These Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins are a cross between a potato puff and a muffin. They’re infused with garlic, fresh snipped chives and creamy herbed cheese then baked in individual servings in a muffin pan. They’re a spectacular way to use leftover mashed potatoes and transform them into something special that’s perfect for any occasion.
What are leftover mashed potatoes? I know what you’re thinking, who in the world has leftover mashed potatoes? I completely understand they can be hard to come by. I typically plan to over make mashed potatoes for one meal so I can recreate leftovers into these special little single serving puffins. How do you make Mashed Potato Puffins:
How to Make the Best Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe
Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins: Mashed potatoes, garlic and herb spreadable cheese (i.e. Alouette or Boursin), butter, butter, shredded cheddar cheese, large eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, black pepper, fresh chives and sour cream for garnishing.
Kitchen gadgets you’ll need: A 12 cup muffin-cupcake pan, mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons a cheese grater, an ice cream scoop or two spoons to divide the filling, sharp knife and cutting board.
You can, of course, make a batch of mashed potatoes just for making these puffins they don’t have to be leftover potatoes. When doing so, keep in mind it’s important that they’re stiffly mashed and cold.
When making potatoes just for this recipe you’ll need about 1 1/2 pounds of peeled and cubed potatoes, cooked in salted water until fork tender. After cooking, drain the potatoes well then mash until smooth with 2 tablespoons of butter and just enough whole milk to bring them together. Chill well, then proceed with the recipe. A hand mixer works best for this.
The potatoes should be cold before mixing with the remaining ingredients. If not, when you add the egg to the mixture they could scramble and while I love potatoes with scrambled eggs that’s not the goal for these puffins.
If you’d like to load these up, toss in some cooked and crumbled bacon as well. At our house, bacon is never a bad idea.
You can, of course adjust the type of shredded cheese that you use going with your favorite flavor or simply what you have handy. Switching out the cheese will not change the texture, but will make a difference in flavor. That’s the fun of cooking, make it fun, be creative and don’t sweat the small stuff.
You could adapt this recipe using the same amount of softened chive and onion cream cheese in place of Alouette or Boursin cheese.
Store leftover Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in single servings in the microwave.
Ingredients:
2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Butter or oil for greasing the muffin tin
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin with butter or oil.
Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped chives, eggs, and milk or heavy cream. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Fill Muffin Tin:
Spoon the mashed potato mixture into the greased muffin tin, filling each cup to the top and slightly mounding the mixture.
Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve:
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the puffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving plate.
Garnish:
Garnish with additional chopped chives, if desired, and serve warm.
Tips:
These puffins are perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
Feel free to add other herbs or spices to suit your taste.
They can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a quick and easy side dish.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins!