Mashed Potato Muffins: The Perfect Way to Transform Leftovers into a Delicious Treat!
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes and wondering what to do with them, you’re in for a treat! These Mashed Potato Muffins are a game-changer—soft, cheesy, and golden-brown with a fluffy interior. They’re perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or even as a side dish to complement your dinner. Best of all, they’re simple to make and a fantastic way to reduce food waste. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible muffins and some tips to get them just right!
Why You’ll Love Mashed Potato Muffins
- Versatile: You can mix in your favorite cheeses, herbs, or even bacon bits for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Got extra mashed potatoes from last night’s dinner? Transform them into these golden muffins!
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch and freeze them for busy mornings or quick snacks.
- Kid-Approved: The cheesy, fluffy texture makes them a hit with kids (and adults alike!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably cooled; leftover works best)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional for a savory kick)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- ½ cup milk (whole milk gives a richer taste, but any kind works)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives or green onions (optional, for flavor and color)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- Sour cream to make them extra moist.
- Jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder (if using). This step helps distribute the baking powder evenly, ensuring all muffins rise perfectly.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, milk, melted butter, and egg. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If your mashed potatoes are thick, you can add a bit more milk to loosen the mixture.
4. Fold in Cheese and Herbs
Stir in the shredded cheese and chives or green onions. These add bursts of flavor and a lovely color to the muffins. For an extra cheesy kick, mix in an additional ½ cup of cheese.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix—stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
6. Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. For a gourmet touch, sprinkle a bit of extra cheese and chives on top of each muffin.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.