Potato Muffins

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### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by placing the **peeled and cubed potatoes** into a medium saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about **10-12 minutes**, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them well until they are smooth. You can use a potato masher or a fork to do this. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.

#### Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)** and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray, or line with muffin liners for easy removal.

#### Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, **salt**, **black pepper**, and **garlic powder** (if using). Make sure the dry ingredients are well combined.

#### Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the **egg**, **milk**, and **melted butter** until well incorporated. Add the **mashed potatoes** into the wet ingredients and stir until the potatoes are fully incorporated into the mixture.

#### Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet potato mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon until everything is just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the muffins tender. If you’re adding **cheese** or **chives**, fold them into the batter at this point.

#### Step 6: Spoon the Batter Into Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about **¾ of the way full**. If you like, sprinkle a bit of extra **cheese** or **herbs** on top for extra flavor and a nice presentation.

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

#### Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about **5 minutes** before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve them warm or at room temperature. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh **parsley** for a burst of color.

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### Why Potato Muffins Are a Must-Try

**1. Comforting and Filling**: The combination of mashed potatoes with the light, fluffy texture of a muffin creates a comforting bite that is more filling than most traditional muffins. These savory muffins are perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or even as a side to a grilled protein.

**2. Great for Leftovers**: If you have leftover mashed potatoes from a previous meal, this recipe is an excellent way to use them up. Just substitute the fresh mashed potatoes with the leftovers—no need to cook them again!

**3. Perfect for Customizing**: Want to turn these into a loaded potato muffin? Add **crispy bacon bits**, a sprinkle of **cheddar cheese**, or even some **sour cream** into the batter. The options are endless for creating a muffin that suits your taste!

**4. Freezer-Friendly**: These muffins freeze wonderfully, making them a great option for meal prep. Simply allow the muffins to cool completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to **3 months**. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven.

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### Tips for Perfect Potato Muffins

– **Don’t Overmix**: Just like with any muffin recipe, you want to mix the batter only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough muffins.
– **Customize the Flavor**: If you like more flavor, try adding **herbs** such as **rosemary**, **thyme**, or **oregano**. You can also add a pinch of **cayenne pepper** for a subtle heat.
– **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**: Ensure that the milk, egg, and melted butter are at room temperature before combining with the mashed potatoes. This will help everything blend together smoothly.
– **Storage**: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to **3 days**. Reheat in the microwave or oven to restore their softness.

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### Final Thoughts

These **potato muffins** are a **game changer** for anyone who loves savory baked goods. The soft, fluffy interior filled with the comforting taste of mashed potatoes and the savory crunch of cheese and herbs makes these muffins an irresistible treat. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a side dish, or as part of a breakfast spread, these muffins will quickly become a family favorite.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see just how easy it is to create a delicious, comforting muffin that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Who knew potatoes could be so **deliciously versatile**? Happy baking!