Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Published: January 17, 2026

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 10 minutes to prep, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Versatile Flavor: Customize with your favorite cheese or herbs to match any taste preference.
Kid-Friendly: These puffs are fun to eat and can be a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
Crispy Texture: The breadcrumbs create a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Perfect for Leftovers: A fantastic solution for using up extra mashed potatoes without waste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and easy.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Frying pan or deep fryer
Spoon or cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly. A larger bowl allows for easy mixing without spills.
Baking sheet: Used for baking the puffs evenly, ensuring that they become golden brown on all sides.
Frying pan or deep fryer: Provides a reliable way to achieve that crispy texture we love in these cheese puffs.

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, gather the following ingredients:

For the Puffs

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil or cooking spray for frying

How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until completely blended.

Step 2: Shape the Puffs

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and shape it into small balls or patties. Aim for about 1 to 2 inches in diameter.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a frying pan over medium heat, add olive oil or cooking spray. Ensure there’s enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Fry the Puffs

Carefully place the shaped puffs into the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown on one side, then flip them carefully to fry the other side. This should take about 3–4 minutes per side.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Once cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm as a delicious snack or appetizer!

Enjoy your homemade Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs!

How to Serve Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Whether as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, these puffs are sure to impress your guests and family alike.

As an Appetizer

Dipping Sauce: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for a delicious starter.
Cheese Platter: Pair them with a selection of cheeses for an elegant cheese board.

In a Salad

Mixed Greens: Toss them on top of a fresh salad to add texture and flavor.
Caesar Salad: Add puffs to a Caesar salad for an interesting twist on the classic dish.

As a Side Dish

With Grilled Meats: These puffs make an excellent side to grilled chicken or steak, adding a cheesy touch.
Breakfast Side: Serve alongside eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast option.

For Snacks

Game Day Treat: Perfect for game day snacks; serve them with beer for a delightful pairing.
After-School Snack: A quick treat for kids after school that’s both filling and fun.

How to Perfect Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Making the perfect Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they come out delicious every time:

Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: Starting with cold mashed potatoes helps the puffs hold their shape better during frying.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough puffs.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your mixture before forming the puffs; adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Fry at the Right Temperature: Ensure oil is hot enough before frying; this helps achieve that crispy exterior.
Keep Warm in Oven: If making in batches, keep cooked puffs warm in the oven at low heat until ready to serve.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try different types of cheese for varied flavors; mozzarella or pepper jack can add excitement!

Best Side Dishes for Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Pairing your Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs with the right side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:

Garlic Butter Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic butter complement the cheesy goodness perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition.
Coleslaw: The crunch from coleslaw provides contrast to the soft texture of the cheese puffs.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds sweetness and is always a crowd-pleaser alongside savory dishes.
Potato Salad: Stay in theme with creamy potato salad that offers different textures and flavors.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze enhance freshness on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using leftover mashed potatoes for cheese puffs can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Bold flavor choices: Using bland cheese can lead to tasteless puffs. Opt for sharp cheddar or your favorite flavorful cheese to enhance taste.
Skipping seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper will make your puffs lack flavor. Always season your mixture generously for the best outcome.
Not measuring ingredients: Eyeballing the amount of mashed potatoes or breadcrumbs can cause inconsistent textures. Use precise measurements for a perfect balance.
Overcrowding the frying pan: Placing too many puffs in the pan at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy puffs. Fry in batches to achieve that crispy exterior.
Ignoring cooking time: Cooking them too long or too short can affect texture. Follow the cooking time closely for perfectly golden puffs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover mashed potato cheese puffs in an airtight container.
They will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Freeze puffs on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs

Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but they may lose their crispiness.
Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and fry each puff until warmed through and crispy on all sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making leftover mashed potato cheese puffs.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes! Instant mashed potatoes work well, but ensure they are seasoned properly before mixing with other ingredients.

How do I make these cheese puffs spicy?

You can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the mixture for an exciting kick!

Can I bake instead of fry them?

Absolutely! Baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes is a healthier option, although they may not be as crispy as fried ones.

What dipping sauces pair well with leftover mashed potato cheese puffs?

They go well with ranch dressing, sour cream, or even a spicy aioli. Choose your favorite!

Final Thoughts

Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are an exceptional way to transform your leftovers into something delightful. Their crispy exterior and cheesy interior make them irresistible! Feel free to customize by adding herbs or spices that you enjoy. Give this recipe a try and elevate your leftover game!

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