Description
Delicious and easy-to-make cheesy mashed potato puffs baked to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats combine creamy mashed potatoes, eggs, cheese, fresh chives, and optional bacon or ham for a savory appetizer or side dish, perfect for entertaining or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 2 cups cooked mashed potatoes
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup grated cheese, such as Parmesan or Gruyère
- 1/4 cup minced fresh chives
- 1/4 cup diced cooked bacon or ham (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/4 cup grated cheese, such as Parmesan or Gruyère
For Baking
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing
Serving
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat it to 400°F. Lightly coat the cups of a mini-muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked mashed potatoes, 3 large beaten eggs, 3/4 cup grated cheese, 1/4 cup minced fresh chives, and 1/4 cup diced cooked bacon or ham if using. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
- Season the mixture: Taste and season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed, depending on how seasoned your mashed potatoes already are.
- Fill muffin cups: Spoon the potato mixture into each prepared muffin cup, filling them evenly. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 1/4 cup grated cheese for a golden crust.
- Bake the puffs: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the potato cups are set, browned on top, and heated through.
- Cool and release: Let the puffs cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, then carefully use a spoon or knife to gently loosen and remove them from the muffin tin.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy mashed potato puffs immediately, optionally with dollops of sour cream for added richness and tang.
Notes
- Use day-old mashed potatoes for best texture to ensure puffs hold their shape well.
- Feel free to substitute bacon or ham with cooked sausage or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Gruyère cheese provides a creamy melt and nuttier flavor, while Parmesan gives a sharper taste—mix or choose based on preference.
- If you prefer larger puffs, use a standard muffin tin and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
- Make sure not to overfill the muffin cups to avoid spilling during baking.
- These puffs can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
