If you love comforting mashed potatoes but want a fun and flavorful twist, the Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. These golden, fluffy little puffs burst with cheesy goodness, fresh garlic, and fragrant chives, turning simple leftover mashed potatoes into an irresistible treat. Whether as a side for dinner or a cozy appetizer for guests, this recipe brings warmth and a touch of elegance in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these puffins shine. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to deliver the perfect texture, balance of flavors, and stunning golden color.
- Mashed potatoes (2 cups): Using cold or leftover mashed potatoes creates the creamy base while saving you time.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs bind the mixture together and give puffins their delightful rise in the oven.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Adds sharp, melty richness that makes every bite savory and satisfying.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Offers a nutty depth and helps with that golden crust on top.
- Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Brings tangy creaminess that keeps the puffins moist and tender.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Lightens the texture to ensure fluffiness without heaviness.
- Chopped fresh chives (2 tablespoons): These little green gems pack a mild onion-like flavor that brightens the dish beautifully.
- Minced garlic clove (1): Infuses the puffins with aromatic warmth and a gentle kick.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors to make each puff sing.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of spice.
- Nonstick spray or butter: Necessary for greasing the muffin tin to ensure easy release after baking.
How to Make Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, liberally grease a muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter to make sure your puffins will slide right out after baking without sticking.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your cold mashed potatoes, eggs, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, sour cream, and milk until silky smooth. Then fold in the chopped fresh chives and minced garlic, followed by salt and black pepper. Mixing until everything is fully incorporated creates a uniform, flavorful batter that will bake evenly into those delightful puffins.
Step 3: Fill Muffin Cups
Using a spoon, scoop the potato mixture into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. This ensures the puffins will rise just right, getting beautifully golden without overflowing.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tin into your oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for puffed-up tops that have turned a gorgeous golden brown and are set in the center. When they’re done, let the puffins cool in the tin for about five minutes to firm up before carefully removing each one.
How to Serve Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe
Garnishes
These puffins are charming enough on their own, but a sprinkle of more fresh chives or a dusting of grated Parmesan right out of the oven adds a lovely finishing touch. For a bit of indulgence, a small dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of browned butter makes them even more scrumptious.
Side Dishes
They make an excellent companion to roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Imagine serving these fluffy golden bites beside a juicy steak or alongside a vibrant tomato salad for a meal that feels both comforting and special.
Creative Ways to Present
For party platters, line them up on a serving tray with toothpicks for easy grabbing. You can also pop them into mini lettuce cups or serve with a variety of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo to delight your guests with interactive and flavorful bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They make a fantastic next-day snack or quick side dish that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze these puffins to enjoy later. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. This way, you can have a convenient homemade snack ready whenever you want.
Reheating
Reheat puffins in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep their crisp tops and fluffy insides, or pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes to revive that golden texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Freshly made and cooled mashed potatoes work just as well. Just be sure they aren’t piping hot when you mix them with the other ingredients, or the eggs might start to cook prematurely.
Is it possible to make these puffins dairy-free?
Yes, try substituting dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You might also want to replace sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt or vegan sour cream for similar tanginess.
Can I add other ingredients to the puffins?
Definitely! Cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or finely chopped roasted peppers can add extra layers of flavor. Just fold them into the mixture before baking.
How do I know when the puffins are fully cooked?
They should be puffed up, golden on top, and firm to the touch. If you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean without wet batter sticking to it.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time and bake later?
You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking, but for best puffing and texture, it’s recommended to bake them soon after mixing.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe transforms everyday mashed potatoes into a delightful dish that’s just bursting with flavor and texture. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun appetizer for friends, these puffins never fail to charm and satisfy. I can’t wait for you to give them a try and make them a favorite in your home, just like they are in mine!
Print
Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffins 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins are a delightful and easy-to-make side dish or appetizer, perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes. These savory puffin muffins are loaded with cheddar and Parmesan cheese, fresh chives, and a hint of garlic, baked to golden perfection with a fluffy, cheesy texture.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cold or leftover)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Greasing
- Nonstick spray or butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, sour cream, milk, chopped fresh chives, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for puffing during baking.
- Bake the Puffins: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the puffins are puffed up, golden brown on top, and set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the puffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm as a delicious side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- These puffins are an excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
- For added flavor, mix in cooked bacon or caramelized onions.
- Puffins freeze well; reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
