This recipe yields approximately 18-24 puffs, serving 4-6 people as a side or snack.

Cooking Time

Get these bites on the table in no time with this simple timeline.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Equipment You Need

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just some basic kitchen tools.

Large Bowl: For mixing all the delicious ingredients together.
Baking Sheet: To bake the puffs to a perfect golden brown.
Parchment Paper: Prevents the puffs from sticking to your baking sheet.
Tablespoon or Cookie Scoop: For portioning out the potato mixture evenly.

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites

Creating these golden, cheesy puffs is incredibly simple. Just mix, shape, and bake. The process is straightforward, ensuring you get perfect results every single time without much fuss. Let’s walk through the steps to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into an irresistible treat.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature to cook the puffs evenly and make them crispy. While it’s heating, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light greasing. This small step is crucial to prevent the puffs from sticking.

Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients

In a large bowl, it’s time to bring everything together. Combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, bread crumbs, chopped green onions, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated and you have a consistent mixture.

Step 3: Form the Puffs

Now for the fun part! Scoop about one to two tablespoons of the potato mixture. You can use a small cookie scoop for uniform size. Roll the mixture into a ball between your palms, then gently flatten it into a small, disc-like puff shape. Place each puff on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Once all your puffs are formed and arranged, you can give them an extra cheesy boost. If you’re using it, sprinkle a little grated parmesan cheese over the top of each puff. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they are a beautiful golden-brown color and look crispy on the outside.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. I always let the puffs cool for a few minutes directly on the sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. This helps them firm up a bit so they don’t fall apart. Serve them warm and enjoy the delicious, cheesy goodness!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making these puffs countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make them even more amazing.

Use Cold Potatoes: I can’t stress this enough. Using cold, firm mashed potatoes is the secret to puffs that hold their shape. Warm or freshly made potatoes are too soft and will spread out during baking.
Don’t Overmix: When you combine the ingredients, mix them just until they come together. Overmixing can make the potatoes gummy.
Add a Surprise Inside: I sometimes tuck a tiny cube of mozzarella or extra cheddar into the center of each ball before flattening. It creates a gooey, melted cheese core that’s absolutely divine.
Spray with Oil: For an extra-crispy finish, I lightly spray the tops of the puffs with cooking oil before they go into the oven.

Variations to Try

This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your preferences.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Add Some Veggies: Finely chopped broccoli, corn, or chives can be mixed in for extra flavor and nutrients.
Bacon and Cheese: For a classic combination, add some crumbled, cooked bacon to the potato mixture.
Dairy-Free Option: You can easily make this dairy-free by using a plant-based cheese shred and vegan butter. This is a great choice when exploring new dinner recipes.

Serving Ideas

Presentation can make these simple bites feel extra special.

Serve them on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.
Arrange them around a central bowl of dipping sauce, such as spicy aioli, sour cream, or a classic ketchup.
For a fun appetizer spread, serve them alongside other finger foods. They would be a great savory counterpoint to a sweet treat like our Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe.

Calories Count

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per puff, though this can vary based on your specific ingredients.

Calories: 60-70 kcal
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 3.5g
Sodium: 150mg

How to Store Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Proper storage ensures they stay fresh for you to enjoy later.

Refrigerating: Store leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled puffs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen puffs in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and crispy again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these cheesy mashed potato puffs. Here are just a few:

Perfect for Leftovers: It’s an amazing and delicious way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, reducing food waste.
Incredibly Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Crowd-Pleasing Snack: These bites are always a hit at parties, family gatherings, or as an after-school snack.
Customizable: You can easily add different spices, herbs, or cheeses to make the recipe your own.

More About These Puffs

This recipe is very forgiving. Don’t worry if your puffs aren’t perfectly uniform in shape; their rustic look is part of their charm. The key is to ensure the potato mixture is firm enough to handle.

If it feels too wet, you can add a bit more bread crumbs until it reaches a workable consistency. These bites are best served fresh and hot, as that’s when their crispy exterior and soft interior are at their peak. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat

Ben Carraoli