Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to repurpose your leftover mashed potatoes. These puffs are not only crispy on the outside and soft with cheesy goodness on the inside, but they also make for an excellent appetizer or side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, preparing snacks for game day, or simply looking for a creative way to use leftovers, these cheese puffs will elevate your meal experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these tasty bites in no time.
- Versatile: Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish with your main meal.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Kid-Friendly: These puffs are perfect for picky eaters, making them a hit with children and adults alike.
- Waste Not, Want Not: Transform your leftovers into something exciting and delicious!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spoon or cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl helps combine all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Baking Sheet: Essential for placing your cheese puffs before baking; ensures even cooking.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.
- Spoon or Cookie Scoop: Useful for portioning out uniform sizes of puffs for consistent cooking.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Puffs
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray for frying
How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients:
1. Add the leftover mashed potatoes and shredded cheese.
2. Incorporate breadcrumbs and egg into the mixture.
3. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Shape the Puffs
Using a spoon or cookie scoop:
1. Portion out the mixture into small balls (about 1-2 inches in diameter).
2. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Cook the Puffs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the puffs with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
These Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs will certainly impress anyone who tries them! Enjoy them warm as they come out fresh from the oven!
How to Serve Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish and delight your guests.
As a Snack
- Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, these cheese puffs are crispy and flavorful, making them an ideal snack.
With Dipping Sauces
- Pair your puffs with dips like ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli to enhance the taste and add a fun element to your meal.
As an Appetizer
- Serve these cheese puffs as appetizers during gatherings. They will surely impress your friends and family with their unique twist on traditional mashed potatoes.
In a Salad
- Crumble these puffs over a fresh salad for added texture and flavor. The warm, cheesy bites will contrast nicely with the crisp greens.
On a Platter
- Arrange the cheese puffs on a platter alongside other finger foods for a delightful spread at parties or potlucks.

How to Perfect Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
To ensure your Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips for success.
-
Use cold mashed potatoes: Chilled leftovers hold together better when frying, preventing them from falling apart.
-
Adjust the seasoning: Taste your mixture before frying and adjust salt and pepper as needed for maximum flavor.
-
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to avoid temperature drops in the oil. This keeps puffs crispy and golden brown.
-
Coat evenly: Ensure each puff is uniformly coated with breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch.
-
Experiment with cheese: Try different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavors in your cheese puffs.
Best Side Dishes for Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Pairing side dishes with your Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options:
-
Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic butter complement the richness of the puffs beautifully.
-
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the creamy texture of the cheese puffs.
-
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the cheesy goodness of the puffs, making it a great pairing.
-
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and nutrition to your plate while harmonizing with the flavors of the dish.
-
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is a fun finger food option alongside the cheese puffs.
-
Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup offers comfort and pairs wonderfully with crispy cheese puffs for dipping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using leftover mashed potatoes can be a delightful experience, but it’s essential to avoid some common pitfalls.
- Preparation: Not mixing the ingredients thoroughly can lead to uneven flavors. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for the best taste.
- Size Matters: Making puffs too large may result in uneven cooking. Aim for small, uniform sizes for consistent texture and crispness.
- Cheese Choices: Using cheese that doesn’t melt well can affect texture. Opt for cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella that melt beautifully.
- Cooking Temperature: Frying at too low a temperature can make puffs greasy. Ensure your oil is hot enough to create a crispy exterior quickly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Freeze individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, but this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs.
What Can I Add to Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?
You can add herbs, spices, or even cooked bacon bits for extra flavor. Customize these puffs according to your taste!
How Do I Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Crispy?
Ensure the oil is hot enough and do not overcrowd the pan while frying. This will help achieve that perfect crunch!
Can I Use Instant Mashed Potatoes Instead of Leftovers?
Yes! Just prepare them according to package instructions, cool them down, and proceed with the recipe as usual.
How Long Can Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Be Stored?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different cheeses or spices. Don’t let your leftovers go to waste—try making these delightful puffs today!

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 puffs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful way to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into an irresistible treat. These golden, crispy bites feature a soft and cheesy interior that makes them perfect for snacking, as an appetizer, or even as a unique side dish. With just a few simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can create a dish that will impress guests of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a creative way to repurpose your leftovers, these cheese puffs are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form small balls (about 1-2 inches in diameter) from the mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the puffs with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 puffs (70g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg