Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are the perfectly golden, cheesy answer to transforming yesterday’s mash into today’s irresistible treat. Imagine a crispy, airy bite that’s creamy on the inside, lightly tangy from sour cream, fabulously melty with cheese, and speckled with chives for a fresh lift. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a playful brunch side, or just a delicious way to use up leftovers, these puffs promise major comfort with minimal effort—plus, they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat!

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs shine because of just a handful of humble but powerful ingredients. Each one adds a special something, from stretchy cheese to a crisp, golden finish—so don’t skip a thing!

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy base—leftovers are perfect, but any mashed potatoes will do.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese brings ooey-gooey goodness.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps the puffs hold their structure and get puffy in the oven.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite right on the edge.
Chives: Fresh and bright, they balance all that richness.
Sour Cream: Tangy and decadent, it keeps the insides moist.
Salt: Essential for making all the flavors pop—taste and adjust as needed!
Eggs (beaten): Bind everything together and create a soufflé-like lift.

How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a muffin tin so nothing sticks later. This high heat will give your Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs their signature golden tops and pillowy centers, so don’t rush the preheating!

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, crack your eggs and give them a good whisk. Next, add the sour cream and continue to mix until the two combine into a thick, creamy start. These two set the stage for a puffy, tender crumb with every bite.

Step 3: Cheese and Flavor

Now’s the fun part: stir in your shredded cheese of choice, the Parmesan, plenty of fresh chives, and a little salt. Mixing these before the potatoes ensures every puff will have bits of cheese and bright green chives tucked inside.

Step 4: Fold in the Mashed Potatoes

Gently fold the mashed potatoes into your cheesy egg mixture. Folding—not stirring—helps keep the batter light and airy, which leads to extra-fluffy puffs. Make sure everything is just combined without over-mixing.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup right up to the top. Don’t worry if it looks rustic; the bake will puff, brown, and smooth out beautifully in the oven.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the tray in your hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are ready when they’re deeply golden, beautifully puffed, and the edges start to pull away just a bit from the tin. Let them cool for a couple minutes before removing—they’ll release more easily and hold their pretty shape.

How to Serve Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Garnishes

A dusting of extra chives or a shower of grated Parmesan fresh out of the oven takes these puffs from simple to spectacular. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of pepper, or even a pinch of smoked paprika adds a touch of flair and an extra layer of flavor every time.

Side Dishes

Pair these Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs with a crisp salad, roasted veggies, or a steaming bowl of soup for a truly hearty meal. They’re also incredible next to scrambled eggs and bacon for brunch, or as a kid-friendly side with classic roast chicken or meatloaf.

Creative Ways to Present

Make them bite-sized for a party finger food platter, or stack them tall with a drizzle of herbed yogurt for a whimsical starter at holiday meals. Serve them inside a bread basket, or tuck one alongside your favorite sandwich for a delightfully surprising lunchbox upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, pop any extra Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They stay moist and tasty, making them a great grab-and-go snack for the next day!

Freezing

These puffs freeze beautifully! Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just reheat and enjoy whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring them back to their original crisp, bake the refrigerated or thawed puffs in a hot oven (about 350°F) for 10-12 minutes. Skip the microwave if you want to keep that perfect golden exterior intact.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs?

Absolutely! While homemade mashed potatoes provide an extra layer of flavor, instant mashed potatoes work well in a pinch. Just make sure they aren’t too runny or too stiff—you want them creamy enough to mix smoothly with the other ingredients.

Which cheeses work best in this recipe?

Cheddar is classic for its bold flavor and melt, but mozzarella is fantastic for stretchy texture. Feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or any melty cheese you love—Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are wonderfully flexible!

How do I prevent the puffs from sticking to the pan?

A well-greased muffin tin is essential. If you have silicone muffin cups or liners, they make removal even easier. Be patient and let the puffs cool for a minute or two before trying to take them out, and they’ll pop right out with no mess.

Can I add other ingredients, like bacon or herbs?

Definitely! A handful of crispy bacon bits or chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or scallions can take these puffs to new heights. Just keep extras under 1/3 cup total so the batter bakes up light and fluffy as intended.

What’s the best way to reheat if I’m in a hurry?

If you’re tight on time, a toaster oven or air fryer reheats Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs quickly while keeping their tops crispy. A few minutes at a high temperature is all you need for warm, freshly baked flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a feel-good solution to those extra mashed potatoes, give these Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs a try. They’re simple, irresistible, and guaranteed to spread smiles. Gather your leftovers and let the baking (and munching) begin!