Description
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into golden, cheesy perfection with these Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these bite-sized treats are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or side dishes. Quick to make, deliciously versatile, and impossible to resist — they redefine what leftovers can be.
Ingredients
2 cups (480 g) cold leftover mashed potatoes
2 large eggs
1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-mozzarella blend)
½ cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (optional)
2 green onions, finely chopped
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or oil (for baking or frying)
(Optional topping): Extra cheese or fresh herbs
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Add cold mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar, Parmesan, flour, butter, green onions, and seasonings to a large bowl. Stir until smooth and thick. If too sticky, add a bit more flour; if too stiff, add a splash of milk.
Step 2: Form the Puffs
Scoop 1½-inch (4 cm) balls of the mixture and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Chill for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Bake or Fry
Baking:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Grease a muffin tin or line a baking sheet.
Bake 20–25 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.
Frying:
Heat 1 inch (2.5 cm) of oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and golden.
Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Serve
Serve warm, garnished with parsley or green onions. Pair with sour cream, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Notes
Always use cold mashed potatoes for better shaping.
Chill before baking or frying to prevent spreading.
Avoid overmixing — it makes puffs dense.
Add a touch of milk if your potatoes are too dry.
Use an air fryer for a lighter, crisp result.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack / Side Dish
- Method: Baked or Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Leftover mashed potato cheese puffs, cheesy potato puffs, baked potato bites, mashed potato appetizer, crispy cheese snacks, leftover potato recipes