Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

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Tips for the Best Potato Puffs:

  • Be sure to let any freshly made mashed potatoes cool completely before mixing in the eggs. Room temp is ideal for easy mixing.
  • Don’t overmix the potato mixture or it can become dense and gummy.
  • Use a small cookie or portion scoop to easily fill the muffin tin cups.
  • For crispier puffs, use a standard muffin tin instead of a mini one.
  • Bake puffs on the lower oven rack for optimal browning.
  • Let puffs rest for 5 minutes before removing from tin so they can set up.

FAQs:

Can I make these puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the potato mixture up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

How do you reheat leftover puffs?
For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Do puffs freeze well?
Yes, these freeze beautifully! Let baked and cooled puffs freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen.

What else can I serve with potato puffs?
These are delicious as a side dish with proteins like roasted chicken, steak, pork chops or meatloaf. They also make a fun appetizer for holidays and parties!

Serving Suggestions:

While these cheesy mashed potato puffs are definitely hearty and filling enough to be served as a side dish, they also make such a fun and unique appetizer! I love setting out a big platter of them at parties or holiday gatherings with a variety of dipping sauces for guests to enjoy.

Some of my favorite dippers include ranch dressing, queso, marinara sauce, or even a zesty jalapeño ranch. You could also set out bowls of sour cream, salsa, guacamole or warm nacho cheese sauce for drizzling or dipping. The crispy-creamy puffs are the perfect vehicle for scooping up all those tasty toppings.

For more of a meal, I’ll serve the puffs alongside proteins like roasted chicken, grilled steak or pork chops. They’re also fantastic paired with glazed ham, turkey meatloaf or even a comforting pot of beef stew or chili. Anytime you’d normally serve mashed potatoes, these cheesy puffs make a fun, nostalgic twist!

However you decide to enjoy them, I guarantee these cheesy mashed potato puffs will be a hit. They transform boring leftover mashed potatoes into the most craveable little crispy, creamy, cheesy bites that everyone devours. Once you make them, you’ll never let another leftover potato go to waste again!

Ingredients

  • 3 eggs beaten
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes at room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese divided
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives plus more for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese, and chives until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Use a small scoop or spoon to portion the potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling them nearly to the top.
  • Top each puff with the remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheese.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed, set, and lightly golden brown on top.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes, then use a butter knife or offset spatula to gently remove the puffs from the tin.
  • Serve warm, garnished with extra chopped chives and dollops of sour cream if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Be sure to let any freshly made mashed potatoes cool completely before mixing in the eggs.
  • Don’t overmix the potato mixture or it can become dense and gummy.
  • Use a small cookie or portion scoop to easily fill the muffin tin cups.
  • For crispier puffs, use a standard muffin tin instead of a mini one.
  • Bake puffs on the lower oven rack for optimal browning.
  • Let puffs rest for 5 minutes before removing from tin so they can set up.

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