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. They’re easy to make and perfect for parties or a comforting treat anytime.

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 together the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Step 4: Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated, ensuring an even layer.
- Step 5: Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart.
- Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, spray the puffs lightly with cooking spray before baking.
- Try mixing in chopped herbs like chives or parsley for added freshness.
- Use different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack to vary the flavor.
- If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the potato mixture.
Storage
Store leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness, or warm them in an air fryer if you have one.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use mashed potatoes with other ingredients already mixed in?
Yes, mashed potatoes with butter, milk, or seasoning work fine. Just adjust salt and seasoning in the recipe as needed for balance.
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely. For a crispier exterior, you can deep fry the cheese puffs in hot oil until golden, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels before serving.
PrintCrispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
These Crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful snack combining creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. Ideal as a comforting appetizer or side dish, they offer a satisfying crunch with a soft, cheesy interior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 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 ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the puffs evenly and achieving a crispy crust.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous, ensuring the flavors are well incorporated.
- Shape Puffs: Using your hands, shape the potato mixture into small, evenly sized balls. This will help them cook uniformly and have a perfect bite-sized portion.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. The breadcrumbs will provide a crispy exterior once baked.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breadcrumb-coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them apart slightly to allow even heat circulation and prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake the puffs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. These puffs are perfect on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Using leftover mashed potatoes is ideal, but freshly made mashed potatoes that are slightly cooled can also be used.
- For extra flavor, add chopped herbs like chives or parsley to the mixture.
- Ensure the mashed potatoes are not too wet to help the puffs hold shape better.
- These puffs can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to preserve their crispiness.
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour can be used to adapt the recipe for gluten intolerance.
Keywords: Mashed potato puffs, crispy potato cheese balls, cheesy potato bites, baked potato snacks, leftover mashed potato recipe

