Mashed Potato Muffins

Mashed Potato Muffins are a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes, transforming them into a portable, flavorful treat. Perfect as a side dish or a snack, these muffins are fluffy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This recipe is simple to follow and can be prepared in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 12 muffins
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared, preferably leftover or freshly made)
• 1/4 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For the Muffin Mixture:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled, optional)
• 1/4 cup green onions (chopped, optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

For Topping (Optional):

• Extra shredded cheese
• Chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or chives)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Make or Reheat Mashed Potatoes: If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, peel and chop about 2 large potatoes. Boil them in salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes), then drain and mash with milk, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line with muffin liners for easy removal.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon (if using), chopped green onions (if using), eggs, flour, baking powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin

1. Scoop the Mixture: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, fill each muffin cup with the potato mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure they hold their shape. Fill each cup to the top.

Step 5: Bake the Muffins

1. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the tin and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
2. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle extra cheese or fresh herbs on top before serving.

Step 7: Enjoy!

1. Serve Warm: These Mashed Potato Muffins are best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. They make a great side dish for any meal or a tasty snack on their own.

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potato Muffins

• Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Just ensure they are well-seasoned.
• Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed vegetables, different cheeses, or herbs to suit your taste.
• Don’t Overmix: To keep the muffins fluffy, mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 6g

Conclusion

Mashed Potato Muffins are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic comfort of mashed potatoes in a new form. With a crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy interior, these muffins are sure to become a hit at your dinner table. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed as a snack, they are versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Try making them for your next family gathering, potluck, or even just a cozy night in. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the satisfaction of transforming simple ingredients into a creative dish that everyone will love!