Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

If you love comfort food with a playful twist, these Mashed Potato Puffs will absolutely steal the show! Imagine creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes baked into golden, crispy bites with savory bacon and fresh chives—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a party-ready snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of staple ingredients to make Mashed Potato Puffs, and each plays a special role—creating that irresistible flavor and the perfect, fluffy-on-the-inside, crisp-on-the-outside texture. Here’s what brings this dish to life:

• Mashed potatoes (2 cups): The heart of the recipe! Leftover mashed potatoes work beautifully, or use freshly prepared—whatever you have on hand.
• Large eggs (3, beaten): These ensure the puffs rise and hold together with their deliciously light texture.
• Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melty, gooey, and packed with sharp flavor—cheddar takes these puffs over the top.
• Bacon bits (1/4 cup): For that touch of smoky, salty goodness in every bite (feel free to use homemade or store-bought).
• Chives (1/4 cup, chopped): Fresh chives add a mild, oniony zing and brighten up the whole dish.
• Pepper, to taste: A pinch of black pepper rounds out all the savory flavors.
• Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, shredded): Sprinkled on top, it makes the crispiest, most savory crust as the puffs bake.

Variations

Ready to make this recipe your own? Mashed Potato Puffs are incredibly flexible, so swapping or adding a few things allows you to tailor them to whatever’s in your fridge—or to suit any dietary needs or flavor preferences.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon bits, and toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie-packed twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne, chopped jalapeños, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a gentle heat.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use your favorite plant-based cheese and dairy-free mashed potatoes to keep it creamy and cheesy without the dairy.
• Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for gruyere, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for new flavor profiles.

How to Make Mashed Potato Puffs

Step 1: Mix the Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and chives. This is where all the delicious flavors come together and the eggs start creating that lovely, fluffy binding you’ll taste in every puff. If you like things extra cheesy or herby, this is the moment to sprinkle in a little more.

Step 2: Season to Taste

Add a pinch of black pepper to the mixture and stir well. Give it a quick taste (before adding the eggs, if you’re concerned about raw egg), and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a tiny bit more pepper or an extra handful of chives makes all the difference.

Step 3: Fill and Top the Muffin Cups

Grease a standard muffin pan generously—these puffs love to get crispy! Spoon a heaping portion of the potato mixture into each cup, gently pressing down. Finish each puff with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for that signature golden crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden brown and the edges look irresistibly crispy. The kitchen will smell like a dream, so don’t be surprised if hungry folks appear just as you pull them out!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the Mashed Potato Puffs cool in the pan for about five minutes—this helps them set. Slide a butter knife around the edges to release, then serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.

How to Serve Mashed Potato Puffs

Garnishes

There’s nothing like adding a finishing flourish to your Mashed Potato Puffs! Try a dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions, or even a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. Their delicious flavor only gets better with your favorite toppings.

Side Dishes

Mashed Potato Puffs are seriously versatile—serve them alongside roasted meats like chicken, beef, or ham, or pile them next to a crisp salad for a lighter touch. They’re also fantastic as a savory brunch treat paired with eggs, fresh fruit, or sautéed greens.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Arrange Mashed Potato Puffs in a mountain on a pretty platter, or pop them into mini muffin tins for bite-sized party appetizers. You can even tuck them into lunchboxes for a fun, unexpected treat that will bring smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mashed Potato Puffs are just as delicious the next day! Store cooled puffs in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days. They’re perfect for a quick snack or packed lunch.

Freezing

These puffs freeze like a dream. Once fully cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for 2–3 months, ready whenever a craving strikes!

Reheating

To reheat Mashed Potato Puffs, pop them in the microwave for about a minute straight from frozen, or warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes for a crispier finish. They taste just as good as freshly baked—sometimes even better!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Mashed Potato Puffs are the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again—simple, satisfying, and brimming with possibilities. I hope you fall in love with these little bites of comfort as much as I have. Give them a try and watch smiles appear at your table!

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