If you’ve ever stared at a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes and thought, “There has to be something fun I can do with this,”—you’re in for a treat. These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the ultimate answer to your crispy snack cravings. Golden on the outside, soft and cheesy inside, they’re the kind of comfort food that makes you forget you’re technically just using up leftovers.
What I adore about this recipe is how effortlessly it transforms humble ingredients into something that feels special—like a cozy hug in snack form. Perfect for movie night appetizers, family game evenings, or a quick fix when you’re craving something warm and satisfying, these puffs check all the right boxes: easy, delicious, and delightfully nostalgic.
So grab that leftover mash, some cheddar, and let’s whip up these baked cheese bites that’ll disappear faster than the previews before your favorite film.
Why You’ll Love These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
They’re everything we adore about comfort food—crispy, creamy, cheesy, and just a little addictive. You don’t need fancy tools or deep-frying skills, just a mixing bowl and an oven. Plus, this recipe makes a dozen golden bites of happiness that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist.
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Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 cheese puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the ultimate way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into something irresistibly crispy, cheesy, and satisfying. With a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, melty center, these baked cheese bites deliver pure comfort in every bite. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re easy to make, family-friendly, and endlessly versatile.
Ingredients
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2 cups (475 g) leftover mashed potatoes
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1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
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2 large eggs
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½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp (5 g) salt
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½ tsp (1 g) black pepper
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1 tsp (3 g) garlic powder
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1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
Instructions
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and well blended.
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Shape the Puffs: Scoop the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds.
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Coat in Breadcrumbs: Roll each puff in breadcrumbs until fully covered.
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Bake: Arrange puffs on the prepared baking sheet with space between each and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and crispy.
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Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or spicy ketchup.
Notes
Use cold mashed potatoes—they hold shape better.
Add extra flour if the mixture feels too soft.
For extra crispiness, spray lightly with cooking oil before baking.
Substitute cheddar with mozzarella for cheese pulls.
Optional flavor boost: add chives or bacon bits to the mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: About 12 cheese puffs
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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2 cups (475 g) leftover mashed potatoes
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1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
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2 large eggs
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½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp (5 g) salt
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½ tsp (1 g) black pepper
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1 tsp (3 g) garlic powder
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1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
Steps to Make the Perfect Baked Cheese Bites
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Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Mix the Magic: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and uniform.
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Shape the Puffs: Scoop the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds. Don’t stress about perfection—they’ll puff up beautifully in the oven.
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Breadcrumb Coating: Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until completely covered. This is where the crispy magic happens!
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Bake to Perfection: Place them on your baking sheet with some space between each puff. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and crunchy.
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Serve & Enjoy: Let them cool slightly, then dive in! Pair with ranch, sour cream, or a little spicy ketchup for that extra zing.
Cooking Tips for Irresistibly Crispy Snacks
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Cold mashed potatoes work best—they hold their shape better.
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If your mixture feels too soft, sprinkle in a little extra flour until it’s scoopable.
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For extra crispiness, lightly mist the puffs with cooking spray before baking.
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Swap cheddar for mozzarella if you want those irresistible cheese pulls.
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Feeling fancy? Add chopped chives or crispy bacon bits to the mix for a flavor upgrade.
And if your first batch isn’t picture-perfect, don’t worry—cheese and potatoes rarely disappoint!
Olivia’s Story Behind These Comfort Food Beauties
These little cheese puffs were born out of a happy accident one Thanksgiving when I found myself with way too many mashed potatoes (don’t judge, it happens to the best of us). Rather than reheating them for the third day in a row, I mixed in some cheese, rolled them up, and baked them. The smell alone had my family hovering around the oven like kids on Christmas morning.
Now, they’re a regular in our home—especially on cozy Friday nights when we snuggle up for a movie. I love how these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs remind me that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s about turning leftovers into something worth celebrating.
What to Serve with Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
These bites are endlessly versatile! Serve them as:
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Movie night appetizers with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara.
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Side dish for grilled chicken, burgers, or soup.
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Party snacks alongside a charcuterie board for a fun, casual twist.
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Or, make them the star of the show—pair with a simple green salad and a glass of iced tea for a cozy lunch that feels indulgent but easy.
They’re warm, cheesy, and satisfying on their own, but those dips? Oh, they take it to a whole new level.
How to Store and Reheat
If you somehow have leftovers (and that’s a big if), let the puffs cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
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Refrigerate: Keeps well for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Freeze individually on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag—good for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Pop them back in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes or until warm and crispy again. Skip the microwave—it tends to make them soggy.
They reheat beautifully, so you can always have a batch ready for unexpected guests or sudden snack cravings.
FAQs About Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re thick and cooled before mixing.
Can I fry them instead of baking?
You sure can. Fry in shallow oil at 350°F until golden brown. They’ll be extra crispy but a little more indulgent.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. The texture stays just as delicious.
What dipping sauces go best?
Ranch, sriracha mayo, or even BBQ sauce are all great choices for these baked cheese bites.
Closing Thoughts
These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs prove that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. Whether you’re serving them as crispy snacks for a cozy night in or impressing friends at your next get-together, these golden bites deliver pure joy in every mouthful.
Next time you’re staring down that bowl of mashed potatoes, don’t reheat—reinvent! Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.
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