Description
Delectable cheesy potato bites promise a crispy, golden appetizer that combines creamy potato interiors with melted cheese. Crisp edges and rich flavors make these irresistible morsels perfect for sharing when friends gather.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup (15 g) fresh chives, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Sour cream (optional)
- Additional fresh chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat: Warm the oven to 400°F (200°C) and thoroughly spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
- Mix Base: In a large bowl, whisk together mashed potatoes and eggs until fully incorporated, creating a smooth, uniform mixture that will serve as the foundation for the bites.
- Enhance Flavor: Gently fold in most of the Monterey Jack cheese, chives, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution throughout the potato mixture for a balanced taste experience.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Carefully portion the seasoned potato mixture into each muffin cavity, filling them nearly to the top to achieve a rounded, appetizing appearance.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over each potato-filled cup, creating a golden, melty crown that will develop a crisp, irresistible texture during baking.
- Bake and Set: Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a firm center that indicates perfect doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the potato bites to cool for 5 minutes, which helps them set and makes removal easier. Carefully extract each bite using a butter knife, preserving their delicate shape.
- Garnish and Present: Plate the warm potato bites immediately, optionally adorning with fresh chives and a dollop of sour cream to elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Prep Ahead Strategy: Mix potato mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, ensuring flavor development and saving precious morning cooking time.
- Perfect Cheese Selection: Choose high-moisture Monterey Jack for optimal melting and creamy texture; avoid low-fat alternatives that might compromise bite consistency.
- Muffin Tin Mastery: Use non-stick silicone mini muffin pans for effortless potato bite removal and minimal potential for breaking delicate edges.
- Temperature Precision: Let potato bites cool exactly 5 minutes to stabilize structure and prevent burning fingers while maintaining ideal serving warmth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg