Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins

Introducing a delightful twist on classic mashed potatoes: Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins! Perfect for any meal, these savory puffins boast a creamy texture with a burst of fresh flavor from chives. Easy to make and ideal for serving a crowd, these puffins are destined to become a household favorite.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups firm mashed potatoes, cold
• 1 (5.4 oz) garlic and herb soft cheese (such as Alouette or Boursin)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp chopped chives, divided
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 (8 oz) container sour cream or creme fraiche

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 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. Mix well, ensuring the garlic and herb cheese is evenly distributed.
3. Liberally brush the cups of a 12-cup standard muffin tin with cooking spray or melted butter. Use a 4 oz ice cream scoop to evenly divide the mixture among the muffin cups.
4. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes, or until the puffins are set and the tops are golden brown.
6. Run a knife around the edges of each puffin to loosen them from the muffin tin.
7. Serve immediately, with or without a dollop of sour cream, and garnish with the remaining chopped chives.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per serving

Serving and Storage Tips :

After preparing these delectable Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins, here are some handy tips for serving and storing them:

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish Galore: Before serving, garnish your Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins with additional chopped chives for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Sour Cream Swirl: Serve each puffin with a dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche on the side for a cool and creamy contrast to the warm and savory flavors of the dish.
• Accompaniments: Pair your puffins with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon, for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Storage Guidelines:

• Refrigeration: If you have leftover Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the puffins on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• Freezing: While these puffins can be frozen, their texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze them, wrap each puffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, thaw the puffins overnight in the refrigerator and warm them in the oven as directed above.
• Batch Cooking: Consider making a double batch of Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins and freezing the extras for future meals. This way, you’ll have a convenient and delicious side dish on hand whenever you need it.

Customization Options:

• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese in your puffins, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or smoked gouda, to add unique flavor profiles and textures to the dish.
• Herb Varieties: Feel free to swap out the chives for other fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme, depending on your personal preferences and what’s available in your kitchen.
• Additional Mix-Ins: Get creative and add extra mix-ins to your puffins, such as crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or diced ham, for added flavor and texture.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins anytime, whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers for a quick and tasty meal.

Variations :

Enhance your Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins with these delightful variations:

1. Bacon Bliss:

• Mix crispy bacon bits into the potato mixture for a savory and indulgent twist.

2. Herbaceous Havarti:

• Substitute the sharp cheddar cheese with creamy havarti cheese and add fresh parsley to the mixture for a burst of herbaceous flavor.

3. Sun-Dried Tomato Tang:

• Fold chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the potato mixture for a sweet and tangy flavor profile.

4. Smoked Salmon Surprise:

• Top each puffin with a slice of smoked salmon before baking for an elegant appetizer option.

5. Jalapeño Jack:

• Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to the potato mixture for a spicy kick.

6. Mediterranean Magic:

• Mix in chopped kalamata olives, feta cheese, and chopped fresh dill for a taste of the Mediterranean.

7. Truffle Tryst:

• Drizzle truffle oil over the puffins before serving for a luxurious touch of earthy flavor.

8. Spinach Sensation:

• Fold cooked and chopped spinach into the potato mixture for added nutrients and vibrant green color.

9. Buffalo Blue Bites:

• Toss cooked shredded chicken in buffalo sauce and mix it into the potato mixture along with crumbled blue cheese for a bold and tangy flavor combination.

10. Loaded Potato Lover’s Dream:

• Top each puffin with sour cream, crispy fried onions, and chopped green onions for a loaded baked potato-inspired twist.

FAQs:

Q1: Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

• While you can use instant mashed potatoes, the texture and flavor may not be as rich and satisfying as using firm mashed potatoes made from scratch.

Q2: Can I make these puffins ahead of time and reheat them?

• Yes, you can make these puffins ahead of time and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Q3: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

• Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your puffins to your liking.

Q4: Can I freeze these puffins?

• Yes, you can freeze these puffins for up to 1-2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q5: Can I omit the eggs from the recipe?

• The eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the puffins structure. If you omit them, the texture may be different, but you can try substituting with a flaxseed or chia seed egg for a vegan alternative.

Q6: Can I make these puffins gluten-free?

• Yes, you can make these puffins gluten-free by ensuring that all ingredients, including the cheeses and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.

Q7: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?

• Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure they are firm and cold before mixing them with the other ingredients.

Q8: Can I make mini puffins instead of standard-sized ones?

• Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin to make bite-sized puffins for appetizers or party snacks.

Q9: Can I add additional herbs to the potato mixture?

• Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to customize the flavor of your puffins.

Q10: Can I serve these puffins with a dipping sauce?

• Yes, you can serve these puffins with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, aioli, or marinara sauce, depending on your preference.

Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins offer a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes, bringing together creamy textures, savory cheeses, and fresh herbs in every bite. Whether served as a savory side dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these puffins are sure to impress with their delicious flavor and fluffy texture. With endless variations to explore and FAQs answered, you’re now equipped to create and enjoy this delectable dish with confidence. Elevate your dining experience with Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins and savor the comfort and satisfaction they bring to any meal.

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