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These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs were born one day when I was staring at a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes wondering how to make them exciting again. What started as kitchen creativity turned into pure magic these little bites transform basic mashed potatoes into something extraordinary. Crispy golden outside creamy cheesy inside they're absolutely irresistible.
What Makes These Special
These Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are like comfort food elevated. The way they puff up in the oven creating that perfect crispy shell while keeping the inside creamy and rich is simply amazing. I love how they take humble leftover potatoes and turn them into something that makes everyone's eyes light up when they come out of the oven.
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Everything You'll Need
- Your Base: Those leftover mashed potatoes finally get their moment to shine.
- Fresh Eggs: They create that magical puffed texture.
- Fresh Chives: Adding that perfect pop of color and flavor.
- The Cheese: I love Monterey Jack but any melty cheese works beautifully.
- Seasonings: Just the right amount of salt and pepper to make everything sing.
- For Serving: A dollop of sour cream takes these over the top.
Let's Make These Together
- Setting Up
- First we'll get our oven nice and hot and prep our muffin tin. I love using my mini tin it creates the perfect two-bite puffs.
- Mixing Our Magic
- Now comes the fun part combining our potatoes with eggs chives and that wonderful cheese. The way it all comes together is so satisfying.
- Filling Our Tins
- Each little cup gets filled with this cheesy potato mixture. That extra sprinkle of cheese on top is going to create the most amazing golden crust.
- The Transformation
- Watching these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs rise and turn golden in the oven is pure kitchen magic.
- The Finishing Touch
- Just a short rest then they're ready to enjoy. That first bite when they're still warm is absolutely heavenly.
My Best Tips
After making countless batches of these puffs I've learned some secrets. Make sure those potatoes are completely cool before mixing or they'll be too dense. A little scoop helps get the perfect amount in each cup. And positioning the pan on the lower rack? That's how we get that amazing crispy bottom.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do the mashed potatoes need to be room temperature?
- Room temperature potatoes mix more easily with other ingredients and prevent the eggs from curdling when mixed in.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make them ahead and reheat in a warm oven. They're best served warm for the optimal crispy exterior.
- → Why let them rest before removing from the tin?
- The 5-minute rest allows the puffs to set up and firm slightly, making them easier to remove from the tin without breaking.
- → Can I use different cheese?
- Yes, any melting cheese works well. Try cheddar, gruyere, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- → Why are my puffs not crispy?
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated and use the lower rack for better browning. You can also use a standard muffin tin for crispier results.