Cheesy Sweet Potato Puffs

These Cheesy Sweet Potato Puffs are crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and absolutely perfect as Christmas food recipes side dishes, holiday foods Thanksgiving, or even fun Bunko food ideas meals. Made from creamy mashed sweet potatoes, cheese, and a few pantry staples, they’re a delicious way to turn simple potatoes into irresistible little bites.

Whether you’re looking for things to make out of potatoes, a recipe using mashed potatoes, or modern twists on classic side dishes, these puffs are easy, adorable, and crowd-pleasing. They work as appetizers, sides, or snack recipes and add a festive touch to any table.

Soft, cheesy, golden, and totally addictive.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 18–20 puffs

Ingredients List

Potato Mixture

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  (works with leftover mashed potatoes too even lumpy mashed potatoes!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

Coating

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Optional: pinch paprika for color

Toppings

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan
• Garlic butter drizzle

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Ice cream scoop or spoon
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Oven

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Prepare mashed potatoes
   Use mashed sweet potatoes OR leftover mashed potatoes (even slightly lumpy mashed potatoes work great).
2. Make the mixture
   In a bowl, mix sweet potatoes, cheddar, Parmesan, egg, butter, and seasonings.
   Mixture should be thick and scoopable.
3. Shape the puffs
   Scoop tablespoon-sized balls and roll gently.
4. Coat for crispiness
   Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs.
5. Bake
   Place on a lined sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes until golden and puffed.
6. Finish & serve
   Add parsley, Parmesan, or garlic butter drizzle.
   Serve as a festive side or appetizer!

Pro Tips Section

1. For crispier puffs:
   Spray lightly with oil before baking.
2. Make-ahead:
   Shape and freeze unbaked puffs; bake straight from freezer.
3. Use regular potatoes too:
   Works with russet or Yukon gold mashed potatoes.
4. Holiday party tip:
   Serve with garlic aioli or spicy mayo for dipping.

Nutrition Table

Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

These golden, cheesy sweet potato puffs are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside — a festive side dish perfect for holidays and parties.

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Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 130

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• spoon or scoop for forming balls
• oven

Method

 

1. In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, cheddar, Parmesan, melted butter, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and combined.
2. Shape mixture into small balls (about 1 inch) and roll in panko breadcrumbs until coated.
3. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 8500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 0.8mg

Notes

You can add a pinch of cayenne or paprika for extra warmth. Serve with sour cream or a garlic dip. To make ahead, prep and freeze before baking.

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Conclusion

These Cheesy Sweet Potato Puffs are crispy, fluffy, and full of cheesy flavor — perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, game nights, and party tables. Simple ingredients, quick prep, and guaranteed crowd appeal make them a must-have addition to your holiday menu.

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