Easy Mashed Potato Muffins Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, creative way to revamp leftover mashed potatoes, these Easy Mashed Potato Muffins are pure magic. Each golden, cheesy muffin is packed with comforting flavor and a tempting crispy edge. Whether you’re planning a delicious brunch, looking for a unique side dish, or simply want something special for a lunchbox surprise, Easy Mashed Potato Muffins fit the bill. They’re naturally gluten-free, customizable, and couldn’t be simpler to whip up—trust me, your family will beg for the recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple ingredients that make Easy Mashed Potato Muffins absolutely irresistible. Each one has a role to play in creating the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and savory goodness.

• Mashed Potatoes (2 cups): This is the cozy base—leftover mashed potatoes help bind everything together and offer tender texture.
• Eggs (2 large): The secret glue to hold your muffins together and add extra rich flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (½ cup): Adds that irresistible gooey, melty, cheesy bite to every muffin.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): A boost of savory sharpness, which brings out the best in the mashed potatoes.
• Chopped Green Onions (¼ cup): Fresh, zippy flavor and a pop of color in every bite.
• Cooked and Crumbled Bacon (¼ cup, optional): For the ultimate indulgence, bacon adds smoky crunch, but feel free to skip for a vegetarian twist.
• Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon): A hint of savory depth, making each muffin extra flavorful.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to brighten and balance all the flavors.
• Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): A little kick to wake up the taste buds.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Essential for ensuring every muffin easily pops out of the tin with a gorgeous golden crust.

How to Make Easy Mashed Potato Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, grab a standard 12-cup muffin tin and generously mist it with nonstick spray. This step is crucial for those beautifully browned edges and fuss-free release, so don’t be shy with the spray!

Step 2: Mix Up the Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar, Parmesan, green onions, cooked bacon (if using), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to blend everything until it’s creamy and cohesive. The mixture should hold together but not be too stiff—if your mashed potatoes are dry, a splash of milk can help.

Step 3: Portion Into Muffin Cups

Scoop the mashed potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters of the way full. For perfectly even portions, a large ice cream scoop or spoon works wonders. Gently smooth the tops for an even bake and lovely presentation.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The Easy Mashed Potato Muffins are done when the tops are a gorgeous golden brown and puffed. You’ll also notice that irresistible cheesy aroma filling your kitchen—always a good sign!

Step 5: Cool and Remove

Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This short rest not only helps them firm up but also ensures they come out of the tin easily. Carefully run a butter knife around the edges for a little help, then pop out each savory muffin and serve them warm.

How to Serve Easy Mashed Potato Muffins

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh green onions or chives on top right before serving provides a delightful burst of color and freshness. For an extra-special touch, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a dash more shredded cheese as they come out of the oven—totally irresistible!

Side Dishes

These Easy Mashed Potato Muffins shine alongside everything from classic roasted chicken to a crisp, vibrant salad. They’re equally at home next to scrambled eggs for brunch or as a fun swap for traditional biscuits at family dinners. The options are endless and always delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the muffins on a wooden board with other mix-and-match appetizers for a playful party spread, or tuck one into a lunchbox for a surprising (and mess-free) midday treat. For mini versions, bake them in a mini-muffin pan for easy snacking at gatherings or potlucks—the smaller size is fantastic for kids!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Easy Mashed Potato Muffins in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, making them the ultimate meal-prep side or snack you’ll look forward to discovering in the fridge.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away, these muffins are incredibly freezer friendly. Just arrange the cooled muffins on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be ready to grab and reheat for up to two months—simply perfect for busy weeks!

Reheating

To bring Easy Mashed Potato Muffins back to life, pop them in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until heated through and lightly crisp outside, usually 8 to 10 minutes. In a pinch, a quick zap in the microwave works too, although the oven does a better job reviving their crispy edges.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade mashed potatoes give the richest flavor, instant mashed potatoes work just fine. Just make sure they’re not too runny—thicker is better for helping the muffins hold their shape.

How can I make these muffins vegetarian?

Simply leave out the bacon for a vegetarian version. Amp up the flavor by adding extra green onions, diced bell peppers, or your favorite meatless bacon substitute if you like a smoky note.

What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

This recipe is super versatile—try mozzarella for extra melt, pepper jack for some spice, or Swiss cheese for a classic twist. Mixing different cheeses offers fun flavor variations every time you bake Easy Mashed Potato Muffins.

Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix everything together the night before and refrigerate the mixture, covered, until you’re ready to bake. Give the bowl a quick stir before portioning into your muffin tin for best results.

How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan?

Use a generous amount of nonstick spray and let the muffins cool for about 5 minutes before attempting to remove them. For extra confidence, you can also use silicone muffin liners which make cleanup super easy.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try Easy Mashed Potato Muffins, you’ll never look at leftovers the same way again. They’re so adaptable, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious that you might find yourself making extra mashed potatoes just to bake a batch! Give them a try for your next family meal or gathering—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite.

Print