If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are about to become your new favorite snack. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack, these golden bites of goodness will disappear fast!

I love recipes that take simple ingredients and turn them into something special, and that’s exactly what happens here. Mashed potatoes—something we all have from time to time—get a total upgrade with melty cheese, eggs for structure, and a touch of seasoning. Baked in a muffin tin, they crisp up beautifully and become these irresistible little puffs of cheesy, potato-filled happiness.

Let’s get started!

Getting Started: Ingredients & Prep

Before we dive into baking, let’s gather everything we need. These puffs are incredibly forgiving, so whether you have leftover mashed potatoes or want to make a fresh batch, both will work just fine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Makes about 12–16 puffs)

2 cups mashed potatoes – Fresh or leftover, just make sure they’re smooth and creamy.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar works best for a bold, cheesy flavor.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, umami kick.
2 large eggs – Helps bind everything together and gives the puffs structure.
¼ cup milk – Makes the mixture rich and creamy.
2 green onions, chopped – Adds a fresh, slightly mild onion flavor.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the savory taste.
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

Want to take your puffs to the next level? Try one of these delicious add-ins:

Crispy Bacon Bits – For a smoky, indulgent twist.
Chopped Fresh Herbs – Parsley, thyme, or chives add a burst of freshness.
Paprika or Cayenne Pepper – A pinch adds a touch of heat or smokiness.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your puffs start baking immediately once they hit the heat, helping them rise and crisp up.

Next, grease a mini muffin tin or standard muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. This step is important because the crispy, cheesy edges can stick if the pan isn’t well-greased. If you love extra crispy edges, you can even sprinkle a tiny bit of Parmesan in each cup before adding the mixture.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

Now comes the fun part—mixing everything together! In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Mashed potatoes
Cheddar cheese
Parmesan cheese
Eggs
Milk
Green onions
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper

Stir until the mixture is completely combined. It should be thick, creamy, and slightly fluffy from the eggs. If your mashed potatoes were on the firmer side, you can add an extra splash of milk to loosen them up.

At this point, you can taste the mixture (before adding the eggs) and adjust the seasoning. Want it cheesier? Add more Parmesan. Want a little heat? Throw in some cayenne or black pepper. This recipe is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to tweak it to your taste!

Now that we have our mashed potato mixture ready, it’s time to shape and bake these crispy, cheesy bites. This is where the magic happens—the oven transforms them into golden puffs with crispy edges and a soft, cheesy center. If you’ve ever wished mashed potatoes had a crunchy exterior without deep frying, this is the recipe for you.

Let’s move on to the next steps and get these puffs in the oven.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, scoop the mashed potato mixture into the greased muffin tin. Fill each cup to the top, pressing down slightly to make sure the mixture is evenly distributed. Since these puffs don’t rise much, you don’t need to leave extra space at the top.

If you’re using a mini muffin tin, you’ll get smaller, bite-sized puffs—perfect for appetizers or snacks. A standard muffin tin will create larger, more substantial puffs that work well as a side dish. Both versions taste amazing, so choose whatever fits your meal.

Extra Cheese for an Irresistible Finish

For even more cheesy goodness, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top of each puff before baking. This will create a beautifully golden, crispy layer of cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy and Golden

Place the muffin tin in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your muffin tin.

How to Know When They’re Ready

The tops should be a deep golden brown with crispy edges.
The cheese will be melted and slightly bubbling.
The puffs should hold their shape and feel slightly firm to the touch.

If you want an extra crispy finish, switch your oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during this step so they don’t burn.

Step 5: Let Them Cool Before Serving

Once they’re done, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the puffs cool for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to remove.

Use a fork or small spatula to gently lift each puff from the muffin tin. If any of them stick, run a butter knife around the edges to loosen them.

Now they’re ready to serve! These puffs taste best warm, when the cheese is still gooey and the edges are at peak crispiness.

Serving Suggestions & Dipping Ideas

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve them:

As a snack or appetizer – Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear.
As a side dish – Pair them with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a hearty soup.
With dipping sauces – Serve with sour cream, ranch dressing, or even a little marinara sauce for a fun twist.

Want to take them to the next level? Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or even a dollop of sour cream on top.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs