Mashed Potato Puffs (A Fun Twist on a Family Favorite)

Every Sunday, my extended family gathers around the table to eat together. It’s loud, chaotic, comforting, and one of my favorite traditions. But let’s be honest—by the time Sunday rolls around, sometimes I’m feeling uninspired and needing something different and new.

That’s exactly how these Mashed Potato Puffs were born.

I wanted a way to turn simple mashed potatoes into something a little more exciting—something that felt special but still cozy and familiar. Bonus points if it used pantry staples and didn’t require a culinary miracle. These little puffs check all the boxes.

And if you have kids like mine, you know this truth: anything made individually is automatically better. Cupcakes, muffins, mini meatloaves—if it’s small and their own, they’re in. These mashed potato puffs bake up perfectly in a muffin tin, making them ideal for kids and for serving a crowd.

They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy and cheesy on the inside, and endlessly customizable. You can keep them simple or dress them up with bacon, chives, and a dollop of sour cream. Either way, they disappear fast.

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Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
BakeTime: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups prepared instant mashed potatoes

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)

• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

  Optional toppings:

• Cooked bacon bits

• Chopped chives or green onions

• Sour cream (for serving)

You will also need:

• Large bowl

• Muffin tin

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Grease a standard muffin tin well.

2. Prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to package directions and let them cool slightly.

3. In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, eggs, shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top.

5. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top of each puff.

6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the edges are slightly crisp.

7. Let cool for a few minutes, then gently remove from the tin.

8. Finish with bacon bits and chives, and serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

✨Pro Tips✨

• Use leftover mashed potatoes if you have them—just warm slightly so they mix easily.

• Swap cheddar for Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor.

• Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra depth.

• These reheat beautifully, making them great for meal prep or lunchboxes.

  Whether you’re feeding a big Sunday crowd or just trying to make weeknight dinner feel a little more fun, these mashed potato puffs are an easy win. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and kid-approved—sometimes that’s all you need. 🥔🧡