How to Make Mashed Potato Muffins: A Savory Twist on a Classic Side Dish
Mashed potatoes are a beloved comfort food, but what if we could elevate them into something new and exciting? Enter Mashed Potato Muffins—a savory, fluffy, and slightly crispy spin on the traditional mashed potato. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a snack, these muffins are an ideal way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or simply create a delicious, innovative side dish.
In this article, we’ll guide you through an easy recipe to make mashed potato muffins that are guaranteed to become a household favorite!
Ingredients for Mashed Potato MuffinsTo make a batch of 12 mashed potato muffins, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes (or freshly made)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional for garnish, such as chives, parsley, or rosemary)
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a muffin tin by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or lining it with paper muffin cups.
2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, simply boil and mash 2 large potatoes. Make sure the potatoes are smooth and creamy, and let them cool down slightly before mixing them into the batter.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, melted butter, and milk until smooth. Add in the mashed potatoes and stir until well combined. The mashed potatoes should be lump-free and smoothly incorporated into the wet mixture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to remain light and airy.
6. Add Cheese and Herbs
Fold in the grated cheddar cheese (if using) and fresh herbs (such as chives or parsley). This adds flavor and a bit of color to the muffins.
7. Scoop the Batter Into Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about 3/4 full. The muffins will puff up as they bake, so don’t worry about them overflowing.
8. Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes. The muffins should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
9. Cool and Serve
Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, or allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips for the Perfect Mashed Potato Muffins
Leftover Mashed Potatoes: If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, ensure they’re not too runny. If needed, you can reduce the amount of milk in the recipe to compensate.Cheese Options: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as mozzarella, parmesan, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
Add-ins: Try incorporating extras like bacon bits, caramelized onions, or chopped spinach for more flavor and texture. These add-ins will enhance the savory profile of the muffins.Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Storage: These muffins are great for meal prep! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or toaster oven for a few minutes.Why You’ll Love Mashed Potato Muffins
- Versatile: These muffins can be served with any meal—whether as a side dish for roasted meats, a snack with a dollop of sour cream, or even as a unique breakfast option.
- Waste Not, Want Not: They’re a perfect way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes, giving them new life in a fun, bite-sized form.
- Customizable: You can play around with different flavors and ingredients based on your preferences. Add herbs, different cheeses, or even some heat with chili flakes or jalapeños.
Mashed potato muffins are a delicious and creative way to enjoy mashed potatoes in a new form. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform a classic side dish into a comforting, savory muffin that everyone will love.
Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, preparing a meal prep batch, or simply experimenting in the kitchen, mashed potato muffins are a must-try recipe.
So the next time you have some leftover mashed potatoes, don’t toss them away—transform them into these fluffy, golden-brown muffins that will surely delight your taste buds!