Description
Golden Cheesy Mashed Potato Puff Bites transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, fluffy, and savory mini puffs perfect for appetizers, sides, or snacks. These bites feature creamy mashed potatoes combined with eggs, Monterey Jack cheese, and fresh chives, baked to golden perfection with a lightly crisp exterior and soft interior. Versatile and easy to customize, they’re an excellent way to elevate comfort food with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, 3/4 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and the finely chopped fresh chives. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Using a spoon, scoop the potato mixture into each muffin cup, filling them almost to the top to ensure tall, puffed bites.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over each filled muffin cup to create a golden, cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Bake until the puffs have risen, developed a golden brown color, and the edges are set and slightly crispy.
- Cool and Remove: Allow the puffs to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, gently use a butter knife or offset spatula to loosen and lift each puff from the muffin tin.
- Serve: Serve the puffs warm. Optionally, garnish with extra fresh chives and a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- Use room temperature mashed potatoes to help the mixture bind better and bake evenly.
- Feel free to substitute Monterey Jack cheese with Cheddar, Gruyère, or your favorite melty cheese variety.
- Add cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed vegetables like onions or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or brunch item alongside eggs or sausage.
- Leftover puffs can be refrigerated and reheated in a toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mashed potato puffs, cheesy mashed potato bites, baked potato appetizers, Monterey Jack cheese recipe, party finger foods, leftover mashed potatoes recipe
