Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes the day after Thanksgiving, wondering what to do with them, this recipe is your answer. Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are the ultimate leftover transformation: golden and crisp on the outside, fluffy and creamy on the inside, and packed with cheesy flavor in every bite.

this recipe

This side dish is the kind of thing that disappears fast at holiday gatherings, especially when served warm with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives. Whether you're prepping for a Thanksgiving brunch, hosting a potluck, or simply craving comfort food, these puffs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• Substitution Suggestions
• How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
• Best Tips for Perfect Puffs
• Great Additions for Holiday Menus
• How to Store and Reheat
• Serving Ideas
• Related Recipes You’ll Love
• Get Inspired on Pinterest
• Final Thoughts
• Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Easy to Make and Bake

You don’t need anything fancy just mashed potatoes, eggs, cheese, and a few simple mix-ins. This is a flexible, no-stress recipe that can be prepped in under 10 minutes and baked in about 20.

Perfect for Thanksgiving Leftovers

This is one of those smart recipes that gives leftover mashed potatoes a whole new life. It’s a great addition to your Thanksgiving leftovers lineup, right next to turkey sandwiches and stuffing muffins.

Ideal Texture and Flavor

These puffs are light and airy inside with a subtle quiche-like texture, thanks to the eggs. The edges crisp up beautifully, especially in a mini muffin tin, and the cheesy top gets bubbly and golden.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (cooled to room temperature)
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack), divided
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Sour cream for serving (optional)

If you already seasoned your mashed potatoes, be sure to taste before adding more salt.

Substitution Suggestions

• Use cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or Parmesan in place of Monterey Jack.
• Add chopped green onions, garlic powder, or cooked bacon for extra flavor.
• For a bit of heat, stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
• Want to sneak in veggies? Fold in finely chopped cooked broccoli or spinach.

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick spray.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, ¾ cup of the shredded cheese, and chopped chives.

3. Season with salt and pepper if needed, then stir until smooth and well-combined.

4. Scoop the mixture into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Top with the remaining ¼ cup of cheese.

5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the tops are golden and the puffs are set.

6. Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then gently remove with an offset spatula or knife. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream and extra chives if you like.

Best Tips for Perfect Puffs

• Always let your mashed potatoes cool to room temperature before adding eggs. Hot potatoes will cook the eggs prematurely.
• Don’t skip greasing the muffin pan. Even non-stick pans can stick if not greased well.
• A small cookie scoop makes portioning easy and helps create uniform puffs.
• These are best served fresh from the oven but can also be reheated and still taste amazing.

Great Additions for Holiday Menus

These little bites are perfect for:

• Thanksgiving brunch or breakfast
• A creative twist on leftover mashed potatoes
• Holiday party appetizers
• Easy side dishes for roasted meats or baked ham

They also pair well with classic Thanksgiving dishes like turkey, gravy, and green bean casserole.

How to Store and Reheat

Storage: Keep leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Place cooled puffs on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes
• Air Fryer: 350°F for 5 minutes
• Microwave: 30 seconds (though they won’t be as crisp)

Serving Ideas

• Serve as a side dish with turkey, chicken, or roast beef.
• Make them into party bites for your Thanksgiving appetizer spread.
• Turn them into brunch staples with fried eggs and roasted veggies.
• Dip them in gravy for an indulgent twist.

Want an easy homemade gravy to pair with them? Try this delicious Easy Vegan Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes.

FAQs

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs were a hit at your table, you’ll definitely want to try more ways to level up your mashed potatoes:

• Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes – Ultra creamy and perfect for Thanksgiving dinner
• Loaded Mashed Potato Bake – Topped with bacon and cheese for a fully loaded flavor
• Easy Vegan Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes – A plant-based favorite with rich flavor

Get Inspired on Pinterest

For more Thanksgiving side dishes, holiday baking ideas, and creative leftover recipes, follow Bake with Lina on Pinterest. You’ll find tons of cozy seasonal recipes that make entertaining easier and more delicious.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are simple, flavorful, and completely addictive. They’re a clever way to make something new out of leftovers while adding a little comfort food magic to your table. Whether you’re planning ahead for Thanksgiving or searching for easy appetizers, these puffs will never disappoint.

If you give them a try, be sure to share how they turned out. You can leave a comment or tag @bakewithlina on Pinterest or your favorite social platform. Happy cooking and happy Thanksgiving!

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