Cheddar & Chive Potato Muffins

Introduction:

If you’re a fan of fluffy, cheesy, and savory muffins, these Cheddar & Chive Potato Muffins are a must-try. This delicious recipe takes traditional mashed potatoes and transforms them into light, golden-brown muffins packed with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish to accompany any meal.

The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and tangy cheddar creates a muffin that’s both hearty and satisfying, while the chives add a pop of freshness and flavor. These muffins are a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or make an irresistible savory snack for parties or potlucks. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare and bake in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Muffins:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Mash the potatoes (if not using leftovers): If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, start by boiling 2-3 medium-sized potatoes until tender. Drain, and mash with 1/4 cup milk, 2 tablespoons butter, and season with salt and pepper. The mashed potatoes should be smooth and creamy but not overly wet.
2. Cool the potatoes: Allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly before incorporating them into the muffin batter.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Set the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or line with paper muffin cups.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Cheese

1. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), melted butter, and milk until smooth. Stir in the cooled mashed potatoes until fully combined.
2. Add the cheese and chives: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and fresh chives into the potato mixture, reserving a small amount of each for topping.

Step 5: Make the Muffin Batter

1. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.

Step 6: Fill and Top the Muffin Cups

1. Fill the muffin tin: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
2. Top with cheese and chives: Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with a little extra shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives for added flavor and presentation.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

1. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Note:

• Customizing the flavor: You can easily adapt these muffins by adding in other savory ingredients like cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or even a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
• Cheese options: While sharp cheddar adds a great punch of flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a mild mozzarella for a different take.

Serving Suggestions:

These Cheddar & Chive Potato Muffins are wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Brunch or breakfast: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a savory start to your day.
• Dinner side: These muffins make a delicious accompaniment to roasted meats, soups, or stews, providing a warm, cheesy bite to round out the meal.
• Snacks: They also work great as a grab-and-go snack or a unique option for a holiday appetizer platter.

Pair these muffins with a dollop of sour cream or butter for extra richness, or enjoy them plain—either way, they’re incredibly satisfying.

Tips:

1. Leftover mashed potatoes: These muffins are a perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, reducing food waste and turning them into something new and delicious.
2. Freeze for later: These muffins freeze well! Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or a warm oven until heated through.
3. Make them gluten-free: For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
4. For extra crispy tops: If you like your muffins to have an extra crispy top, sprinkle on a little extra cheddar cheese before baking and turn on the broiler for the last minute of baking.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin):

• Calories: 170
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Fiber: 1g

Conclusion:

These Cheddar & Chive Potato Muffins are the ultimate savory treat, combining the rich, cheesy goodness of cheddar with the subtle freshness of chives, all wrapped up in a fluffy potato muffin. Whether you’re using leftover mashed potatoes or making them fresh, these muffins are a wonderful way to repurpose a classic side dish and elevate it to something extraordinary. Perfect for any time of day, these muffins are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next family gathering, brunch, or even as a quick snack.

With minimal prep time and maximum flavor payoff, you’ll find yourself making these again and again!

Cheddar & Chive Potato Muffins

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 35 minutes

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Muffins:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Mash the potatoes (if not using leftovers): If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, start by boiling 2-3 medium-sized potatoes until tender. Drain, and mash with 1/4 cup milk, 2 tablespoons butter, and season with salt and pepper. The mashed potatoes should be smooth and creamy but not overly wet.
2. Cool the potatoes: Allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly before incorporating them into the muffin batter.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Set the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or line with paper muffin cups.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Cheese

1. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), melted butter, and milk until smooth. Stir in the cooled mashed potatoes until fully combined.
2. Add the cheese and chives: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and fresh chives into the potato mixture, reserving a small amount of each for topping.

Step 5: Make the Muffin Batter

1. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.

Step 6: Fill and Top the Muffin Cups

1. Fill the muffin tin: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
2. Top with cheese and chives: Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with a little extra shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives for added flavor and presentation.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

1. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 170
• Sodium: 260mg
• Protein: 6g