Buttery Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Recipe for Dinner Joy

Soft, pillowy mashed potato puffins with garlic chives dance between comfort food and elegant appetizer.

These delightful little bites combine creamy potatoes and bright, aromatic herbs in one irresistible package.

potato lovers rejoice as this recipe turns classic mashed potatoes into crispy, golden-edged treats.

Each puffin offers a perfect balance of tender interior and delicately crunchy exterior.

The garlic chives add a subtle, zesty punch that makes these mini potato clouds impossible to resist.

Served warm from the oven, they’ll vanish from the plate faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

How to Store Potato Puffins for Later

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover puffins in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual puffins in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. These delicious potato treats can stay frozen for approximately 1-2 months without losing their savory flavor and appetizing appearance.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed puffins in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. This method helps restore their original crispy exterior and ensures a warm, delightful center without becoming soggy or losing their cheesy charm.
• Smart Portion Control: Prepare a double batch and divide the mixture into two muffin tins. Keep one batch fresh for immediate enjoyment while storing the second batch for quick weekday lunches or unexpected snack cravings. Simply label the container with the date to track freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 225 kcal

Servings: 13

Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins Ingredients

• Mashed Potatoes: Firm, chilled base that provides structure and hearty foundation for the puffins.
• Soft Cheese: Luxurious garlic and herb cheese that adds rich, velvety texture and aromatic flavor.
• Sour Cream: Tangy dairy component that enhances moisture and creates smooth, silky consistency.

• Eggs: Essential protein binder that helps puffins rise and hold their shape during baking.

• Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Intense, nutty cheese blend that delivers deep, complex savory notes and golden crispy exterior.
• Chives: Fresh, mild onion-like herb that provides bright green color and delicate aromatic freshness.

• Garlic Salt: Concentrated seasoning that amplifies overall umami and adds depth to the potato mixture.
• Black Pepper: Subtle, warming spice that introduces gentle heat and complexity to the flavor profile.

Equipment Needed for Potato Puffins

• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Muffin Tin: Standard 12-cup tin for creating perfectly portioned puffins.
• Ice Cream Scoop (4 oz): Helps distribute potato mixture evenly and precisely.
• Measuring Cups: For accurate cheese and ingredient measurements.
• Whisk or Fork: To beat eggs and mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Knife: Needed to loosen puffins from the tin after baking.
• Cooking Spray or Pastry Brush: For greasing the muffin tin to prevent sticking.
• Cheese Grater: If using block cheese that needs shredding.
• Cutting Board: For chopping chives and preparing ingredients.

Instructions to Make Mashed Potato Puffins

Potato Cheese Cloud Bites

• Potato Canvas Blend cold mashed potatoes with creamy cheese, sharp cheddar, eggs, and fresh chives in a mixing bowl until ingredients dance together smoothly.
• Tin Preparation Coat a muffin tin generously with cooking spray, ensuring each cup is slick and ready for the potato mixture.
• Scoop and Fill Use an ice cream scoop to transfer the potato blend into muffin cups, filling them nearly to the brim with fluffy goodness.
• Cheesy Crown Sprinkle extra cheddar across the tops, creating a golden, melty landscape.
• Oven Magic Slide the tin into a 400°F oven, letting the bites transform for 23-25 minutes until they turn perfectly golden and crisp.
• Serving Finale Gently separate each bite from the tin's edges, plate them hot, and optional: crown with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives.

Tips to Customize Garlic Chive Potato Puffins

• Potato Perfection Hacks: Elevate Your Puffin Game
• Cheese Swap Magic: Replace garlic and herb cheese with cream cheese, goat cheese, or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles that transform the entire dish.
• Texture Boost Trick: Let mashed potatoes cool completely before mixing to prevent runny consistency and ensure firmer, more structured puffins that hold their shape beautifully.
• Herb Garden Upgrade: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or rosemary instead of chives to introduce exciting new taste dimensions and aromatic complexity.
• Crispy Top Secret: For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips on top before baking to create an irresistible golden-brown, crispy exterior that adds delightful texture.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the potato mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making entertaining significantly easier.

Serving Options for Garlic Chive Puffins

• Cheese Lover's Dream: Pair these golden puffins with a crisp mixed green salad drizzled with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Brunch Showstopper: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a complete weekend breakfast that will impress family and friends.
• Game Day Appetizer: Cut puffins into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve with a zesty ranch or herbed dipping sauce for the perfect crowd-pleasing snack during sports events.
• Elegant Side Dish: Complement roasted chicken, grilled steak, or herb-crusted fish with these cheesy potato puffins for a sophisticated dinner presentation.

Creamy Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Garlic chive mashed potato puffins deliver a delightful twist on classic comfort cuisine. Crispy exterior and creamy interior invite hungry diners to savor these irresistible potato clouds you’ll want to devour immediately.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups firm mashed potatoes, cold
• 1 (5.4 oz / 153 g) 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 oz / 227 g) sour cream or crème fraîche
• 2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps chopped chives, divided

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oven: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C), creating an optimal baking environment for the potato puffins.
2. Create Base Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes with garlic and herb cheese, sharp cheddar, and parmesan, blending thoroughly to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
3. Bind and Season: Incorporate eggs, chives, garlic salt, and black pepper, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated, ensuring even distribution of herbs and seasonings.
4. Prepare Baking Vessel: Generously coat a muffin tin with cooking spray or melted butter, creating a non-stick surface for easy release of the puffins.
5. Fill and Top: Scoop the potato mixture into muffin cups, filling to the brim, and sprinkle an additional layer of shredded cheddar on top to create a golden, crispy cheese crust.
6. Bake and Finish: Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 23-25 minutes until the tops turn golden-brown and the puffins set firmly.
7. Serve and Garnish: Carefully loosen the puffins from the tin, plate immediately, and optionally crown with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh chives for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, flavorful cheeses that melt smoothly for the most robust and creamy potato puffins.
• Perfect Texture Technique: Ensure mashed potatoes are thoroughly chilled and well-drained to prevent excess moisture that could compromise the puffins’ structure.
• Non-Stick Crucial Step: Generously grease muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to guarantee easy removal and prevent sticking.
• Temperature Precision: Watch baking time closely, as ovens vary; golden-brown tops and firm centers indicate perfectly cooked potato puffins.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 225
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg