If you have leftover mashed potatoes sitting in your fridge, don’t toss them out—turn them into these crispy, cheesy, and downright addictive Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs! They’re the perfect snack or appetizer that transforms humble leftovers into bite-sized delights loaded with melted cheese, savory turkey bacon, and chicken ham. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize with whatever you have on hand. The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses gives these puffs a rich, gooey center, while the green onions add a fresh pop of flavor. Plus, baking them makes for a healthier alternative to frying, while still giving you that satisfying crispy outside. Let’s start by gathering your ingredients and mixing up the base for these irresistible cheese puffs.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
• ½ cup cooked chicken ham, diced
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: sour cream for dipping

These ingredients combine creamy mashed potatoes, savory meats, and cheese with just the right seasoning to create a snack that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside. STEP 1: PREHEAT YOUR OVEN AND PREPARE THE BAKING SHEET Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. STEP 2: COMBINE THE MAIN INGREDIENTS In a large bowl, mix together the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, turkey bacon, chicken ham, and chopped green onions. Stir until everything is evenly combined. STEP 3: ADD EGGS AND MIX Beat the eggs in a small bowl, then add them to the mashed potato mixture. Stir thoroughly to incorporate, which will help bind the ingredients together.

  ADD FLOUR, SHAPE, AND BAKE YOUR LEFTOVER MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS Now that your cheesy, meaty mashed potato mixture is ready, it’s time to bring everything together with flour and seasonings, then shape and bake your puffs to crispy, golden perfection. This part is simple but crucial for getting that ideal texture—crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy inside. Let’s dive into the next steps STEP 4: ADD FLOUR AND SEASONINGS Add the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the mashed potato mixture. Mix thoroughly until a thick dough forms that holds together well. The flour helps bind the ingredients so your puffs keep their shape during baking. STEP 5: FORM THE CHEESE PUFFS Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out small portions of the dough and shape them into bite-sized balls or puffs. Place each puff on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them so they can crisp evenly.

  STEP 6: BAKE UNTIL GOLDEN AND CRISPY Bake the puffs in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. The cheese will melt inside, giving you that perfect gooey surprise with every bite. STEP 7: COOL AND SERVE Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cheese puffs cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with a side of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce to complement the savory flavors.

 

TIPS FOR PERFECT MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS

• Use leftover mashed potatoes that are on the thicker side for best results—if they’re too runny, add a little extra flour.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give each puff room to crisp up.
• Try adding herbs like chives or parsley to the dough for extra flavor.
• These puffs also freeze well—just reheat in the oven for a quick snack later.

 

FAQS & FINAL THOUGHTS ON EASY LEFTOVER MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS RECIPE FOR CRISPY SNACKS

Your crispy, cheesy mashed potato puffs are ready to enjoy—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish. Before you dig in, let’s answer some frequently asked questions and share a few final tips to make sure your puffs turn out perfect every time. 1. CAN I USE FRESH MASHED POTATOES OR ONLY LEFTOVERS? You can definitely use freshly made mashed potatoes, but make sure they’re not too runny. Thicker mashed potatoes work best for shaping and baking. 2. CAN I SUBSTITUTE THE MEATS? Yes! You can swap turkey bacon and chicken ham for regular bacon, cooked sausage, or even skip the meat for a vegetarian version. 3. WHAT OTHER CHEESES CAN I USE? Feel free to try mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a sharp white cheddar for different flavors. 4. CAN I MAKE THESE AHEAD OF TIME? Yes, shape the puffs and store them on a baking sheet in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Or freeze them raw and bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the baking time. 5. HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVER PUFFS? Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. 6. CAN I MAKE THESE GLUTEN-FREE? Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead of regular flour.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY THESE LEFTOVER MASHED POTATO CHEESE PUFFS ARE A WINNER

This Easy Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs recipe is a brilliant way to reinvent leftovers into a crispy, cheesy snack that’s loved by all ages. They’re quick to make, use pantry staples, and offer a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking to reduce waste or simply want a tasty snack, these cheese puffs are a delicious solution. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out and what variations you made. Share your favorite mix-ins and dipping sauces in the comments! Looking for more creative ways to use leftovers? I’m here to help you make every meal delicious and stress-free. Print