Mashed Potato Muffins

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Every time I make these Mashed Potato Muffins, it brings back wonderful memories of cozy family dinners. You know those moments when the whole house smells like comfort? That’s exactly what happens when these muffins are baking in the oven. With a crispy top and a fluffy inside, they’ve quickly become a family favorite, and I know you’re going to love them, too! This recipe is so simple and uses ingredients you likely have on hand. Whether you’ve made them a hundred times or are trying them for the first time, you’re in for a real treat!

How to make Mashed Potato Muffins

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for these delightful muffins. I love how versatile they are, allowing you to use leftovers from your Sunday dinner or holiday feast. You can even add a few extra goodies if you’d like. Let’s take a look:

| Ingredient | Amount | |————————————|—————————| | Leftover mashed potatoes | 3 cups | | Large egg | 1 | | Shredded cheddar cheese (divided) | 1 cup | | Chopped fresh chives (divided) | 3 tablespoons |

Using leftover mashed potatoes from dinner not only saves time but makes these muffins taste even better. You can also swap out the cheddar for any cheese you prefer, or even add some crumbled bacon for a savory twist!

Cooking Steps

  1. Preheat the Oven: The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial if you want those tops to turn out crispy and golden brown.

  2. Prepare Your Muffin Tin: Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. This will help the muffins pop out easily once they’re baked.

  3. Mix Your Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your leftover mashed potatoes, one large egg, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the chopped chives. Stir this together until everything is well incorporated. You want a nice, cohesive mixture.

  4. Fill the Muffin Tin: Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the potato mixture. They will rise, so don’t overfill them!

  5. Add Toppings: Here comes the fun part—sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and chives on top of each muffin. This adds a lovely color and extra flavor.

  6. Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a nice golden brown color on the top, and you might even want to peek in halfway through to see how they’re doing.

  7. Cool Down: Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for about 5-10 minutes before gently removing them from the tin. A butter knife can help slide them out if they’re sticking a bit.

  8. Serve Warm: These Mashed Potato Muffins are best served warm. I can’t resist taking a bite as soon as they come out of the oven—the gooey cheese and soft potato are a perfect combination!

Why I Love Making This Dish

Making these Mashed Potato Muffins is such a simple and heartwarming experience. As a woman in my 50s living in a rural area, I cherish the moments spent in the kitchen. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with family, and this recipe brings everyone together. Whenever I bake these, my family can’t help but gather around the kitchen, waiting eagerly for the delicious aroma to fill the air.

What You’ll Need

Aside from the ingredients, you really don’t need any special tools for this recipe. A mixing bowl, a spoon, and your trusty muffin tin are all you need. Keeping things simple is important, especially if you’ve had a long day. And let’s not forget a lovely wooden spoon; it just makes stirring feel so nostalgic!

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease your muffin tin.
  3. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, half the cheese, and half the chives.
  4. Stir until well-mixed.
  5. Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full.
  6. Top with remaining cheese and chives.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until tops are golden.
  8. Let cool slightly before removing.
  9. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Results

Here are a few tips based on my experience to help you create the perfect Mashed Potato Muffins:

  • Incorporate Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on hand, feel free to mix them in. They add such wonderful flavor!
  • Dairy Variations: You can replace the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or feta for a change. Just be sure to adjust the saltiness, as different cheeses have different levels.
  • Potato Consistency: If your mashed potatoes are too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to loosen them up a bit.
  • Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the muffins as they bake. If you let them get too brown, they won’t be as soft inside.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

These Mashed Potato Muffins are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate your meal by serving them alongside a nice green salad or a warm bowl of soup. They pair wonderfully with chicken soup or a hearty chili, making them a delightful comfort food duo.

Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store the muffins in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When rewarming, pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm. You could also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. They taste just as good, and the cheese gets all melted again!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftover ones?
Absolutely! If you don’t have leftovers, just whip up a fresh batch and let them cool slightly before mixing them into the recipe.

What can I substitute for chives?
If chives aren’t your thing, green onions or even finely chopped parsley work well, too. It’s all about what you have on hand!

Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes! You can freeze them after they’ve cooled. Just wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.

Are these muffins vegetarian?
Yes, they are completely vegetarian as they use no meat in the recipe.

Can I add other ingredients?
Feel free to get creative! Cooked vegetables like spinach or zucchini or even diced ham can make for a delicious variation.

This dish has genuinely become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so easy to make. Whether it’s a chilly Friday night or a bustling weekend, these Mashed Potato Muffins will surely bring smiles to your table. Your family will love them just as much as mine do! Let me know how they turn out, and if anyone asks for seconds (I promise they will!), just give them a warm smile and serve ‘em up!

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