Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe

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If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant side that will elevate any meal, the Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe is an absolute winner. These golden, fluffy bites combine creamy mashed potatoes with sharp cheddar, garlic, and fresh chives, creating a flavorful little puff that melts in your mouth. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, they’re perfect for family dinners or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Let me walk you through this delightful recipe that has quickly become one of my favorite potato creations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, classic ingredients that pack impressive flavor and texture. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of taste, from the creamy soft cheese to the fresh chives that add just the right herbaceous note and vibrant color.

• 3 cups firm mashed potatoes, cold: The base of the puffins, ensuring creaminess and structure.
• 1 (5.4 oz) garlic and herb soft cheese: Adds rich garlic flavor and a luscious creaminess that infuses the mixture.
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided: Sharp cheddar offers depth, with some folded in and some sprinkled on top for golden browning.
• 3 large eggs, beaten: Acts as a binder to hold everything together as the puffins bake.
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese: A bit of saltiness and nuttiness that complements the cheddar beautifully.
• 2 Tbsp chopped chives, divided: Fresh chives bring a mild onion flavor and gorgeous green flecks throughout.
• 1 tsp garlic salt: Enhances the garlic notes while seasoning the dish evenly.
• ½ tsp black pepper: A little kick of warmth to balance the richness.
• 1 (8 oz) container sour cream or crème fraîche: Optional, for serving—adds tang and creaminess as a finishing touch.

How to Make Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your muffin tin will cook the puffins evenly, helping them develop that beautiful golden crust while staying soft inside.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the cold mashed potatoes, garlic and herb soft cheese, 1 cup of shredded sharp white cheddar, beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of chopped chives, garlic salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous. This step is crucial because you want every bite of your Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe to be bursting with consistent flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Use cooking spray or melted butter and generously brush the cups of a 12-cup muffin tin. This helps ensure the puffins come out easily after baking and gives them a slight buttery crispness on the edges.

Step 4: Portion the Mixture

Use a 4-ounce ice cream scoop or a large spoon to evenly distribute the potato mixture into each muffin cup. This makes sure every puffin is roughly the same size, so they cook at the same rate and look just as tempting!

Step 5: Add the Final Cheese Touch

Sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tops of each muffin. This cheese layer will melt and transform into a luscious, golden-brown cap that’s simply irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 23 to 25 minutes. You’ll know the Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe is ready when they’re set and the tops have a gorgeous golden brown color. This baking time lets the eggs firm up and the cheese crisp delightfully.

Step 7: Release the Puffins

Once out of the oven, carefully run a knife around each puffin to loosen them from the muffin tin. This small step keeps the puffins intact and perfect for serving.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Serve them immediately for the best taste and texture. For an extra touch, add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on the side and sprinkle the remaining chopped chives on top. The freshness of the chives cuts through the richness beautifully.

How to Serve Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your puffins enhances both their taste and visual appeal. A simple spoonful of sour cream or crème fraîche with a sprinkle of bright, fresh chives creates a lovely contrast of creamy, tangy, and herbal notes that highlight the garlic and cheddar foundation.

Side Dishes

Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork. They also complement a vibrant green salad or sautéed vegetables, making for a balanced and satisfying plate that feels both hearty and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or parties, consider serving these puffins on a platter with small individual bowls of dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli, herb-infused sour cream, or even a spicy ketchup. They also make fun appetizer bites when skewered with cocktail picks and served alongside fresh crudités.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, place the puffins in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled helps preserve the flavors and moisture so they remain delicious after reheating.

Freezing

These puffins freeze beautifully! Lay them out on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and make an excellent, quick grab-and-bake snack or side when you’re short on time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the puffins into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until warmed through and the exterior regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make them soggy and less appealing.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of cold mashed potatoes?

Cold mashed potatoes work best because their firmness helps the puffins hold their shape during baking. Fresh warm mash can be too soft and won’t set as well, making the puffins less structured.

What if I don’t have garlic and herb soft cheese?

You can substitute with plain cream cheese mixed with a bit of garlic powder and dried herbs, but the store-bought garlic and herb soft cheese gives a wonderful balance of flavors that’s tough to beat.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it contains no flour or breadcrumbs. Just ensure the cheeses and any additional ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.

How can I make these puffins extra crispy?

Brushing the muffin cups with butter rather than spray and baking until the tops are deeply golden adds an extra layer of crunch. For even crispier sides, broil for a minute or two at the very end, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Are these puffins suitable for freezing and reheating?

Yes, Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe freeze wonderfully and can be reheated in the oven without losing their delightful texture or flavor, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give the Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe a try because these little nuggets of comfort and flavor deserve a place on your regular rotation. They’re effortless to make, bursting with savory goodness, and bring a touch of warmth to every table. Whether for weeknight dinners or special occasions, these puffins will quickly become a beloved favorite—and trust me, you’ll want to share this recipe with everyone you know!

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