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Home » Recipes

3 Ingredient Mashed Potato Puffs

Modified: Jan 25, 2025 · Published: Jul 10, 2024 by Marni Katz · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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Ready for your new "go-to" appetizer recipe?  Guys, these super simple mashed potato puffs are going to be it!  Super similar to the puff pastry bourekas, but bite sized. So easy to make, quick to prep ahead of time, and there are only 3 ingredients! 

Say what? That’s right, three ingredients. As a busy mom of three, I'm always trying to keep things simple in the kitchen. And it doesn't get any easier than this recipe. While this recipe may be considered “semi-homemade”, it's delicious, it's easy and my friends and family love it!

three potato puffs on a white plate

And if you think you have to save this leftover mashed potato recipe for the next time you have leftovers, think again. Whip up your favorite instant mashed potatoes like I do and enjoy this appetizer all year long. I promise you'll thank me!

Ingredients

ingredients for potato puffs
  • Puff Pastry: I am loyal to Pepperidge Farm brand Puff Pastry. Any other brand you like will work just fine. You can find it in the freezer section near the frozen desserts.
  • Instant Mashed Potatoes: Use any flavor or variety of instant mashed potatoes you like.
  • French Fried Onions: These are a must have pantry staple. French's or Trader Joe's varieties are the favorites in our house. They are awesome on salads, to snack on, and in these salmon patties.

Puff Pastry Tips and Tricks

I love using frozen puff pastry dough. Here are a few tips for working with it

  • Keep the uncooked puff pastry dough cold in order to get the best puff when you bake it.
  • You can use just one piece from the package, just wrap the second one in plastic wrap before storing. The cardboard box it comes in isn't airtight.
  • Rolling it out gives you more surface area to work with. If it's sticking, dust your surface lightly with flour.
  • Keep a little container of water nearby. If the puffs won't stay together when you pinch then, adding a bit of water will act like glue to keep them close.
mashed potato puffs on a serving board

Step by Step Directions

These could not be easier to make. Here are the simple directions with pictures to show you the method I use for closing the puffs up.

  • Thaw the puff pastry.
  • Make the instant mashed potatoes.
  • Mix in the french fried onions.
  • Cut each sheet of puff pastry into 12 squares
  • Plop the potato mix onto the puff pastry.
  • Bake and enjoy...that’s it, so simple, I promise!
french fried onions being mixed into mashed potatoes
mashed potatoes ready to go into puff pastry
rolling out puff pastry
sliced puff pastry into squares
mashed potatoes on puff pastry squares
pinching the puffs on a sheet pan
closed up potato puffs on a baking sheet
baked mashed potato puffs on a baking sheet

How to use leftover mashed potatoes

Since you will only use 2 cups of mashed potatoes for this puffs, here are some ideas for using up the leftovers:

  • Make cheesy potato pancakes: Mix in an egg, some salt and pepper, a handful of shredded cheese and fry them up into little cheesy potato pancakes.
  • Make pea and potato patties: Mix with an egg and some frozen or canned peas and fry them to golden brown.
  • Make homemade tater tots: form the mashed potatoes in tot shapes, dip into an egg wash and roll in breadcrumbs or panko, then bake.

Variations

You can go in so many directions with this mashed potato puff recipe.  If you are looking to add a little something to them you could add any of the following:

  • Scallions: Cut them up and add to the mashed potato mix before portioning. Then use some of the scallions as a garnish.
  • Shredded cheese: Cheddar or a smoked mozzarella would be great options.
  • Peas and curry powder: These additions will give you samosa vibes.
  • Garlic Butter: melt and then brush on the top of the puff pastry before and after backing for an added garlicky kick!
potato puffs piled on a cutting board

Serving Suggestions

These potato puffs make a great appetizer or side dish for any meal that you would serve mashed potatoes with.  They are just a little bit more fun!

  • Make an appetizer party: Serve these little guys with lots of other appetizers in lieu of a main dish at your next party. Veggie chopped liver, homemade hummus, tiny tuna melts, corn salsa, spinach and artichoke dip and these would be the start of a great spread.
  • For Hanukkah: These are the perfect side dish for brisket and kugel. Serve with honey roasted baby carrots and homemade Potato latkes and applesauce.
  • As a side dish: Serve with a big bowl of soup or big salad for lunch...they are just a little bit more exciting than your regular old bread sticks.

Storage Tips

Potato puffs freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time and just reheat as needed. Simply bake as directed, and then let cool before putting into an airtight container that's safe for the freezer.

To reheat, let defrost on the counter (about an hour) and then pop into the toaster oven or put on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

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Did you try this recipe and and love it? 😍 Let me know by leaving a comment below or 5 ⭐ rating!

And make sure to sign up for my newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more simple recipes! Remember to tag us on social channels when you make a recipe at #simplegraytshirt! I 💖 seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen!

📖 Recipe

potato puff appetizers with a rolling pin

Easy Mashed Potato Puffs (3-Ingredient)

Marni Katz
Try these Mashed Potato Puffs for a fun twist on a classic appetizer! They’re fluffy, delicious and irresistibly golden brown. Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes and made with just 3 ingredients, these puffs make a fantastic appetizer or side dish that everyone will love. Easy to whip up and so satisfying, they’re sure to become a family favorite!
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pkg Puff Pastry 2 sheets
  • 2 cups Instant Mashed Potatoes prepared
  • ½ cup French Fried Onions

Instructions
 

  • Thaw puff pastry according to the package directions. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Make the instant mashed potatoes according to package directions.
  • In a mixing bowl, add 2 cups of the instant mashed potatoes and the french fried onions, stirring gently to combine.
  • Ly out the puff pastry on your prepared baking sheet and roll out to a rectangle shape (or as close as you can get). Cut into 12 even pieces.
  • Plop about 1 tablespoon potato mixture into the center of each of the squares you've cut and then form into a little package by bringing opposite corners together and pinching the seams to close. Repeat with all the squares, and then the second piece of puff pastry.
  • Place the sealed potato puffs onto the parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees until golden brown and puffy. About 20-25 minutes.
  • Let cool and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 134mgPotassium: 135mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg
Keyword appetizer, easy puff pastry, savory pastry
Tried this recipe?Let me know what you think!

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About Marni Katz

Marni Katz is the recipe developer, photographer and writer behind Simple Gray T-Shirt. She wants to help people keep things simple in the kitchen. With simple recipes, easy menu ideas and plenty of tips and tricks along the way, she wants getting a meal on the table to be as simple as putting on your favorite gray tee!
"I want to inspire you to get back in the kitchen and do this, because you can!"

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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As a busy mom of three, I believe in keeping recipes simple. 7-ingredients or less is my goal, and everything is kid-tested and approved!

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