Name: Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes; 3 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup bacon bits; 1/4 cup chives, chopped; Pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 14 reviews

Hey friends! If you love cozy, comforting bites that combine cheesy, smoky, and fluffy all in one, you are going to adore this Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe. These golden little puffs come out of the oven crispy on the outside and irresistibly soft inside—with all that bacon and cheese magic packed right in. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a favorite side dish or snack to whip up for get-togethers or a cozy night in.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Texture Balance: The eggs give the puffs just enough lift to be fluffy while keeping them creamy inside.
Flavor Combo Heaven: Cheddar and bacon bring that smoky, savory punch that everyone craves.
Simple Yet Impressive: Minimal ingredients with straightforward steps make this recipe approachable but crowd-pleasing.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can mix everything the night before and bake fresh whenever you want, making entertaining stress-free.

Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Puffs, cheesy bacon potato bites, crispy cheesy potato puffs, savory mashed potato snacks, easy finger foods with bacon and cheese - There are five golden brown mini quiches with a slightly crispy top and textured surface placed on a wooden cutting board with a smooth finish. The mini quiches have a light brown crust with a soft, cheesy inside showing hints of orange, yellow, and light green from vegetables or herbs. One mini quiche has a dollop of white cream on top, garnished with two short green chives, while there are additional green chives lying on the cutting board next to the quiches. The wooden cutting board is placed on a black cooling rack that rests on a white marbled surface. A black muffin tray holding more mini quiches is seen in the blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe lies in simple ingredients that shine together. You’ll want good-quality mashed potatoes as your base—whether homemade or instant works here. The sharp cheddar adds a lovely tang and gooey texture, while bacon bits bring that irresistible smoky saltiness. Chives add a fresh herbal note, and Parmesan on top gives a golden, nutty crust.

Mashed Potatoes: Use creamy, smooth mashed potatoes; leftover mashed potatoes are perfect, or quick instant mashed if you’re in a pinch.
Eggs: These act as a binder and help the puffs rise, so don’t skip them.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives both flavor and melty texture.
Bacon Bits: Crisp, smoky bacon pieces provide amazing depth and crunch.
Chives: Fresh chives add a subtle oniony freshness to brighten each bite.
Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper balances the richness nicely.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for extra flavor and a golden crust.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe my own by swapping out add-ins or switching cheeses—sometimes even throwing in some sautéed mushrooms or a pinch of smoked paprika. Don’t be shy about tweaking it to match your mood or what’s in the fridge!

Vegetarian Variation: Leave out the bacon bits and add extra chives or some caramelized onions; it’s still super tasty.
Spicy Kick: Toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for a little heat—I’ve found it adds a fun surprise.
Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack for a little zing or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for stretchier bites.
Make It Mini: Use mini muffin pans to create bite-sized puffs that are perfect for parties.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Base with Care

Start by combining your mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chopped chives in a large mixing bowl. I usually add a bit of freshly ground black pepper here. Stir everything until well incorporated but don’t overmix—it should be creamy and easy to scoop. If your potatoes are too dry, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up slightly.

Step 2: Prep Your Muffin Tin Like a Pro

Grease your muffin pan generously—don’t skip this step because you want those puffs to come out cleanly. I like to use a little buttery spray or brush melted butter in each cup. Then, spoon a heaping amount of the potato mixture into each muffin cup, pressing down gently so they’re packed but not crushed. Top each with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese; this adds a lovely crust as they bake.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Irresistible

Pop the pan into a preheated 400°F oven for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on the color—the tops should turn beautifully golden brown and crisp. You’ll know they’re done when you can insert a toothpick and it comes out clean, and the puffs have firmed up nicely. After baking, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes so they set up. Then carefully remove and serve warm.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip the Eggs: I once tried making these eggless; no rise, no puff. Eggs are your secret weapon here.
Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This recipe is perfect for using up leftovers—just bring them to room temp before mixing.
Parmesan Magic: Sprinkling Parmesan on top rather than mixing in gives you that crunchy irresistible crust.
Cool Slightly Before Removing: Let them sit 5 minutes after baking to firm up and make removal easier.

How to Serve Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe

Garnishes

I always serve these puffs with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of extra fresh chives—it adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warmth and crunch. A little hot sauce or ranch dip on the side works wonderfully too if you’re feeling adventurous!

Side Dishes

These puffs are made for pairing with simple mains—think grilled chicken, a juicy steak, or even alongside a crisp green salad for balance. I’ve also served them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at dinners alongside charcuterie boards or hearty soups.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging these on a large platter with little bowls of various dips—sour cream, salsa, or even a smoky chipotle aioli. For festive occasions, sprinkle extra crispy bacon and some tiny edible flowers or microgreens on top for a fancy touch that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Puffs keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. I usually pop them in the fridge right after they cool completely, and I find that reheating them properly brings them back pretty close to fresh.

Freezing

If I’m making a big batch, I like to freeze these puffs before baking—just assemble them in the muffin tin, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding extra bake time to make sure they’re heated through.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the microwave for about a minute or so, but if you want to keep them crispy, popping them in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a couple minutes works wonders. Just watch closely so they don’t burn!

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe?

Absolutely! Instant mashed potatoes work just fine, especially when you’re in a hurry. Just prepare them according to package directions and let them cool a bit before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can this recipe be made without eggs?

The eggs act as a binder and help the puffs rise, so they’re pretty essential. Without eggs, you’ll end up with a dense potato bake rather than light, fluffy puffs.
How long do these potato puffs stay fresh?

They keep well in the fridge for about 2-3 days in an airtight container. Beyond that, the texture will start to change, so I recommend freezing if you want to store longer.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix all the ingredients and fill the muffin tin, then refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day, adding a few extra minutes of baking time since they’ll be cold.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it always brings everyone to the table with smiles. It’s effortless comfort food, but fancy enough to impress guests without breaking a sweat. I hope you enjoy making—and eating—these little golden delights as much as I do. If you’re ever looking for a new way to elevate leftover mashed potatoes or just want a crowd-pleasing bite, this is your new go-to!