Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Introduction

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the ultimate answer for what to do with extra mashed potatoes. Fluffy on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside, these cheesy bites transform yesterday’s side dish into today’s irresistible snack or appetizer. Bursting with melted cheese and savory herbs, this crowd-pleaser is not only delicious, but also remarkably easy to make.

Whether you need an impressive party finger food or a comforting midday treat, these puffs promise big flavor with minimal effort—plus, they make food waste a thing of the past.

What Makes Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs So Addictive?

Each puff blends creamy mashed potatoes with your favorite shredded cheese, herbs, and a hint of seasoning, then bakes or air fries them to perfection. The result? A bite-size morsel with a crisp exterior and gooey, cheesy middle that disappears almost as quickly as you can serve them.

Best of all, the base recipe is endlessly customizable—add scallions, cooked bacon bits, or a pinch of smoked paprika for your personal twist.

Prepping Ingredients for the Fluffiest Puffs

Start with well-chilled mashed potatoes for easier handling and better puffing. Finely chop any herbs or add-ins—like green onions or bell peppers—for even distribution throughout the puffs. For quick, uniform prep of veggies, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is a huge timesaver.

Shred your cheese fresh for optimal melting; if you’re in a hurry, a hand-held grater or a food processor will do the trick.

Baking or Air Frying: Two Ways, Same Delicious Crispy Results

You can bake these cheese puffs for a hands-off approach or use an air fryer for an even crispier, healthier finish. If baking, line your pan with a piece of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to keep the puffs from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

To air fry, just arrange the puffs in an even layer in your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1—no extra oil required. Both methods deliver golden exteriors and cheesy insides, letting you choose what works best for your kitchen setup.

Serving, Storing, and Reheating Tips

Serve these cheese puffs hot and fresh, garnished with chopped chives or a dusting of parmesan for extra flair. For game night or lunchboxes, pack them neatly in a Bentgo Salad Container to keep them warm and intact.

Store any leftovers (if you’re lucky to have them!) in an airtight food container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness—just like new.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields roughly 20 puffs, with each serving (about 4 puffs) containing approximately 140–160 calories, depending on add-ins and cheese type. They’re a satisfyingly indulgent treat, perfect for sharing.

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs: The Ultimate Transformational Snack (Recap)

Why settle for bland leftovers when you can craft these crowd-pleasing cheese puffs? They’re proof that a little creativity can turn an ordinary side into a snack that steals the show—crisp, cheesy, and utterly craveable.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F or your air fryer to 375°F. For the oven, line a baking sheet with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy nonstick removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, shredded cheese, scallions, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Use a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher if your potatoes need breaking up.
3. Scoop roughly 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Place on your prepared baking sheet or in your air fryer basket. Flatten gently for puffs, or leave round for “bites.”
4. Lightly spray the tops of each puff with olive oil using a YARRAMATE Oil Sprayer for the most even browning.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or air fry for 12–15 minutes, until golden and crisp, turning once halfway through for even cooking.
6. Let cool slightly before serving. For party presentation or easy transport, use a Bentgo Salad Container.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes (oven) / 12 minutes (air fryer)

Total Time: 35 minutes

Enjoy transforming your leftovers into these irresistible, melty, golden cheese puffs!