Cheesy Potato Puff Recipe from Leftover Mashed Potatoes
If you have extra mashed potatoes sitting in your fridge, this potato puff recipe is the perfect way to give them new life. These cheesy mashed potato puffs are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with flavor — a great way to use leftovers while making a delicious side dish or snack.
How to Make Potato Puffs
Does your family love mashed potatoes? Mine sure does. We eat a ton of potatoes.
This easy potato puff recipe turns basic leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden brown bites. The recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients, and it’s an excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes from the night before.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe. It’s one of the most economical and tasty comfort food recipes I’ve made.
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 2 tablespoons chives or green onions, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Dash of black pepper
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (or plain bread crumbs with your favorite seasonings)
- 2 additional eggs, whisked for coating
- Cooking spray or parchment paper for the baking sheet
- Optional for dipping: BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or sour cream
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Combine the leftover mashed potatoes, whisked eggs, green onions, cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the potato mixture is well blended.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, whisk the remaining two eggs. In another bowl, add the seasoned bread crumbs. Dip each potato ball into the egg mixture, then roll it in the bread crumbs until evenly coated. Place them back onto the baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Substitutions and Alternate Ingredients
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, there are plenty of ways to adapt this recipe.
- Cheese Options: Swap out cheddar cheese for parmesan cheese, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture, or try crushed crackers as an alternative.
- Egg-Free Option: If you need an egg-free version, use a small amount of sour cream to bind the potato mixture.
- Air Fryer Method: Instead of baking, cook the potato puffs in an air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Spicy Potato Filling: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for loaded potato puffs with extra spice.
I’ve also added chopped green pepper, minced mushrooms, and teeny-tiny pieces of red pepper. It makes a colorful potato puff!
What to Serve with Potato Puffs
These crispy potato puffs make a versatile side dish or snack. I like them as a side with my mini meatloaf recipe. Here are some other great pairings.
- Dipping Sauces: BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or sour cream add extra flavor.
- Main Courses: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or a homemade cheeseburger for a nice change from regular sides.
- Soup and Salad: Pair with a bowl of carrot and red lentil soup or a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- Breakfast Option: Try them with my egg bites, scrambled eggs and bacon bits for a delicious brunch idea.
Tip: Although potatoes usually have the reputation of being one of the less expensive vegetables, we grow as many of our own as we can. You’ll find potatoes easy to grow indoors and out.
Potato Puff Recipe FAQs
Do you have questions about this easy recipe for potato puffs? Below are some of the most common ones. If your question isn’t listed, leave it in the comments!
Can I make potato puffs in advance?
Yes! Prepare the potato puffs, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them in a toaster oven for crispiness.
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Heat hot oil in a deep fryer to 350°F and fry the potato puffs until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels before serving.
Can I use puff pastry sheets instead?
Yes, you can wrap the potato mixture in puff pastry sheets to make aloo puffs, which is another wonderful recipe idea for everyday meals or even holiday gatherings.
This potato puff recipe is a creative way to use leftovers while making something delicious. Whether you enjoy them as a side dish or a snack, they’re a great way to transform leftover potatoes into a crispy, cheesy treat.
Cheesy Potato Puff Recipe from Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups left over mashed potatoes
- 2 eggs whisked
- 2 Tablespoons chives or green onions
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Dash of pepper
- 2 eggs whisked
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs or plain bread crumbs with your favorite seasonings
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, whisked eggs, chives or green onions, cheese, salt and pepper.
- Using a cookie scoop, form round balls with the potato mixture. Add formed balls to a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Add 2 eggs to a small bowl and whisk.
- Add seasoned bread crumbs to another small bowl.
- Dip each potato ball into the egg mix, then into the bread crumbs and return to the baking sheet.
- Bake 12-15 min or until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sauce.
