Name: Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes; 1 large egg; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided

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Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins are a heartwarming way to breathe new life into last night’s mashed potatoes, transforming them into irresistibly crisp, golden bites that are just as perfect for breakfast as they are for dinner sides. Each muffin is tender on the inside, with a cheesy, savory flavor and a sprinkle of fresh chives for color and brightness. These portable, family-friendly treats are fun to make and incredibly satisfying, turning humble leftovers into something you’ll actually look forward to. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply looking to reduce food waste, this recipe brings pure comfort and creativity to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins is that they rely on simple ingredients you probably already have, yet each one plays an essential role. From creamy potatoes to sharp cheddar and zesty chives, these components come together for an easy recipe with gourmet appeal.

Leftover mashed potatoes (3 cups): Use potatoes that are already seasoned—packed into a measuring cup for accuracy—for the ideal base texture and flavor.
Large egg (1): This binds everything together, giving the muffins structure and a light lift as they bake.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, divided): The cheese brings richness and gooeyness inside, plus melts into a beautiful topping at the end.
Fresh chives, chopped (3 tablespoons, divided): These add both color and a burst of herby freshness to complement the creamy potatoes and sharp cheese.
Salt and pepper: Don’t forget to season! Taste your mashed potatoes first, then adjust for perfect seasoning before baking.
Cooking spray: A quick spritz ensures your muffins pop right out, keeping those edges gloriously crisp and golden brown.

How to Make Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins

Step 1: Heat the Oven and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF, so it’s perfectly hot for baking. Grease a non-stick muffin pan with cooking spray. This helps guarantee those muffins release easily, and every edge gets deliciously crisp without sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Muffin Base

In a large mixing bowl, add your leftover mashed potatoes, one egg, 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar, and 2 tablespoons of chopped chives. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Give the mixture a taste and adjust with salt and black pepper—remember, seasoning is the secret to punchy flavor.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Pan

Evenly divide the potato mixture among the muffin cups. An ice cream scoop works wonders for portioning and packs each muffin nicely. Press the mixture down gently to compact it so the muffins hold their shape and bake up perfectly golden and firm.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, watching for those irresistible crispy edges and a beautiful golden top. Just before they’re done, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over each muffin, then bake for another three minutes so it melts into a gooey, bubbling finish.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Let the muffins cool for five minutes in the pan (they’ll firm up and be easier to remove). Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle generously with your last tablespoon of fresh chives, and serve these Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins while they’re still perfectly warm.

How to Serve Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped chives is classic, but don’t be shy—try crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, or even a touch of smoked paprika for extra color and flavor. The goal is to add a pop of freshness or a punchy contrast alongside the cheesy, savory muffins.

Side Dishes

These muffins are wonderfully versatile: serve them alongside scrambled eggs or an omelet for a brunch feast, pair with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for dinner, or just set them out as a party snack with a platter of pickles. Their comforting flavor plays well with almost anything.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins on a rustic wooden board with ramekins of dipping sauces like herbed yogurt, salsa, or even a spicy aioli. For a brunch buffet, stack them high on a cake stand and let everyone help themselves—it’s a playful, crowd-pleasing twist on classic potato sides.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, making them a fantastic grab-and-go snack or next-day lunchbox addition.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag once solid. They hold up beautifully in the freezer for up to two months—perfect for stashing away cozy snacks for busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the muffins in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp on the outside again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven is your friend if you crave that just-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of homemade?

Yes! Instant mashed potatoes work fine in Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins—just make sure they’re thick and not too runny. Flavor and texture might differ a bit, but the muffins will still be delicious.

What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?

Feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little heat. Any good melting cheese will work, so experiment with your favorites or whatever is lurking in your fridge drawer.

How do I know if my mashed potatoes are thick enough?

If your mashed potatoes are on the thinner side, simply mix in an extra egg as the recipe notes—this will help bind the muffins and prevent them from falling apart. Packed potatoes should hold their shape when scooped.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Try tossing in cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, sautéed onions, or even leftover veggies to make your Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins extra flavorful and hearty.

Are these muffins gluten free?

As long as your mashed potatoes and other ingredients are gluten free, the muffins will be too. Always check your labels, especially for any added seasonings or cheese blends.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never transformed leftovers into something this crave-worthy, give Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins a try. It’s a simple, creative way to make your meal times special and add a little cheer to your day. Trust me—once you taste that cheesy, crispy comfort, you’ll find yourself looking forward to leftover night!

Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 22 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins are a delicious way to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a new and exciting dish. Packed with cheddar cheese and fresh chives, these muffins are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them a perfect snack or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
1 large egg
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
3 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375ºF and grease a non-stick muffin pan with cooking spray.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons chives. Season with salt and pepper. Divide the mixture into the muffin pan.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bake for an additional 3 minutes.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a dish, top with chives, and serve.