These cheesy mashed potato puffs are a tasty way to enjoy comfort food! With a crispy outside and soft, cheesy inside, they make the perfect side or snack.
Trust me, you’ll want to make these for every get-together. I love serving them warm, and the best part? They disappear faster than I can make them! 🥔🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and creamy mashed potatoes give the best texture for these puffs. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought, but homemade mashed potatoes always taste better. Yukon Golds work great since they’re buttery and creamy!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you want to change things up, try a cheese blend, like half mozzarella for extra stretchiness, or even add some pepper jack for a bit of heat.
Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the mixture. If you’re looking for vegetarian options, you could use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce as a binder.
Sour Cream: This adds a nice tang on top. If you want to lighten things up, use Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute. You can also skip it altogether if you prefer.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispy Outside and Soft Inside?
The secret to those delicious crispy puffs is all in the baking method. First, ensure your muffin tin is well-greased to prevent sticking. When baking, the high temperature helps create that golden crispy texture.
- Preheat your oven to a hot 400°F (200°C) to kickstart the crisping process.
- Fill the muffin cups generously, but make sure not to pack them too tightly. This gives them room to puff up and crisp nicely.
- Watch them bake! Around the 20-minute mark, check for that golden brown color on top. You want them slightly firm to the touch.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (preferably creamy and smooth)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional for flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
For Topping:
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Fresh thyme or chives for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Totally, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those times when you want something tasty without a long wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray. This will help your puffs come out easily after baking.
2. Mix the Potato Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your creamy mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed and all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Add the Eggs and Butter:
Next, add the two large eggs and melted butter into your potato mixture. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This blend will help bind everything together and add a delicious richness to your puffs!
4. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the cheesy potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup generously. Don’t press down too hard; you want them to puff up nicely in the oven!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake; you’re looking for golden brown tops with slightly crispy edges. This will ensure they are perfectly cooked!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before carefully taking them out of the muffin tin. They might be a little tender, so handle with care!
7. Top it Off:
Before serving, add a dollop of sour cream on top of each puff. Then, sprinkle fresh thyme or chives over the top for a lovely touch. This will add a beautiful look and a flavorful burst!
8. Enjoy Warm:
Serve these cheesy mashed potato puffs warm as a delightful side dish or appetizer. They’re best enjoyed right away while they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure they are creamy and smooth, as this will help achieve the best texture for your puffs.
What Can I Substitute for the Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce. Both options will help bind the ingredients together!
How to Store Leftover Puffs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will keep them crispy.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your puffs by adding cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or different cheeses. Just keep the overall proportions similar for the best results!
