If you are looking to elevate a simple comfort food into something irresistibly fun and flavorful, the Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine fluffy, cheesy mashed potato bites infused with the fresh zing of chives and garlic, baked until perfectly golden on top and tender inside. These little puffins are not only charming to look at but also pack a satisfying taste that will win over kids and adults alike. Whether you want an exciting appetizer, a unique side dish, or a cozy snack, this recipe brings everything you love about mashed potatoes into a delightful handheld form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, familiar ingredients is the first step to making this recipe a breeze. Each element uniquely contributes to the rich flavor and creamy texture of the final puffins, creating a perfect balance between savory cheese, fresh herbs, and that comforting mashed potato base.
- 3 cups firm mashed potatoes, cold: Using cold, firm mashed potatoes helps the mixture hold its shape for puffins with great texture.
- 1 (5.4 oz) garlic and herb soft cheese: This adds a smooth, tangy garlic flavor that melts beautifully throughout.
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided: The sharp cheddar brings a punch of cheesy goodness and melts into a golden crust.
- 3 large eggs, beaten: Eggs bind all the ingredients, ensuring each puffin stays perfectly intact after baking.
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a nutty depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 Tbsp chopped chives, divided: Fresh chives provide a bright, oniony note that lifts the richness.
- 1 tsp garlic salt: A touch of garlic salt intensifies the savory taste without overpowering the dish.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle heat to balance the creaminess.
- 1 (8 oz) container sour cream or crème fraîche: Perfect as a topping for a cool, tangy contrast when serving.
How to Make Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare muffin tin
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the puffins bake evenly and develop that irresistible golden crust. While the oven heats up, grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin liberally with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking and encourage even browning on the edges.
Step 2: Combine the potato mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, take the cold mashed potatoes and blend them with the garlic and herb soft cheese, 1 cup of shredded sharp white cheddar, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan, 1 tablespoon of chopped chives, garlic salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated. This step is where all the flavors start melding together to create a luscious base for your puffins.
Step 3: Portion the mixture into the muffin tin
Using a 4-ounce ice cream scoop makes dividing the mixture among the greased muffin cups quick and mess-free. This helps each puffin come out uniformly shaped and sized, guaranteeing a beautiful presentation and consistent cooking throughout.
Step 4: Add the finishing cheese topping
Once your muffin cups are filled, sprinkle the tops with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This extra layer of cheese will brown on top, adding a wonderful crispy texture and eye-catching golden color to each puffin.
Step 5: Bake until puffed and golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 23 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the puffins are set and their tops achieve a gorgeous golden brown. The smell alone at this point will have you eager to dive right in!
Step 6: Remove from the tin and serve
Run a knife gently around the edges of each puffin to loosen them from the muffin tin. This little trick helps you remove them cleanly without breaking apart. Serve immediately for the best texture, optionally topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of the remaining chopped chives to brighten every bite.
How to Serve Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe
Garnishes
The simple addition of a spoonful of sour cream or crème fraîche on top adds a cool creaminess that beautifully complements the warm, cheesy puffins. Finish with extra chopped chives or even a light dusting of paprika for a pop of color and a slight smoky hint.
Side Dishes
These puffins shine alongside fresh garden salads or roasted vegetables to balance their richness. They also pair wonderfully with grilled meats or crispy bacon for a hearty meal that feels both elegant and homey.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer, serve the garlic chive mashed potato puffins recipe miniatures on a wooden board with toothpicks. You can also shape the mixture in smaller muffin tins for bite-sized party treats. Experiment with topping them with a variety of flavored sour creams or compound butters to give guests multiple taste adventures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover puffins keep nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled preserves their texture and flavor, making for a quick snack or side the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save puffins for longer, pop them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure they are completely cooled before freezing to prevent moisture buildup and sogginess.
Reheating
Reheat the puffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep their delightful texture intact—oven reheating is your best friend here.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic salt in the Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe?
You absolutely can! Just finely mince or grate fresh garlic and add it to the mixture, but reduce or omit any added salt to avoid over-seasoning.
Is it possible to make these puffins vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, with some adjustments. Use dairy-free cream cheese, a vegan cheddar-style cheese, and flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with water as an egg substitute. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty.
Can I bake these in a different shaped pan?
While muffin tins give these puffins their signature shape, you can bake the mixture in a baking dish for a casserole-style side, though baking times and the final texture will vary.
Should the mashed potatoes be homemade or can I use store-bought?
Either works. Homemade mashed potatoes allow more control over texture and flavor, but store-bought mashed potatoes are fine as long as they are firm and not too runny.
Why do the puffins need to be made with cold mashed potatoes?
Cold mashed potatoes hold their shape better when mixed with the other ingredients, helping the puffins keep their structure and not become overly soft or wet during baking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe enough for anyone who loves comfort food with a creative twist. They’re adorable, delicious, and easier to prepare than you might think. Next time you want to impress friends or just treat yourself with something special and cozy, give these puffins a try—you might find a new favorite for your recipe box!
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Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffins (12 servings)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins are a delightful twist on classic mashed potatoes, baked into individual golden-brown, cheesy puffs. Featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, garlic and herb cheese, parmesan, and fresh chives, these puffins make a perfect appetizer or side dish that’s creamy on the inside with a crispy top.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 3 cups firm mashed potatoes, cold
- 1 (5.4 oz) garlic and herb soft cheese (such as Alouette or Boursin)
- 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp chopped chives, divided
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Topping and Garnish
- ½ cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (remaining amount)
- 1 (8 oz) container sour cream or crème fraîche, for serving
- 1 Tbsp chopped chives, for garnish
- Cooking spray or melted butter, for greasing muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the puffins.
- Mix the Potato Base: In a medium bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, garlic and herb cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of chopped chives, garlic salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare the Muffin Tin: Generously coat each cup of a 12-cup standard muffin tin with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Scoop the Mixture: Using a 4 oz ice cream scoop, evenly distribute the potato mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about to the top.
- Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each filled muffin cup for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 23-25 minutes, or until the puffins are set and the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Loosen the Puffins: Carefully run a knife around the edges of each puffin to loosen them from the muffin tin once slightly cooled.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally topped with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche and garnished with the remaining chopped chives for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the mashed potatoes are cold to help the puffins hold their shape during baking.
- Use a non-stick muffin tin or thoroughly grease the tin to ease removal.
- You can substitute sour cream with crème fraîche for a richer flavor.
- The puffins are best served fresh but can be rewarmed gently in the oven.
- Adjust garlic salt and black pepper to taste if preferred milder or spicier flavor.
