If you have a soft spot for all things comfort food, then you are absolutely going to adore this Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe. Imagine perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes that hide a delicious, gooey mozzarella center, all baked to golden, crispy perfection. These little puffs bring together the creaminess of butter and cheese with a satisfying texture that makes every bite an irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, these puffs are sure to become your new favorite snack or side dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients that pack a lot of flavor and texture into each puff. Each component plays its part: potatoes provide the soft and fluffy base, cheeses deliver richness and gooey melting goodness, and the eggs help everything hold together beautifully.
- Russet potatoes (2 pounds): Perfect for mashing because of their starchy, fluffy texture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Adds melty, stretchy pockets of cheesy delight inside each puff.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings a savory, slightly nutty top crust that crisps up nicely when baked.
- Large eggs (2): Acts as the binder that keeps the puffs together while baking.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and a creamy mouthfeel to the mashed potatoes.
- Milk or cream (1/4 cup): Helps make the mashed potatoes smooth and velvety.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just a whisper of warmth and depth.
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing the russet potatoes into evenly sized chunks so they cook uniformly. Boil them in salted water until they are fork-tender. This ensures the potatoes will mash smoothly, creating that perfect base for your puffs.
Step 2: Mash and Season
After draining the potatoes, mash them thoroughly while warm. Add butter, milk or cream, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese to the mash. This mix makes the potatoes creamy and flavorful, elevating the final taste to comfort-food perfection.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Crack in the eggs and stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and cohesive. The eggs will help the puffs hold their shape when baked, so don’t skip this essential step.
Step 4: Get the Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a standard muffin tin generously. This prep allows the puffs to bake evenly and come out with a lovely golden-brown crust.
Step 5: Assemble the Puffs
Fill each muffin cup halfway with the potato mixture, then add a scoop of shredded mozzarella cheese right in the center. Cover the cheese with more mashed potato, effectively hiding that cheesy surprise inside each puff.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top of each filled muffin cup. This will give the puffs a crispy, flavorful crust after baking, adding a delightful texture contrast.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the puffs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until they puff up, turn golden, and develop a deliciously crisp exterior. Let them cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin so they hold their shape perfectly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
If you like, finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs such as chives or parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the richness beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chives or parsley are a great finishing touch for these puffs, adding a bright, fresh aroma and a hint of color that makes the dish look beautiful on the plate.
Side Dishes
These puffs pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, making an elegant yet approachable accompaniment to your main meal. They also work as a fun side to grilled meats, poultry, or even a bowl of hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or appetizer platter, arrange the puffs on a serving board with small bowls of sour cream, spicy aioli, or your favorite dipping sauces. You can also serve them skewered with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a fun twist on finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheesy mashed potato puffs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just ensure they are cooled completely before storing to keep them fresh and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
These puffs freeze well, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack or side. Freeze fully cooled puffs in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp again, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the outer crust crispy and the cheese melty inside.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! Mozzarella gives that perfect gooey melt, but you can experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyère for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind the melting properties of the cheese you choose.
Are these puffs gluten-free?
Yes! This Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe contains no flour or breading, so it is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your cheese and other ingredients if you have strict dietary needs.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use a non-dairy milk alternative. Vegan cheese that melts well can replace the mozzarella and parmesan. You might need to experiment a bit for texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the puffs from falling apart?
The eggs in the recipe are key for binding, so make sure to mix them in thoroughly. Also, avoid adding too much liquid to the mash. Baking in a well-greased muffin tin helps with easy removal without breaking.
Can I add other mix-ins to these puffs?
Definitely! Diced cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or roasted garlic can add wonderful flavor. Just be mindful of moisture so the puffs hold together well during baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about biting into a Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe that is crispy on the outside and gorgeously creamy inside with melted cheese hidden at the heart. This recipe brings simple ingredients together in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. Next time you want to treat yourself or impress guests with a delightful snack or side, give these puffs a try — you just might find your new favorite comfort food classic.
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Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delicious and comforting snack featuring creamy mashed potatoes stuffed with gooey mozzarella and topped with parmesan for a golden, crispy finish. These savory puffs are baked until perfectly puffed and golden, making them a perfect appetizer or side dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Dairy
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
Eggs and Seasonings
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and cube the russet potatoes. Boil them in salted water until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them until smooth to form the base of your mixture.
- Add flavor and creaminess: While the potatoes are still warm, add the butter, milk or cream, salt, pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
- Incorporate the eggs: Crack in the eggs and stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. This helps bind the puff together during baking.
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a standard muffin tin to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the puffs.
- Assemble the puffs: Fill each muffin cup halfway with the mashed potato mixture. Place a scoop of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of each cup, then cover with more mashed potato mixture to enclose the cheese.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle extra grated parmesan cheese on top of each filled muffin cup to create a deliciously crisp and golden crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and have puffed up nicely. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish the cheese puffs with freshly chopped chives or parsley before serving to add a fresh herbaceous note and a pop of color.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for the best texture as they mash smoothly and absorb flavors well.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute milk with cream or half-and-half.
- These puffs can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
- For added crunch, sprinkle extra parmesan cheese generously on top before baking.
- Fresh herbs are optional but add a nice finishing touch both in taste and presentation.
