Mini Mashed Tator Tots
They’re cheesy, they’re buttery, they’re flaky and delicious. Mini Mashed Tator Tots are a homemade side dish that taste so good on their own as to be served as an appetizer.

Think of comfort food in a little bite of cheesy potato. Hot from the oven, they’re perfect plain, or dipped in ketchup or Ranch dressing.
They’re easy to make using leftover mashed potatoes, then served with Meatloaf or Baked Parmesan Chicken and its sauce. Mini Mashed Tator Tots are the perfect side dish for many meals.
Alternatively, these munchable Tots make a great appetizer. Stick a toothpick in them and serve with a complimentary dip, such as ketchup, Ranch dressing, or a BBQ sauce.

Making Mini Mashed Tator Tots
First, either make and chill some mashed potatoes, or use leftovers. It helps if they’re chilled so they hold together when you make them into balls.
Place the Parmesan cheese in a small bowl, then set aside.
Next, in a large bowl, mix together all the remaining ingredients, (mashed potatoes, egg, cheese, onion, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper).
Roll the mixture into 1 1/4″ sized balls, which makes approx. 42 Tots. Roll each ball in the Parmesan cheese, then set the ball into a mini muffin space.
At this point, you can either bake them, or cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them.

Baking Time
In a preheated oven set at 400°, bake the Mini Mashed Tator Tots for 15 – 20 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
Yummy! Time to eat.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add additions to change up the flavor, such as cooked, crumbled bacon or diced jalapeños. Keep the pieces small so they roll into a ball nicely.
- Change out the cheddar cheese for your favorite cheesy blend.
- Switch out the garlic for a different flavor profile, such as onion powder, thyme, or everything bagel seasoning.
- For a lighter version, use a cauliflower/potato mixture, such as Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes, and switch out the cheese for low-fat.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, absolutely. Make and bake them and let them cool completely, then freeze on a cookie sheet until frozen. Place the frozen Tots in a freezer bag for easy storage.
Simply reheat them in the oven until hot and crispy.

More Potatoes, More Appetizers
Looking for new recipes? Find what you’re looking for by entering key words into the search bar at the top right of the screen. Enter words like “mashed” for a variety of mashed potatoes, or enter key words like “chocolate” or “chicken.”
Additionally, you can use the drop down menu under RECIPES at the top of the screen for a list of categories, such as “appetizers.”
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Mini Mashed Tator Tots
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for rolling)
- 3 cups mashed potatoes,* chilled
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup onion, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° and butter or grease a mini muffin pan.
- Add Parmesan cheese to small bowl, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together all remaining ingredients (mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar cheese, onion, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper).
- Roll mixture into small balls (approx. 1 1/4"), then roll in Parmesan cheese.
- Drop each ball into a mini muffin space. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on outside.
- Let cool in pan for a few minutes before removing. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Mini Mashed Tator Tots
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I think I like these mashed potato tots better than traditional tots. Such a great way to use up those leftover mashed potatoes. I put them in the air fryer on the second day and they were ready quick and they crisped up just right.
Thanks, Roxann! Great idea for re-heating in the air fryer. That crispy outside and soft inside is part of its charm.