Found this in my aunt’s recipe box from the 1960s. These disappeared in minutes at the church potluck.
This Oven-Baked Party Potato Puffs recipe transforms simple leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, bite-sized appetizers with a fluffy interior and golden exterior. Chilled mashed potatoes provide the perfect base, while eggs help bind everything together and create a light, airy texture as they bake. A generous amount of cheddar cheese adds rich flavor and develops a beautifully browned crust, making these potato puffs ideal for parties, snacks, or holiday gatherings.
Oven-Baked Party Potato Puffs
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cold leftover mashed potatoes | 2 cups |
| Large eggs, lightly beaten | 2 |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Finely chopped green onions or chives | ¼ cup |
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with butter or nonstick spray. Place the cold mashed potatoes in a mixing bowl and break them apart with a fork until smooth and free of large lumps.
Tip: Chilled mashed potatoes work best because they are firmer and easier to shape. Freshly made potatoes tend to be too soft and may not hold their structure as well during baking.
Step 2: Add the Eggs
Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the potatoes and stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth, thick, and evenly combined.
Note: The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped, without excess liquid separating from the potatoes.
Step 3: Mix in the Cheese and Herbs
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions or chives. Fold everything together until evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture.
Tip: Taste the mixture and adjust with a pinch of salt and black pepper if needed, especially if your mashed potatoes were lightly seasoned.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Pan
Spoon the potato mixture into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each nearly to the top. Smooth the tops lightly while leaving a small mound in the center.
Note: Filling each cup evenly helps ensure consistent baking and uniform browning.
Step 5: Bake
Place the pan on the center oven rack and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are crisp.
Tip: After removing the pan from the oven, let the potato puffs rest for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to remove from the pan.
Step 6: Remove and Serve
Carefully run a butter knife around the edges of each puff to loosen them. Lift them from the pan and transfer to a serving platter.
Serve warm and enjoy their crispy exterior and soft, cheesy center.
