Cheesy Potato Muffins with Ham and Vegetables

### Instructions

#### 1. **Prepare the Potatoes**
Start by boiling the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil, and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

#### 2. **Cook the Vegetables and Ham**
While the potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. If you’re adding frozen peas or corn, toss them in during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Remove from heat and set aside.

#### 3. **Combine the Wet Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream (if using), and mashed potatoes. Stir until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

#### 4. **Add the Dry Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

#### 5. **Add the Ham, Vegetables, and Cheese**
Fold in the diced ham, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese. Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

#### 6. **Spoon the Batter into Muffin Tins**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 of the way full.

#### 7. **Bake the Muffins**
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be firm to the touch and have a slightly crispy top.

#### 8. **Cool and Serve**
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, you can garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley.

### Tips for Perfect Cheesy Potato Muffins

– **Customize the filling**: Feel free to add or swap out ingredients depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. You can use turkey or chicken in place of ham, or swap the vegetables for spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
– **Make them lighter**: If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese and replace some of the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
– **Use leftover mashed potatoes**: These muffins are a great way to use up any leftover mashed potatoes you might have from a previous meal, making them both a tasty and practical recipe.
– **Store and reheat**: These muffins store well in an airtight container for 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month—just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
– **Boost the flavor**: Experiment with adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the batter for an extra layer of flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of cheese on top of the muffins before baking for a cheesy crust.

### Why You’ll Keep Coming Back for These Muffins

These **Cheesy Potato Muffins with Ham and Vegetables** are a delightful, savory treat that’s perfect for any time of the day. They’re hearty, filling, and bursting with flavor, thanks to the creamy mashed potatoes, salty ham, and melty cheese. Plus, the added vegetables provide a pop of color and a healthy boost, making these muffins a well-rounded meal or snack option.

These muffins are not only delicious, but they are also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them at a family breakfast, packing them in a lunchbox, or enjoying them as a snack, they are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. They also make great additions to a brunch spread or as a side dish for soups and salads.

### Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fun, savory alternative to traditional muffins, **Cheesy Potato Muffins with Ham and Vegetables** are the way to go. With a perfect blend of cheese, ham, mashed potatoes, and colorful vegetables, these muffins are the ultimate comfort food in muffin form. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Try them today and enjoy a satisfying, savory treat that’s as delicious as it is comforting.