Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs 

Transform leftover mashed potatoes into irresistibly fluffy and cheesy mini puffs that are crispy on the outside and soft inside. These bite-sized delights take just about 30 minutes from start to finish and bake up golden in a mini muffin tin. Packed with gooey cheese and aromatic chives, they’re perfect as appetizers, fun sides, or even brunch bites. With simple pantry ingredients, minimal prep, and a tender texture that everyone loves, these puffs are a clever, no-waste way to make comfort food feel fresh and fun. 

Ingredients

• 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
  
  

• 3 large eggs, beaten
  
  

• ¾ cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère), divided 

• ¼ cup minced fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
  
  

• Salt & pepper, to taste
  
  

• Optional add-ins: diced cooked bacon or ham
  
  

• Sour cream or dips, for serving
  
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and grease mini muffin tin cups. 

2. Combine mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, three‑quarters of the cheese, chives, salt, pepper, and any optional add-ins in a mixing bowl until well blended.
   
   

3. Fill cups with potato mixture nearly to the top, then sprinkle remaining cheese over each.
   
   

4. Bake for 15–20 minutes (some sources suggest ~20 min at 400 °F), until puffs are golden and set.
   
   

5. Cool in pan for ~5 minutes, then gently remove with a small knife or spoon.
   
   

6. Serve warm, garnished with extra chives and optional sour cream or your favorite dip.
   
   

Nutrients (per 2‑puff serving, approx.)

• Calories: ~180 kcal
  
  

• Total Fat: ~8 g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: ~20 g
  
  

• Protein: ~6 g