Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Introduction

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs deliver everything you crave in a snack or side: they’re crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and packed with irresistible flavor. Elevate your leftovers or whip up a fresh batch for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s surprisingly easy and endlessly customizable.

Whether you’re looking to win over picky eaters or serve something different for dinner parties, these cheese puffs add gourmet flair and comfort to any table—without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Why Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Are a Must-Make

What makes these puffs so special is their delightfully light texture—thanks to whipped potatoes and gooey cheese locked in a golden crust. Each bite bursts with flavor from herbs and sharp cheese, turning humble mashed potatoes into a show-stopping appetizer or an indulgent side dish. Plus, they’re a genius way to repurpose leftover potatoes.

Prepping Your Potatoes and Cheese Like a Pro

Start with fluffy, lump-free mashed potatoes for the best texture. If you’re making them from scratch, use a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher for a smooth base. For chopping veggies or herbs that go into the mix, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper saves time and guarantees uniform results.

Choose your favorite cheese—cheddar, gruyere, parmesan, or a blend—and grate it freshly for maximum melt and flavor. If you’re looking to speed things up, a countertop chopper helps process cheese, herbs, and even cooked bacon seamlessly.

Easy Air Fryer or Oven Baking

For the crispiest results with less oil, bake your cheese puffs in a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt. Just line the air fryer basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to keep the puffs from sticking and to make cleanup effortless. Don’t have an air fryer? You can achieve nearly the same crisp in your conventional oven using a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Serving and Storing Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Pair these puffs with a zesty dip—think sour cream with fresh chives or spicy aioli—for the ultimate appetizer. They also pair beautifully alongside soups, salads, or grilled meats. For larger gatherings, keep extra batches warm in a low oven, or pack leftovers in an airtight container like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to preserve freshness and flavor.

Nutrition and Portions

This recipe yields about 16–18 puffs, depending on the size of your scoops. Each puff hovers around 55–70 calories, making them a lighter alternative to traditional fried appetizers without sacrificing any flavor or indulgence.

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recap

Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs transform everyday ingredients into a culinary standout—light, cheesy, crispy, and absolutely delicious. These bites win hearts as a snack, starter, or side, stamping your table with gourmet flair in under an hour.

Instructions

1. Prep your workspace with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll if using an oven, or line your air fryer basket for easy removal and crispness.
2. If starting from scratch, mash potatoes using a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher until completely smooth. Let cool to room temperature.
3. Mix mashed potatoes, grated cheese, eggs, flour, green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and melted butter in a large bowl.
4. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper or a standard grater for perfectly uniform cheese shreds and diced greens.
5. Scoop heaping tablespoons onto your lined tray or air fryer basket, gently shaping each into a ball or mound. For a more refined look, use a small ice cream scoop.
6. Lightly brush the tops with melted butter. If desired, sprinkle with paprika or bacon bits.
7. To Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange puffs an inch apart in basket. Air fry for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
8. To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until puffed and crisped at the edges.
9. Let cool a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dip or as a savory side.
10. Store any leftovers in a Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12–22 minutes

Total Time: 30–35 minutes

Enjoy these Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs for their unbeatable combination of creamy interiors, cheesy flavor, and shatteringly crisp crust—a sure bet to steal the show at your next meal!