Irresistible Loaded Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe for Comfort Fans

Crispy loaded mashed potato puffs pack a punch of comfort and flavor that’ll make you swoon.

Creamy potatoes blend with sharp cheddar and crispy bacon bits for an irresistible appetizer.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through each golden, puffy bite.

Imagine the crunch when you break into these delightful morsels.

Cheese melts perfectly, creating pockets of gooey goodness inside each puff.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical way that surprises and delights.

Dig in and savor every single delectable bite.

Why Loaded Mashed Potato Puffs Are the Ultimate Comfort Food

• Customize with Ease: Personalize these potato puffs by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite mix-ins like diced jalapeños or different cheese varieties.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or game day events where guests can enjoy bite-sized, flavorful appetizers that everyone will love.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it an approachable recipe for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Quick Meal Solution: Delivers a delicious side dish or appetizer that comes together rapidly with packaged mashed potatoes and simple pantry staples.

Ingredients for Loaded Mashed Potato Puffs

• Mashed Potatoes: The core base that provides creamy texture and hearty flavor for the puffs.
• Eggs: Crucial binding agent that helps hold the potato mixture together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, sharp flavor and helps create a melty, golden-brown exterior.
• Bacon: Provides a smoky, savory taste and crispy texture to the potato puffs.

• Garlic, Chives, Parmesan Cheese, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile with depth, zest, and a slight kick of heat.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray, Butter, or Vegetable Shortening: Ensures the potato puffs do not stick to the muffin pan and allows for easy removal.
• Sour Cream, Additional Chives, Extra Cheese, Extra Bacon: Optional garnishes that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish.

How to Prepare Loaded Mashed Potato Puffs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Heat the oven to 400°F. Grab a muffin pan and spray each cup generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Potato Mix

• Packaged mashed potatoes
• Eggs
• Granulated garlic
• Chopped chives
• Shredded Cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Ground black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Mix everything until well blended and bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups

Scoop the potato mixture evenly into each muffin cup.

Make sure each cup gets the same amount of delicious filling.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown crust that signals these potato clouds are ready to devour.

Step 5: Cool and Release

Remove the pan from the oven and let the potato puffs cool slightly.

Use a knife to gently loosen the edges if needed.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

• Sour cream
• Fresh chives
• Extra cheese
• More crispy bacon

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Pro Tips for Crispy and Cheesy Potato Puffs

• Swap instant mashed potatoes with homemade mashed potatoes for a richer, more authentic flavor profile and better texture control.
• Reduce bacon amount or use turkey bacon for a lighter version that still maintains delicious smoky notes.
• Try different cheese combinations like Gruyère or goat cheese to create unique flavor variations and keep the recipe exciting.
• Allow potato mixture to rest for 10 minutes before filling muffin cups to help ingredients bind together more effectively and improve overall consistency.
• Store leftover puffs in an airtight container and reheat in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispy exterior and prevent sogginess.

Variations on Loaded Mashed Potato Puffs

• Vegetarian Potato Puffs: Replace bacon with diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted zucchini for a meat-free version. Add nutritional yeast for extra flavor and protein.
• Gluten-Free Potato Clouds: Use gluten-free mashed potatoes and ensure all ingredients like cheese are certified gluten-free. Substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour if needed.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Puffs: Swap traditional mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate alternative. Keep cheese and seasonings the same for similar taste profile.
• Mediterranean Inspired Puffs: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add dried oregano and basil for a Greek-inspired flavor combination.

Pairing Suggestions for Loaded Mashed Potato Puffs

• Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cheesy potato puffs, creating a refreshing balance that elevates the entire dining experience.
• Choose an amber ale or smoked porter to match the bacon's intense flavor, enhancing the puffs' savory notes and providing a robust beer-food connection.
• Create a light side of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the puffs' creamy texture, adding a bright, crisp element that cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Store Loaded Mashed Potato Puffs

• Refrigerate: Store cooled potato puffs in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual puffs in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with date to track storage time.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange puffs on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, crispy exterior restored.
• Microwave Quick: Place puffs on microwave-safe plate, heat for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add 15-second intervals if needed. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade mashed potatoes instead of packaged ones?

Yes, homemade mashed potatoes work perfectly. Just ensure they’re cooled and have a thick consistency to hold the puffs together.

• Is there a way to make these puffs vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and replace it with chopped vegetables like bell peppers or add extra cheese for more flavor.

• How can I prevent my potato puffs from sticking to the pan?

Use a generous amount of nonstick cooking spray or grease the muffin cups thoroughly with butter or vegetable shortening. A silicone muffin pan can also help prevent sticking.

Loaded Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory loaded mashed potato puffs blend comfort and indulgence from classic American cuisine. Cheese, bacon, and herbs elevate this simple side dish, offering a delightful bite you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 24 oz (680 g) Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 1/4 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps freshly chopped chives
• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Sour cream (for garnish)
• Chives (extra, for garnish)
• Cheese (extra, for garnish)
• Bacon (extra crumbled, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and thoroughly coat a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously blend mashed potatoes with eggs, creating a smooth base for the puffs. Incorporate granulated garlic, chives, Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, black pepper, and Cayenne pepper until ingredients are fully integrated.
3. Carefully spoon the potato mixture into each muffin cup, distributing evenly and filling to near the top for optimal volume and texture.
4. Transfer the muffin pan to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown exterior that indicates crispy edges and thorough cooking.
5. Once baked, remove from oven and allow puffs to rest for 3-5 minutes. Gently loosen edges with a thin knife, facilitating easier removal from the pan.
6. Elevate the presentation by topping each puff with a generous dollop of sour cream, sprinkle of fresh chives, additional cheese, and extra bacon crumbles. Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Swap packaged mashed potatoes with freshly made mashed potatoes for a more homemade flavor and better texture control.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients like bacon and cheese are certified gluten-free and replace packaged potatoes with homemade mashed potatoes.
• Consider using turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences or reduce saturated fat content.
• Experiment with additional mix-ins like diced jalapeños, roasted garlic, or herbs like rosemary to create unique flavor variations and personalize the recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 258 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg