Savory Potato & Ham Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Cook the Potatoes: Boil the peeled potatoes in water until they are soft and tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them with a fork or potato masher. Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly before using them in the muffin batter.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease the Muffin Tin: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or line with paper muffin liners.

Step 3: Make the Muffin Batter

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Add the mashed potatoes and stir until well combined.
3. Add the Ham and Cheese: Fold the diced ham and grated cheese into the batter. If you’re using fresh herbs like chives or parsley, add them as well.
4. Mix the Batter: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until the mixture comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin

1. Spoon the Batter into the Tin: Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

Step 5: Bake the Muffins

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
2. Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: These muffins are best enjoyed warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. They pair well with a bowl of soup, a fresh salad, or even as a snack on their own.

Tips for the Perfect Savory Potato & Ham Muffins:

1. Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: If you have leftover mashed potatoes, this is a great way to use them up! Just make sure they’re not too runny; thicker mashed potatoes work best in this recipe.
2. Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a sharper cheese like Parmesan for extra flavor.
3. Add Vegetables: If you want to add some extra nutrients, you can incorporate finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or onions into the batter.
4. Keep Them Moist: If the batter feels too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The batter should be thick but scoopable.

Variations:

• Bacon and Cheese: For an extra savory kick, add crispy bacon bits along with the ham and cheese.
• Herbed Muffins: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to give the muffins even more flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour if you prefer a gluten-free version of these muffins.

Final Thoughts

These Savory Potato & Ham Muffins are the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. They’re soft, cheesy, and packed with savory ham, making them the ideal addition to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee or serving them as a side to your favorite meal, these muffins will be a hit with everyone. Enjoy every bite of these hearty and flavorful treats!