Name: 15-Minute Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Kids Adore Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486955H24M48S
Total time: PT-486955H24M48S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 egg, beaten; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped chives (optional); Cooking spray or oil for greasing

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with those extra potatoes sitting in your fridge, get ready to fall in love with this simple twist: 15-Minute Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Kids Adore. These golden, crispy gems are gloriously cheesy on the inside, irresistibly crunchy outside, and they come together with everyday ingredients you almost certainly have on hand. Whether you’re packing a lunchbox, jazzing up weeknight dinners, or planning a spontaneous snack attack, these puffs transform leftovers into pure comfort food magic in just minutes.

15-Minute Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Kids Adore Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of classic kitchen staples can combine into such a delightful treat. Each ingredient here plays a key role—think creamy potatoes forming the base, gooey cheddar giving the irresistible pull, and aromatic seasonings turning the familiar into something super special.

Leftover mashed potatoes (2 cups): The heart of the recipe, giving every puff its creamy inside and saving leftovers from waste!
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melt-in-your-mouth cheesiness infuses every bite with sharp, rich flavor.
Egg, beaten (1): Binds everything together while adding tenderness and structure.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps hold the puffs together and creates a slightly crispy crust.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Subtle, savory depth that makes these puffs irresistible and aromatic.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Brings all the flavors into harmony—don’t skip this essential touch!
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Lends a touch of warmth and gentle bite to balance the cheese.
Chopped chives (2 tbsp, optional): Adds fresh, vibrant color and a mild onion zing—totally optional but highly recommended.
Cooking spray or oil for greasing: Makes sure those crispy edges release easily from the baking sheet.

How to Make 15-Minute Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Kids Adore

Step 1: Get the Oven Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a minute to grease your baking sheet with cooking spray or oil—this prevents sticking and ensures every puff develops a perfectly golden, crispy base.

Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients

Grab your biggest mixing bowl and add in the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, beaten egg, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything really well to make sure the seasonings and cheese are evenly distributed. The mixture should look thick, cohesive, and a bit sticky.

Step 3: Add in the Chives for Extra Flavor

If you’re using chives, gently fold them in at this stage. They give the puffs a fresh, herby flavor and a pop of color that both kids and adults will appreciate. Don’t worry if your family isn’t into herbs—the puffs are fantastic even without them.

Step 4: Scoop and Shape

Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out mounds of the cheesy potato mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one for even browning. No need for perfection here—the rustic look is part of their charm.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly golden color and crispy edges. Keep an eye on them near the end to catch that perfect moment when they’re done.

Step 6: Serve While Warm

Once baked, let the puffs cool for just a minute or two on the tray. Serve warm for the ultimate cheesy pull and a snack-time crunch that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

How to Serve 15-Minute Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Kids Adore

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of fresh chives on top adds both color and flavor, or you can try a dusting of smoked paprika for a touch of warmth. Even a light shower of Parmesan turns these puffs into pure snack royalty.

Side Dishes

Pair your 15-Minute Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Kids Adore with a crisp green salad, classic tomato soup, or a platter of crunchy veggie sticks. They’re also a playful side for burgers or grilled chicken when you want to shake up dinnertime routines.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, pile them high on a rustic serving board with toothpicks and a trio of dipping sauces—think ranch, salsa, or even a tangy yogurt dip. Mini muffin liners or skewers make them extra fun for kids’ gatherings or lunchboxes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have any left, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The outsides lose a bit of crispness in the fridge, but the flavor is still spot-on for a speedy snack.

Freezing

15-Minute Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Kids Adore freeze beautifully. Arrange the cooled puffs in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months and make fantastic grab-and-go snacks.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the puffs in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for about 8 minutes. This brings back their crispy edges and melty centers. The microwave works too, but you’ll lose some crunch.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! If that’s what you have handy, just make sure they’re not too runny—thick, cold mash works best for holding their shape and baking up crispy.

What other cheeses can I use?

Cheddar is classic, but you can swap in mozzarella for extra gooeyness, Monterey Jack for a milder taste, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for sharpness. Mixing two cheeses can be extra flavorful.

Are these gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend or even a few tablespoons of cornstarch for a similar texture.

Can I air fry the puffs instead of baking?

Yes! Place the shaped puffs in your air fryer basket (in a single layer) and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp.

How can I sneak in extra veggies?

Finely grated carrot, chopped spinach, or even tiny bits of cooked broccoli can be mixed right into the potato mixture—just don’t add too much moisture, or the puffs won’t crisp up as nicely.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted a quick, family-approved recipe that brings new life to leftovers, these 15-Minute Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Kids Adore are pure gold. Give them a try and share the cheesy magic—you might just find they become your next kitchen tradition!

15-Minute Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs Kids Adore Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: Makes about 12 cheese puffs 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These 15-Minute Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are a delightful snack that kids love. Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, they make for a perfect quick bite or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped chives (optional)
Cooking spray or oil for greasing

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet.
Mix mashed potatoes, cheese, egg, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Fold in chives if using.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve warm.