Crispy on the outside, pillowy and molten on the inside — these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs take leftover mashed potatoes and turn them into golden, cheese-stuffed bites that disappear in minutes. Rolled, breaded, and baked until deeply golden with cheese bubbling through every crack, they’re finished with fresh green onions for the perfect game-day snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cold mashed potatoes (leftovers work best)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, divided
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter, for brushing
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, 1 cup of the cheddar, the Parmesan, 1 beaten egg, flour, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until a firm, scoopable dough forms; chill 20 minutes if it’s too soft to handle.
- Form the puffs: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of the mixture, roll into balls, and press a small cube of the remaining cheddar into the center of each, sealing the potato around it.
- Bread them: Set up two shallow bowls — one with the remaining beaten egg, one with panko. Roll each puff in the egg, then in the panko, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere. Arrange on the baking sheet.
- Bake until golden: Brush or spray the puffs lightly with olive oil. Bake 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway, until deeply golden, crisp, and sizzling with melted cheese at the seams.
- Finish and serve: Rest 5 minutes so the cheese centers set slightly. Shower with flaky sea salt and sliced green onions, and serve hot with sour cream or ranch for dipping.
Pro tip: Cold, day-old mashed potatoes are essential — warm mash is too loose to hold a cheese center. If your mixture feels sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it rolls cleanly.
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Estimated nutrition per serving: 310 calories, 11g protein, 34g carbs, 14g fat.
