Cheesy Potato Puffs

These crispy-edged mashed potato bites transform ordinary leftover mashed potatoes into something extraordinary. With golden, crunchy exteriors and soft, cheesy centers studded with green onions, these little puffs make the perfect appetizer, side dish, or snack that everyone will love.

I created these potato bites one evening after Thanksgiving when facing a mountain of leftover mashed potatoes. My family now requests them regularly, even when we don't have leftovers to use up!

Ingredients

• Mashed potatoes provides the creamy base that crisps beautifully on the outside while staying soft inside
• Cheddar cheese adds sharp flavor and stretchy texture look for aged cheddar for more depth
• Parmesan cheese contributes nutty saltiness and helps form that irresistible golden crust
• Eggs act as the binding agent that helps these bites hold their shape
• Milk adds moisture and creates a lighter texture
• Green onions provide fresh flavor and a pop of color
• Garlic powder infuses savory notes throughout choose fresh garlic for more intense flavor
• Smoked paprika optional adds subtle smokiness that complements the cheese perfectly
• Salt and pepper balance and enhance all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven:

Heat your oven to 400°F. Thoroughly grease a standard muffin tin with butter or cooking spray, making sure to coat the sides and bottom of each cup completely. This prevents sticking and helps create that crispy exterior.

Create The Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, eggs, and milk. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly distributed but avoid overmixing which can make the potatoes gummy.

Fill The Muffin Tin:

Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about threequarters full with the potato mixture. Leave a little room at the top as they will puff slightly while baking. You can use your fingers to press the mixture down gently and create a smooth top.

Bake To Golden Perfection:

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on top and crispy edges. The centers should be set but still moist. For extra crispiness, you can broil for the final minute but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Cool And Serve:

Remove from the oven and allow the potato bites to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. This cooling period helps them set up and makes removal easier. Run a knife around the edges of each cup and gently lift the bites out. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Save

The smoked paprika is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power during a cooking class years ago, and now I add it to nearly all my potato dishes. My grandmother used to make a similar dish using leftover potato pancakes, but these muffin-tin bites are much easier to portion and serve at gatherings.

Storage And Reheating

These mashed potato bites keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain their crispy exterior, avoid reheating in the microwave which will make them soggy. Instead, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. For longer storage, freeze completely cooled bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be reheated from frozen at 375°F for about 15 minutes.

Delicious Variations

The beauty of these potato bites lies in their versatility. Try mixing in cooked bacon bits or diced ham for a meaty version. Vegetable lovers can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers. For a spicy kick, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can even swap the cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or blue cheese depending on your preference. During the holidays, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme make a festive addition.

Serving Suggestions

These potato bites pair beautifully with so many meals. Serve them alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak as an alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. They make excellent appetizers when topped with a small dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives. For brunch, serve with fried eggs and a side of fresh fruit. At parties, arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or a spicy aioli for guests to enjoy.

The Perfect Mashed Potato Base

Starting with the right mashed potatoes makes all the difference in this recipe. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best due to their starchy nature and fluffy texture. If making mashed potatoes specifically for this recipe rather than using leftovers, avoid adding too much liquid or butter, as this can make the bites too soft to hold their shape. Season your base potatoes well, as the flavor concentrates during baking. Let leftover mashed potatoes come to room temperature before mixing with other ingredients for the most even texture.

Save

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I freeze these potato bites?

Yes! These potato bites freeze wonderfully. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through.

→ What can I add to these potato bites for extra flavor?

These bites are incredibly versatile! Try adding cooked bacon bits, diced ham, different cheese varieties like Gruyère or pepper jack, fresh herbs like chives or dill, or even a spoonful of horseradish for an extra kick. Just fold these additions into the basic mixture before baking.

→ How do I prevent the potato bites from sticking to the muffin tin?

Thoroughly grease your muffin tin with butter, oil, or non-stick spray. For extra insurance against sticking, you can line the tin with parchment paper rounds or use silicone muffin cups. Allow the bites to cool slightly (about 5 minutes) before attempting to remove them.

→ Can I make these with fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?

Absolutely! Fresh mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe. For best results, use starchy varieties like Russet potatoes and avoid making them too thin or adding too much butter. Allow fresh mashed potatoes to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.

→ Are these potato bites suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, these potato bites are naturally gluten-free as written. Just be sure to check that your seasonings and any additions don't contain hidden gluten. If serving to someone with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, be mindful of cross-contamination in your kitchen.

→ How do I know when the potato bites are done baking?

The potato bites are done when they develop a golden-brown color on top and around the edges. The centers should be set and not jiggly. You can insert a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This typically takes 20-25 minutes at 400°F.