Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delicious way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a golden, cheesy snack. These bite-sized puffs are crunchy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for parties or a satisfying 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, about the size of a walnut.
- Step 4: Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Step 5: Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.
- Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Step 7: Serve warm, enjoying their cheesy, crunchy goodness.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the potato mixture.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture on the outside.
- Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a spicy pepper jack for a different taste.
- If the mixture feels too soft, add a little more flour to help shape the puffs.
Storage
Store leftover cheese puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?
Yes, fresh mashed potatoes work well but let them cool completely before mixing to prevent the mixture from becoming too soft.
Can I freeze these cheese puffs?
Absolutely. Freeze the uncooked, breadcrumb-coated puffs on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
PrintCrispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
These Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delicious way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into golden, cheesy bites with a crunchy breadcrumb coating. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they bake to perfection in the oven for a crispy outside and soft, cheesy inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 15–20 puffs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the puffs.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a thick dough-like mixture.
- Shape the Puffs: Take portions of the mixture and form them into small, bite-sized balls using your hands.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each ball in the cup of breadcrumbs, making sure each is fully and evenly coated to ensure a crispy exterior after baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breadcrumb-coated balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart so they don’t stick together during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese puffs turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve the cheesy puffs warm as a delightful snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes that are well-seasoned for best flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions.
- These puffs can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Feel free to add herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Ensure the balls are tightly packed to prevent them from falling apart during baking.
Keywords: mashed potato puffs, cheesy potato bites, crispy potato snacks, leftover mashed potato recipes, baked cheese puffs, appetizer recipes

