Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into something truly crave-worthy with these golden, crispy Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs! Stuffed with gooey cheese and coated in a crunchy layer, these Cheesy Mashed Potatoes bites are the ultimate comfort snack. Perfect as a party appetizer, game-day treat, or family-friendly side dish, these Potato Puffs are super easy to make and even easier to love. Don’t let those leftovers go to waste—whip up a batch of these irresistible Mashed Potato Puffs today!
A Bite of History
The classic combo of potatoes and cheese is beloved around the world. From Swiss rösti to cheesy Irish potato cakes, this pairing is timeless. These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a modern spin on that tradition, taking familiar comfort food and turning it into a crave-worthy snack recipe that’s ready in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Crispy, Cheesy, Comforting – Think mashed potato meets fried cheese stick but in snackable puff form.
- Versatile – Serve as an appetizer, snack, or side dish for any meal.
- Kid-Friendly – A perfect choice for lunchboxes, picky eaters, or fun finger food at parties.
- Easy to Customize – Play with different cheese combos or add herbs and spices to match your taste.
Ingredients To Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (chilled works best)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup bread crumbs (plus extra for coating)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
How To Make Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
The classic combo of potatoes and cheese is beloved around the world. From Swiss rösti to cheesy Irish potato cakes, this pairing is timeless. These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a modern spin on that tradition, taking familiar comfort food and turning it into a crave-worthy snack recipe that’s ready in under an hour.
1: Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar, mozzarella, egg, flour, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated and holds together.
2: Shape the Puffs
Form the mixture into small balls or puffs, roughly the size of a golf ball. Roll each puff in additional bread crumbs to give it that extra crispy texture.
3: Chill for Best Results
Pop the shaped puffs into the fridge for 20–30 minutes. This step helps them firm up and fry evenly without falling apart.
4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Carefully fry the puffs in batches for 4–5 minutes or until golden and crispy on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
5: Drain and Serve
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the puffs to a plate lined with paper towels. Let them cool for a minute before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cheese Puffs
- Well-seasoned mashed potatoes make all the difference—taste and adjust before mixing.
- Cold mashed potatoes hold their shape better, making shaping and frying easier.
- Double breading (egg wash + breadcrumbs) will give you a crunchier crust if you want extra crispiness.
- Fry in small batches to avoid oil temperature drops and ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions For Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
The classic combo of potatoes and cheese is beloved around the world. From Swiss rösti to cheesy Irish potato cakes, this pairing is timeless. These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a modern spin on that tradition, taking familiar comfort food and turning it into a crave-worthy snack recipe that’s ready in under an hour.
- Sour cream or ranch dip
- Spicy marinara or garlic aioli
- A crisp garden salad or roasted veggie platter
- Tomato soup for a comforting meal combo
Storage & Reheating
Have leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crunch!
Variations of Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
🌶 Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the mix.
🧀 Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of cheeses like gouda, parmesan, or pepper jack.
🌿 Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh chives, parsley, or green onions.
🔥 Oven-Baked Option: Skip the frying and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
More Delicious Snack Recipes You’ll Love
- Crispy Potato Balls: The Ultimate Crunchy Snack
- Crispy Zucchini Chips: The Ultimate Healthy Snack
- Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers: The Perfect Easy Snack
- Sweet Potato Crackers – The Perfect Healthy Snack
Conclusion
These Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are everything you want in a homemade snack: crispy, cheesy, and downright addictive. Whether you’re entertaining friends, feeding a hungry family, or simply treating yourself, this snack recipe is bound to be a favorite in your kitchen.
Ready to bite into something amazing? Try this recipe today—and don’t be surprised when they disappear in minutes!
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes chilled works best
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup bread crumbs plus extra for coating
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar, mozzarella, egg, flour, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated and holds together.
- Shape the Puffs: Form the mixture into small balls or puffs, roughly the size of a golf ball. Roll each puff in additional bread crumbs to give it that extra crispy texture.
- Chill for Best Results: Pop the shaped puffs into the fridge for 20–30 minutes. This step helps them firm up and fry evenly without falling apart.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Carefully fry the puffs in batches for 4–5 minutes or until golden and crispy on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the puffs to a plate lined with paper towels. Let them cool for a minute before serving.
Notes
- Well-seasoned mashed potatoes make all the difference—taste and adjust before mixing.
- Cold mashed potatoes hold their shape better, making shaping and frying easier.
- Double breading (egg wash + breadcrumbs) will give you a crunchier crust if you want extra crispiness.
- Fry in small batches to avoid oil temperature drops and ensure even cooking.
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