Fluffy Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe for Beginners

Garlic chive mashed potato puffins blend comfort and creativity in a delightful culinary twist.

These savory bites revamp traditional mashed potatoes into crispy, golden-edged delicacies bursting with herbal notes.

Fluffy interiors contrast beautifully with their crunchy exterior, creating a textural experience that surprises and satisfies.

Compact and elegant, these miniature treats work perfectly as a side dish or standalone appetizer.

Home cooks can elevate their potato game with this innovative approach that turns humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Light, airy, and packed with robust flavors, these puffins offer a gourmet touch to everyday meals.

Rich herbs and creamy potato create a harmonious combination that will impress friends and family.

What Dishes Work with Mashed Potato Puffins

• Boost Flavor with Crisp White Wine: Pair these cheesy garlic chive potato puffins with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the rich, creamy texture and complements the sharp cheese notes.
• Create a Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled roasted chicken or herb-crusted salmon. These proteins enhance the puffins' savory profile and provide a balanced meal with complementary textures.
• Add Fresh Crunch: Top with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The fresh greens and acidic dressing will contrast beautifully with the warm, cheesy potato puffins and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Herbal Dipping Sauce: Prepare a quick herb-infused sour cream or yogurt dip with chopped chives, dill, and a touch of lemon zest. This cool, zesty accompaniment will brighten the rich potato puffins and add an extra layer of flavor complexity.

Flavorful Twists on Garlic Chive Puffins

• Spicy Jalapeño Potato Puffs: Dice fresh jalapeños and fold them into the potato mixture for a fiery kick. Sprinkle extra jalapeño slices on top before baking to intensify the heat.
• Bacon and Cheddar Potato Clouds: Crisp up diced bacon and mix it into the potato base. Top each puffin with extra bacon bits and sharp cheddar for a savory flavor explosion.
• Mediterranean Herb Potato Bites: Replace chives with a blend of fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes to create a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Ranch Potato Puffs: Mix in ranch seasoning powder and swap herb cheese for cream cheese. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of dried dill for an extra ranch-style experience.

Why Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Are a Clever Side

• Elevate Leftovers: Transform ordinary mashed potatoes into a delightful, crispy-edged appetizer that breathes new life into leftover ingredients.
• Master Quick Comfort Cuisine: Create a crowd-pleasing dish in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work and simple mixing techniques that even novice cooks can nail.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Packed with three different cheeses, these puffins deliver an irresistible melty, gooey texture that provides a rich, decadent flavor explosion in every bite.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Portable, individually portioned, and visually appealing, these potato puffins work brilliantly as game day snacks, brunch sides, or casual gathering treats that everyone will adore.

What You’ll Need for Garlic Chive Potato Puffins

Main Ingredients:

• Mashed Potatoes: Cold and firm potatoes provide the primary structure and texture for the puffins.
• Soft Cheese: Garlic and herb cheese adds rich, creamy flavor and helps bind ingredients together.
• Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, tangy taste and melty goodness to the potato mixture.

• Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent to help the puffins hold their shape during baking.
• Chives: Fresh herb that brings a mild onion-like flavor and bright green color to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to complement the other cheeses.

• Garlic Salt: Provides concentrated garlic flavor and essential seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and rounds out the overall seasoning profile.
• Sour Cream: Contributes additional moisture and tangy richness to the potato mixture.

How to Make Mashed Potato Puffins That Are Crispy and Soft

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) and get ready for some potato magic.

Step 2: Create The Creamy Mixture

• 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 ingredients are fully blended and look absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Prep The Baking Pan

Grab your standard 12-cup muffin tin and give each cup a generous coating of cooking spray or melted butter. This ensures your potato puffs will glide out like smooth culinary champions.

Step 4: Fill Those Cups

Using a 4 oz ice cream scoop, distribute the potato mixture evenly into each muffin cup. Fill them almost to the brim for maximum puffiness.

Step 5: Add The Cheesy Crown

Sprinkle an extra layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each potato puff. This creates a crispy, golden cheese crust that’ll make mouths water.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 23-25 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown top and a set texture.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Once baked, carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen the puffs. Plate them up immediately and add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche. Scatter the remaining chives on top for a fresh, final touch.

Tips for Baking Fluffy Garlic Chive Puffins

• Chill the Potatoes: Use cold mashed potatoes for better texture and easier handling when forming the puffins.
• Grease Generously: Ensure thorough greasing of the muffin tin to prevent sticking and achieve perfect release.
• Even Distribution: Use an ice cream scoop for uniform sizing and consistent baking of each puffin.
• Cheese Selection: Choose high-quality, flavorful cheeses that melt well for maximum taste and golden crust.
• Serving Suggestion: Let puffins rest for a minute after baking to help them set and make removal easier.

How to Reheat Garlic Chive Puffins Without Drying Them Out

• Refrigerate: Store leftover puffins in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm puffins at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and maintain their fluffy texture. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer for even heating.
• Microwave Option: Quickly reheat individual puffins for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Garlic chive mashed potato puffins blend comfort and creativity with a playful twist on classic potato sides. Crispy edges and fluffy interiors showcase delightful herbal notes, making these savory treats perfect for gathering friends around delicious homemade goodness you’ll want to share.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups firm mashed potatoes, cold
• 1 (5.4 ounces / 153 grams) garlic and herb soft cheese (e.g., Alouette or Boursin)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) sour cream or crème fraîche

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons chopped chives, divided

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a sizzling 400°F (200°C), ensuring a perfectly heated cooking environment for the potato delights.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate the chilled mashed potatoes with a medley of cheeses, incorporating garlic and herb cheese, sharp cheddar, and parmesan for a rich, complex flavor profile.
3. Crack fresh eggs into the potato mixture, whisking them into the creamy base to provide structure and binding for the puffins.
4. Infuse the mixture with finely chopped chives, creating pockets of herbaceous brightness throughout the preparation.
5. Season generously with garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a well-balanced and aromatic seasoning.
6. Thoroughly blend all ingredients until the cheeses are evenly distributed and the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
7. Prepare a standard muffin tin by generously coating each cup with cooking spray or melted butter, creating a non-stick surface for easy removal.
8. Carefully distribute the potato mixture into the muffin cups, filling each to the brim with a 4 oz ice cream scoop for uniform portions.
9. Sprinkle an additional layer of shredded cheddar across the tops, creating a golden, crispy cheese crust.
10. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 23-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and firm set.
11. Once baked, delicately loosen the puffins by running a knife around the edges of each cup.
12. Plate immediately, optionally garnishing with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche and a final sprinkle of fresh chives for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Customize these cheesy potato puffins by experimenting with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for added depth of flavor.
• Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly, making this recipe an excellent way to transform day-old potatoes into a delightful new dish.
• Store any unused puffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg