Introduction
Cheesy mashed potato muffins are the perfect combination of comfort food and creativity. These fluffy, savory muffins make for a unique way to enjoy mashed potatoes.
offering the richness of cheese and the softness of potatoes in a fun, portable form. Whether you’re looking.
for a side dish or a snack, these muffins bring a delicious twist to traditional mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
To make cheesy mashed potato muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:
-2 cups of mashed potatoes (freshly made or leftovers)
-1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
-1/2 cup of milk
-1/4 cup of melted butter
-1 large egg
-1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
-Salt and pepper to taste
-1/4 cup of chopped green onions (optional)
-1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
-Fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for the muffin batter. This will help ensure the muffins don’t stick to the pan while baking.
In a large bowl, combine your mashed potatoes with milk, melted butter, and the egg. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
If your mashed potatoes are a bit lumpy, you can use a whisk to break them down further for a creamier consistency.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the potato mixture, along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
You can also include chopped green onions at this stage for added flavor and color. Mix everything thoroughly until the cheese is evenly distributed.
Spoon the mashed potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin. Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full to allow room for the muffins to rise and expand while baking.
For added texture, you can sprinkle a little breadcrumb on top of each muffin before baking.
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cheesy mashed potato muffins cool for a few minutes.
before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from falling apart.
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or parsley over the muffins just before serving to add color and freshness.
How to Make
Making cheesy mashed potato muffins is a straightforward process that comes together quickly.
Start by preparing your mashed potatoes. If you’re using leftovers, make sure they are warm and creamy for the best texture.
If you’re making fresh mashed potatoes, cook the potatoes until tender, mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper, and let them cool slightly.
Once your potatoes are ready, mix in the egg, melted butter, and milk. This creates a creamy base that will hold the muffins together.
The key to these muffins is ensuring that the mashed potatoes aren’t too thick. If your mixture is too dense, add a bit more milk to loosen it up.
Next, fold in the shredded cheese and seasonings. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for these muffins.
but you can mix in other varieties such as mozzarella or Parmesan for a different flavor profile. Make sure to taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed.
Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin tin, ensuring that each cup is filled about three-quarters full.
Press down gently to eliminate air pockets and ensure an even texture. You can add a bit of extra cheese on top for a melty, gooey finish.
Bake the muffins until the tops turn golden and crispy, about 20–25 minutes. The cheese should be bubbling, and the edges of the muffins should have a nice crispness.
If you like a crispier top, let them bake for an extra few minutes, but be careful not to overbake them.
Once done, allow the muffins to cool slightly before removing them from the tin. They will firm up as they cool, making them easier to handle and less likely to fall apart.
Serve these cheesy mashed potato muffins warm, and enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or even as part of a larger meal.
Tips
For the best cheesy mashed potato muffins, use freshly made mashed potatoes rather than cold leftovers.
Fresh mashed potatoes have a smoother consistency that helps the muffins hold together better.
If you want to add more flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, or even some jalapeños for a spicy kick.
These additions can give your muffins a personalized touch and enhance their flavor profile.
For a lighter texture, you can substitute some of the mashed potatoes with ricotta or cream cheese.
This will make the muffins fluffier and add a creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
If you’re looking to make these muffins ahead of time, you can prepare the muffin batter and store.
it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them a convenient option for meal prepping or serving at a party.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste. Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and even gouda all work well in these cheesy.
mashed potato muffins, offering a variety of flavors that complement the creamy potatoes.
For extra crunch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the muffins just before baking.
This will give the muffins a crispy, cheesy crust that enhances their texture and flavor.
To make these muffins gluten-free, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them altogether.
The muffins will still hold their shape and be just as delicious without the breadcrumb topping.
Conclusion
Cheesy mashed potato muffins are a creative and delicious way to elevate a simple comfort food into something extraordinary.
Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or main course, these muffins are sure to please everyone at the table.
With their creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and crispy golden top, cheesy mashed potato muffins are a fun and easy recipe to try.
Customize them to your liking and enjoy this flavorful twist on a classic favorite.