Introduction

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites are a delicious and comforting snack that’s perfect for any occasion. These golden, crispy puffs combine creamy mashed potatoes with gooey melted cheese for a bite-sized treat everyone will love.

The image shows two small, round, golden-brown cheesy patties stacked on top of each other on a white plate with scattered green herbs. The top patty is broken open in the middle, revealing melted, stretchy white cheese inside. Both patties are topped with melted cheese that has a slightly crispy, browned texture and small green herb pieces sprinkled over them. In the foreground, a silver fork rests on the plate near the patties. The background is softly blurred with a dark green tone. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 large egg
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the mashed potatoes by boiling peeled potatoes until tender, then mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and egg. Mix until well incorporated.
Step 3: Take small portions of the mixture and form them into bite-sized balls or puffs.
Step 4: Roll each puff in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Step 5: To fry, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the puffs until golden brown on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. To bake, place the puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Step 6: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add finely minced garlic or your favorite herbs to the potato mixture.
Try using different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist.
To make these bites vegetarian or gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check the cheese ingredients.
Leftover puffs can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness instead of microwaving.

Storage

Store leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore their crisp texture. They can also be frozen before cooking; simply bake or fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve

Two stacked cheesy rounds with melted golden-brown cheese on top, showing stretchy, gooey white cheese pulling apart between the layers. Each round has a slightly crispy, browned outer edge, sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs. They sit on a white plate with scattered herbs around, placed on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork next to the stack. The close-up view highlights the creamy, soft texture inside and the nicely browned, slightly bubbly cheese crust on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the puffs and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before cooking. You can also freeze them uncooked and cook directly from frozen when ready.

What dipping sauces go well with these potato puffs?

These puffs pair wonderfully with ketchup, ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy sriracha mayo for added flavor.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites are delightful, crispy on the outside with a gooey cheesy center. Made with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and a hint of green onions, they make a perfect appetizer or snack. You can choose to either fry them for a golden crunch or bake them for a lighter version, making them versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (frying) or 20 minutes (baking)
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20–24 puff bites 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Mixture

2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 large egg
Salt and pepper to taste

Coating

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

For Cooking

Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)

Instructions

Prepare the mashed potatoes: Boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash them until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps for a creamy base.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Form the puffs: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized balls or puffs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Coat the puffs: Roll each puff in breadcrumbs, ensuring a thorough coating to achieve a crispy exterior.
Cook the puffs: Frying method: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat and fry the puffs until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Drain excess oil on paper towels. Baking method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place coated puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray. Lightly spray tops with oil and bake for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through until golden brown.
Serve: Serve the cheesy mashed potato puff bites warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup, ranch, or a spicy mayo.

Notes

Use well-mashed potatoes to ensure the mixture holds together better.
Cheese choice impacts flavor; cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella offers a milder, gooey texture.
For a gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones.
Adjust seasoning according to your taste, adding garlic powder or paprika can enhance flavor.
If baking, using cooking spray helps achieve a crispier crust without frying.

Keywords: cheesy mashed potato puffs, potato appetizer, fried potato bites, baked potato bites, cheesy snack