Found this in my aunt’s recipe box from the 1960s. These disappeared in minutes at the church potluck.

These Oven-Baked Party Potato Puffs are a magnificent, bite-sized, and incredibly clever appetizer masterpiece. By transforming cold, humble leftover mashed potatoes into elegant, crispy-edged little gems loaded with sharp cheddar and fresh green onions, you breathe spectacular new life into your fridge staples. Golden brown and perfectly set, they deliver premium comfort-food results that effortlessly upgrade any party platter.

Oven-Baked Party Potato Puffs

Ingredients:

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Prep the Heat and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 24-count mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray, shortening, or a small smear of butter.

Tip: If you do not own a mini muffin pan, grease a standard 12-count muffin tin instead. Keep in mind this will yield fewer, slightly larger potato puffs that will require a few additional minutes of baking time to set completely.

Step 2: Break Up the Leftovers: Scoop your 2 cups of cold mashed potatoes into a medium mixing bowl. Use the tines of a fork to gently break up the potatoes, smoothing out any dense refrigeration clumps so the mixture integrates easily.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Batter: Pour the 2 lightly beaten large eggs directly into the potatoes. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes uniform and smooth. The final texture should be quite thick but easily scoopable.

Step 4: Fold in the Fillings: Add the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions or chives to the bowl. Stir until the cheese and greens are evenly suspended throughout the potato base. Taste a tiny bit of the batter; if your original leftovers were under-seasoned, fold in a small pinch of salt and black pepper to adjust.

Step 5: Portion and Mound: Using a small spoon or a tablespoon measure, drop the potato mixture into the greased mini muffin cups, filling each well almost all the way to the top rim. Gently pat the surface to smooth it out, leaving a slight mound in the center so they rise into a beautiful, rounded shape as they bake.

Step 6: Bake, Rest, and Release: Slide the pan onto the middle oven rack and bake for 18 / to 22 / minutes. You will know they are done when the puffs feel set, the tops look lightly crisped, and the edges turn a deep golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them rest inside the pan for exactly 5 / minutes to firm up. Run the tip of a butter knife around the edges to loosen, gently lift them out, and arrange them warm on a serving platter.