If you’re looking for the ultimate way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into something absolutely irresistible, these Best Golden Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are exactly what you need. Creamy mashed potatoes are mixed with sharp cheddar cheese, eggs, and chives, then baked in a mini muffin tin until golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside. These bite-sized puffs are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack, and they come together in just 30 minutes with minimal effort. The best part? They’re a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and turn them into something even better than the original dish.
These puffs are loaded with cheese, have crispy edges, and are incredibly addictive—once you start eating them, it’s hard to stop at just one.
Complete Ingredient List (Makes 24 puffs)
This version is easy to scale up for parties or larger gatherings.
For the Potato Puffs
- 3 cups mashed potatoes, chilled (leftover works best)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for coating)
- ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped (or green onions)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
For Serving
- Sour cream for dipping
- Extra chopped chives for garnish
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes
Servings: 24 puffs
Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking—this is crucial for easy removal.
Mix the Potato Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If using bacon, fold it in now. Mix everything together until well combined and smooth.
Fill the Muffin Tin
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling each nearly to the top. Press gently to shape them into the molds.
For extra crispy puffs, you can roll the mixture into 1-inch balls first, then roll each ball in grated Parmesan cheese before placing in the muffin tin.
Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each puff. This creates a beautiful golden, crispy top.
Bake Until Golden
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are puffed up, set, and golden brown on top with crispy edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Cool and Remove
Let the puffs cool in the tin for 5 minutes—this makes them easier to remove without breaking. Use a butter knife or offset spatula to gently loosen and lift each puff out of the tin.
Serve
Transfer the golden puffs to a serving platter. Garnish with extra chopped chives and serve warm with sour cream on the side for dipping. These are best enjoyed fresh and hot from the oven.
Tips for the Best Golden Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Use cold, leftover mashed potatoes—they hold their shape better than warm ones and create a firmer texture. Grease the muffin tin generously to prevent sticking, or use silicone muffin cups for foolproof removal. Don’t skip the flour—it helps bind the mixture and gives the puffs structure. Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for the best melting and flavor. Let them cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin—they’ll set up and come out more easily. If you don’t have mini muffin tins, use a regular muffin tin and bake for 25-30 minutes instead. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Variations and Customizations
Add cooked and crumbled bacon for loaded baked potato puffs. Mix in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor. Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or pepper jack for variety. Make them spicy with diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. Add roasted garlic to the mixture for deeper flavor. Top with crispy fried onions before baking for extra crunch. Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or omitting the flour altogether. For a breakfast version, add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage to the mixture.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving, 2 puffs)
These puffs provide carbohydrates from the potatoes for energy, protein from the eggs and cheese, and calcium from the dairy. They’re a more indulgent side dish or appetizer, but using less cheese and adding more herbs can lighten them. The eggs add about 3-4 grams of protein per serving.
Why This Works So Well for TikTok and Pinterest
Best Golden Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are incredibly photogenic with their golden-brown tops, melted cheese, and perfect bite-sized shape. The moment when they’re lifted out of the muffin tin to reveal crispy edges makes for satisfying video content, and the “crispy & cheesy” hook resonates with comfort food lovers. For Pinterest, focus on close-up shots showing the crispy exterior and fluffy interior when one is broken open, or styled shots of a platter piled high with golden puffs next to a bowl of sour cream. The leftover-transformation angle and party-ready nature make this recipe highly shareable.
Serve these delicious potato puffs as an appetizer at your next party, as a side dish for dinner, or as a fun snack for game day. Once you try them, you’ll understand why these crispy, cheesy bites have become such a favorite for using up leftover mashed potatoes and creating something even more delicious than the original.
