Looking for a smart way to use leftover mashed potatoes? Cheesy mashed potato puff bites are the answer. They’re baked in a muffin tin, golden on the outside, and soft on the inside. With cheese, eggs, and a little seasoning, they turn simple mashed potatoes into a crispy, flavorful snack or side dish.
Whether you serve them at a holiday party, as a kid friendly snack, or alongside roast chicken, these little bites never last long. They’re quick to make, budget friendly, and perfect for when you don’t want food waste.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites Recipe
What Are Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites?
- Small, muffin sized potato snacks made from leftover mashed potatoes.
- Baked instead of fried, so they’re lighter but still crispy.
- Filled with cheese and eggs to hold everything together.
These bites are similar to potato croquettes but easier because you don’t have to shape and fry them. You mix, scoop, and bake. That’s it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into cheesy mashed potato puffs:
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes Cold leftovers work best because they hold their shape.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar gives strong flavor.
- 2 large eggs Help bind the mixture together.
- 2 tbsp flour or breadcrumbs Optional, but helps keep them firm.
- ½ tsp garlic powder Adds depth.
- Salt and black pepper To taste.
- Butter or oil For greasing the muffin tin.
Optional Mix Ins
- Cooked bacon bits.
- Chopped green onions.
- Fresh parsley or dill.
- Parmesan or mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
Step by Step Instructions
Here’s how to make them in just 4 steps:
1. Prep the muffin tin
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Mix the potato batter
- In a large bowl, stir together mashed potatoes, cheese, eggs, flour, and seasonings.
- If mixture feels too wet, add breadcrumbs until thick but scoopable.
3. Fill the muffin cups
- Spoon mixture evenly into cups.
- Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a golden crust.
4. Bake and cool
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until tops are golden and edges are crisp.
- Let sit in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.
Tips for Success
- Use cold mashed potatoes Warm potatoes make the mixture too sticky.
- Don’t skip the cheese topping It adds crunch and flavor.
- Grease the pan well These puffs like to stick.
- Serve immediately Best eaten hot from the oven.
Variations to Try
- Loaded potato puffs Add bacon, cheddar, and green onions.
- Herb and garlic puffs Mix in parsley, thyme, or roasted garlic.
- Spicy potato puffs Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Dipping sauce Spicy Mayo
Serving Ideas
- Party appetizers with ranch or sour cream dip.
- Side dish for roast chicken or steak.
- Snack for kids with ketchup.
- Holiday recipe for Thanksgiving leftovers.
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Potassium | 340 mg |
| Calcium | 140 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
Recipe FAQs
Can I freeze mashed potato puff bites?
Yes. Let them cool, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until hot.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Mix and fill the muffin tin, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, but make them thick, not watery. Instant mash works if you don’t have leftovers.
Conclusion
Cheesy mashed potato puff bites are a quick, no-fuss way to use leftovers. They’re crisp, cheesy, and easy to customize. Keep them in your recipe box for busy nights or party snacks.
If you try them, let me know what flavors you added. And if you’re looking for more potato ideas, check out my [Zucchini Lasagna Recipe] and [Lasagna Soup Recipe] for hearty meal inspiration.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes Cold leftovers work best because they hold their shape.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar gives strong flavor.
- 2 large eggs Help bind the mixture together.
- 2 tbsp flour or breadcrumbs Optional but helps keep them firm.
- ½ tsp garlic powder Adds depth.
- Salt and black pepper To taste.
- Butter or oil For greasing the muffin tin.
Optional Mix Ins
- Cooked bacon bits.
- Chopped green onions.
- Fresh parsley or dill.
- Parmesan or mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
Instructions
1. Prep the muffin tin
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Mix the potato batter
- In a large bowl, stir together mashed potatoes, cheese, eggs, flour, and seasonings.
- If mixture feels too wet, add breadcrumbs until thick but scoopable.
3. Fill the muffin cups
- Spoon mixture evenly into cups.
- Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a golden crust.
4. Bake and cool
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until tops are golden and edges are crisp.
- Let sit in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.
Video
Notes
- Use cold mashed potatoes Warm potatoes make the mixture too sticky.
- Don’t skip the cheese topping It adds crunch and flavor.
- Grease the pan well These puffs like to stick.
- Serve immediately Best eaten hot from the oven.
