Fluffy Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe You’ll Love

Soft, pillowy potatoes meet a crispy, golden twist in these delightful garlic chive mashed potato puffins that elevate your side dish game.

Creamy mashed potatoes blend seamlessly with fresh chives and minced garlic, creating a mouthwatering companion to any main course.

The puffins offer a clever way to reinvent leftover mashed potatoes into something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a delicate crunch on the outside and a tender, flavorful interior that melts in your mouth.

Simple ingredients transform into an impressive dish that looks like it took hours to prepare.

Baked to perfection, these puffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to dazzle your taste buds with this irresistible potato creation.

Storing Mashed Potato Puffins for Easy Meals

• Store leftover puffins in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual puffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place puffins on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Heat individual puffins on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add 15-second intervals if needed. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.

FAQs

• Are Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the mixed potato mixture and keep it chilled until ready to bake.

• Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic salt?

Absolutely! Replace garlic salt with 2-3 minced fresh garlic cloves for a more intense garlic flavor. Simply mix the minced garlic directly into the potato mixture before baking.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Garlic and herb cheese like Boursin works perfectly, but you can also substitute with cream cheese or soft goat cheese. The key is using a creamy cheese that melts well and adds rich flavor to the puffins.

Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins: Why They’re a Must-Try

• Transform classic mashed potatoes into fun, portable puffins that bring excitement to your table.
• Swap cheeses or add different herbs to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable.
• Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend brunches where everyone wants a delicious, shareable side dish.
• Using just one bowl and a muffin tin means less washing up, letting you enjoy your meal without dreading kitchen cleanup.

What Goes into Garlic Chive Potato Puffins

• Mashed Potatoes: Cold mashed potatoes serve as the foundational element of the recipe.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• Chives: Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor and green color to the dish.

• Garlic and Herb Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses contribute rich flavor, creaminess, and a golden-brown crust.

• Garlic Salt, Black Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall taste profile of the puffins.

• Cooking Spray or Melted Butter: Used to prevent the puffins from sticking to the muffin tin.
• Sour Cream or Creme Fraiche: Optional topping for serving that adds extra richness.

Tools for Perfect Mashed Potato Puffins

• Muffin Tin: 12-cup standard size for perfectly portioned potato puffins.
• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized for combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Ice Cream Scoop (4 oz): Helps evenly distribute potato mixture into muffin cups.
• Cooking Spray or Pastry Brush: Essential for greasing muffin tin to prevent sticking.
• Knife: For loosening puffins from the tin after baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure cheese, chives, and seasonings.
• Cheese Grater: If using block cheese that needs shredding.

Baking Garlic Chive Potato Puffins at Home

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Get your oven ready by preheating it to a toasty 400F (200C).

This will ensure your puffins cook perfectly and develop a gorgeous golden crust.

Step 2: Create Potato Magic

• Cold mashed potatoes
• Garlic and herb cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Beaten eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• Chopped chives
• Garlic salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the cheeses are dancing throughout the mixture and all ingredients are best friends.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Vessel

Grab your muffin tin and give it some love.

Generously coat each cup with cooking spray or melted butter.

This prevents your puffins from staging a sticky rebellion.

Step 4: Fill With Potato Goodness

Grab an ice cream scoop and distribute the potato mixture into the muffin cups.

Fill each cup almost to the brim, letting the mixture peek just below the top edge.

Step 5: Add Cheese Crown

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of each puffin.

This creates a crispy, cheesy crown that will make mouths water.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 23-25 minutes until the puffins are set and the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Carefully run a knife around the edges of each puffin to release them from the tin.

Serve immediately while they’re hot.

For extra indulgence, add a dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche and garnish with remaining chives.

Tips for Light, Fluffy Potato Puffins

• Generously grease the muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal and a clean presentation of your puffins.
• Use cold mashed potatoes to maintain the right consistency and prevent soggy puffins that might lose their shape during baking.
• Watch the puffins closely during the last few minutes of baking to get that beautiful golden-brown top without burning the edges.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or sharp white cheddar to create unique flavor profiles in your potato puffins.
• Prepare puffins ahead of time and reheat in the oven for a crispy exterior, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.

Flavorful Puffin Variations for Every Occasion

• Vegan Potato Puffs: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese, and swap Parmesan with cashew Parmesan for a plant-based version.
• Herb Garden Remix: Substitute chives with fresh dill, rosemary, or thyme for a different herbal profile that transforms the flavor of the potato puffins.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced jalapeños, replace some cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and mix in crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty, bold kick.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free cheese and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make these puffins safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Potato Puffins for Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Bites: Perfect as a fun appetizer during game nights or potluck gatherings, these cheesy potato puffins will steal the show.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a decadent weekend brunch that will impress family and friends.
• Dipping Delights: Pair with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or herbed sour cream for an extra layer of creamy, tangy flavor that complements the cheesy potatoes.
• Gourmet Side Dish: Elevate your dinner plate by presenting these puffins as a sophisticated alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, adding visual appeal and rich taste to any main course.

Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Garlic chive mashed potato puffins bring crispy comfort to classic potato sides. Golden-brown edges and creamy centers make these mini potato clouds irresistible for weekend brunch or elegant dinner gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups firm mashed potatoes, cold
• 5.4 ounces (153 grams) garlic and herb soft cheese (e.g., Alouette or Boursin)
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 8 ounces (227 grams) sour cream or creme fraiche

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons chopped chives, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C), ensuring an optimal temperature for crispy potato puffins.
2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cold mashed potatoes with garlic and herb cheese, creating a smooth base for the puffins.
3. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, beaten eggs, Parmesan, chopped chives, garlic salt, and black pepper into the potato mixture, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Generously coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
5. Divide the potato mixture evenly among muffin cups using a 4 oz ice cream scoop, filling each nearly to the top for a full, rounded appearance.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tops of the puffins, creating a golden, crispy cheese crust.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes until the puffins are set and the cheese turns a rich, golden brown.
8. Carefully loosen the puffins from the tin using a knife, then transfer to a serving plate.
9. Garnish with additional chopped chives and serve immediately, optionally accompanied by a dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche for added richness.

Notes

• Swap cold mashed potatoes with leftover mashed potatoes for enhanced flavor depth and reducing food waste.
• Choose full-fat cheese for richer texture, or opt for low-fat versions to create a lighter dietary option.
• Add crispy bacon bits or diced jalapeños for extra flavor complexity and personalized taste profile.
• Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help ingredients blend smoothly and create consistent puffin texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 292
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg