Name: Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups mashed potatoes; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chives, chopped; 1/3 cup sour cream; Salt to taste; 2 eggs, beaten

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious and cheesy snack with these Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they make a perfect side dish or appetizer that everyone will love.

The image shows a close-up of six golden brown baked cheese rice bites piled on a white plate. Each bite is cube-shaped with a crispy, browned cheese crust on top and around the edges, while the inside has soft, creamy white rice texture. The rice is tightly packed with melted cheese showing an uneven bubbly surface with some darker roasted spots. A few small green parsley leaves are scattered around the plate for decoration. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with natural light highlighting the warm, melted cheese and soft rice layers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chives, chopped
1/3 cup sour cream
Salt to taste
2 eggs, beaten

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin well to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and blend in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add the shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped chives, and a pinch of salt to the egg mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Gently fold in the mashed potatoes to the mixture, ensuring everything is evenly mixed without overworking the potatoes.
Step 5: Spoon the potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top for nice, puffy results.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the puffs have risen.
Step 7: Allow the cheese puffs to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the tin. Serve warm as a tasty side or snack.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top before baking.
Try adding cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms to the mixture for added flavor.
If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme instead of chives for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover cheese puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness or microwave for 30 seconds if in a hurry, though they may lose some crunch.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of six golden, square-shaped cheese and rice bites stacked on a white plate. Each bite has a crispy, browned cheese layer on top with some bubbly melted cheese folds, while the sides reveal soft, creamy white rice pressed together, offering a textured contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a few small green parsley leaves scattered nearby, adding a fresh touch. The lighting accentuates the crispy golden edges and soft inside of each piece, making them look warm and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of leftover mashed potatoes?

While this recipe is designed for leftover mashed potatoes, you can use freshly made mashed potatoes. Just be sure they are well cooled and thick, so the mixture holds together well.

Can I freeze the cheese puffs?

Yes, you can freeze baked cheese puffs. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen until heated through and crispy.