Do you ever find yourself staring at a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes, wondering what to do with them? Instead of reheating them into something bland, transform those creamy potatoes into golden, crispy, cheesy puffs that everyone will love. These Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are budget-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for snacks, parties, or even a quick side dish.
In this guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and creative variations that make this recipe stand out.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Uses leftovers – no waste, just delicious reinvention
- ✅ Crispy outside, soft and cheesy inside
- ✅ Easy to bake, fry, or air fry
- ✅ Customizable with different cheeses and add-ins
- ✅ Perfect for meal prep, parties, or lunchboxes
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Base Recipe
- 2 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes (starchy varieties like Russets work best)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or a blend)
- 2 large eggs (one for the mixture, one for coating)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating; panko gives more crunch)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for extra crispiness)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or green onions)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Crumbled bacon
- Jalapeños for heat
- Garlic powder or onion powder for flavor depth
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Mixture
- Place leftover mashed potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Add shredded cheese, 1 egg, flour (or cornstarch), Parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined and smooth. The mixture should be firm enough to shape.
2. Shape the Puffs
- Scoop about 1–2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into small balls.
- Beat the second egg in a shallow bowl.
- Dip each ball into egg wash, then roll in breadcrumbs for a crunchy coating.
3. Choose Your Cooking Method
- Bake (healthier): Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- Air Fry (extra crispy): Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes.
- Deep Fry (classic crunch): Fry in hot oil (350°F / 175°C) for 2–3 minutes, until golden. Drain on paper towels.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with dips like sour cream, ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for color.
- Pair as a side dish with grilled meats, soups, or salads.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freeze (uncooked): Shape into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to baking/air frying time.
- Reheat: Best reheated in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving.
⚡ Pro Chef Tips for the Best Puffs
- Use cold mashed potatoes—warm ones make the mixture too sticky.
- Add a spoonful of cornstarch or extra flour if the mixture feels too wet.
- For richer flavor, mix in smoked paprika or garlic powder.
- A blend of cheeses gives the best melt and stretch.
📊 Nutrition (Per 2 Puffs, Baked Version)
- Calories: ~120
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make potato cheese puffs without eggs?
Yes. Replace eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or just use a little extra flour and cheese as binders.
Q: Can I freeze mashed potato cheese puffs?
Absolutely! Shape them and freeze before cooking. They’ll last up to 2 months.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor, while mozzarella gives melty stretch. Gruyère adds a gourmet touch.
Q: How do I keep them crispy after cooking?
Place them on a wire rack after baking/frying so steam doesn’t make them soggy.
🥔 Final Thoughts
Leftover mashed potatoes don’t have to be boring! With just a few pantry staples, you can turn them into irresistible cheese puffs that are crispy, golden, and absolutely addictive. Whether you bake, air fry, or deep fry, this recipe guarantees maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Next time you have mashed potatoes sitting in your fridge, don’t let them go to waste—make these puffs and watch them disappear within minutes!
