Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel and grate the potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes, then using a box grater or food processor, grate them finely. After grating, pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. This will prevent the muffins from becoming soggy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Cheeses and Potatoes
- Add the cheeses: Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, making sure the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- Fold in the grated potatoes: Add the grated potatoes into the dry mixture, tossing them gently to coat them with the flour. This helps the potatoes stay evenly distributed in the muffins rather than sinking to the bottom.
Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- Whisk the eggs and milk: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
- Add the melted butter: Slowly pour in the melted butter, whisking as you go to combine all the wet ingredients.
Step 5: Combine and Mix
- Create the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough. The batter will be thick.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- Fill the muffin cups: Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake: Place the muffins in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Cool the muffins: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, or serve them warm.
- Garnish with chives: For an added burst of flavor and color, sprinkle the muffins with finely chopped chivesbefore serving.
What to Serve with Savory Potato Muffins
These muffins are wonderfully versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes:
- Breakfast: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or an omelet.
- Soup: Perfect as a side to creamy soups like tomato bisque or broccoli cheddar.
- Dinner: Try these muffins with roast chicken, beef stew, or pork chops for a complete meal.
- On their own: Enjoy as a quick snack or light meal with a little butter spread on top.
Customizing Your Potato Muffins
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Add Veggies: Toss in finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or even spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
- Bacon: For a heartier muffin, add crispy bacon bits into the batter for a smoky, salty contrast to the cheesy potatoes.
Final Thoughts
These savory potato muffins are a delightful twist on traditional muffins. Their fluffy texture, combined with the rich flavor of cheese and potatoes, makes them irresistible. They’re the perfect side dish to serve at any meal, or even just to snack on by themselves.
Once you try these, you’ll understand why they’re a must-have recipe for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and give these muffins a try—you won’t be disappointed!