Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

Work some magic on your mashed potatoes with mashed potato puffs! These loaded potato puffs will breathe some new life into your leftover mashed potatoes!

An Engaging Introduction

These little bite-sized puffs are the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes after the holidays. They’re crispy on the outside but warm and creamy on the inside. If you have some cold leftover mashed potatoes sitting in the fridge after Thanksgiving or Christmas, try baking them into these puffs. We’ll breathe some new life into mashed potatoes by adding some texture and then we’ll load them up with tons of cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chives. With some eggs, we’ll puff them up in the oven so you’ll get crispy, puffy mashed potatoes that go great with a generous dollop of sour cream on top and some fresh chives.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Versatile: These puffs transform simple leftovers into a gourmet treat.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious snack or side.
• Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love these cheesy bites.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Cupcake pan (preferably nonstick)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

A Detailed List of Ingredients

• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup sour cream, plus more for serving
• 1 heaping cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 Tbsp parmesan, grated
• 2 Tbsp chives, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing the Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Butter 8 – 9 of the wells of a cupcake pan, preferably nonstick.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk eggs, then whisk in sour cream. Add cheeses and chives, mixing well. Add potatoes, mix, and season to taste with salt and pepper if needed.
4. Spoon mixture into the cupcake pan, filling the cups just to the top or a little below.
5. Bake for 25 – 35 minutes until they pull away from the sides of the cup and are golden brown all over.
6. Remove from oven and let them cool for 5 minutes in the pan. Turn them out onto a platter and serve as you would a baked potato. Happy Cooking!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your mashed potatoes are cold; this helps them hold their shape better.
• Don’t overfill the cupcake wells to avoid overflow.

Additional Tips or Variations

For a flavor twist, add cooked bacon bits or swap cheddar for another cheese like Gruyère. You can also sprinkle a bit of paprika on top for extra color and spice.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving is packed with protein and calcium, thanks to the eggs and cheese, making these puffs a satisfying and nourishing option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze these potato puffs? Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Just reheat in the oven until warm and crispy.

What kind of mashed potatoes work best? Any leftover mashed potatoes will work, but those with a bit of texture are ideal.

Can I make them ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the mixture in advance and bake just before serving.

Conclusion

I hope you’re inspired to try these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. They’re a delicious way to repurpose leftovers and delight your taste buds with every bite. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it goes in the comments below or share your photos. Enjoy!