These Bacon Cheddar Potato Muffins are a savory treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delicious snack. Packed with mashed potatoes, crumbled bacon, and melted cheese, these muffins offer a delightful combination of flavors in every bite. The fluffy texture, with a slight crispness on top, makes them the perfect comfort food. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Cuisine: Comfort Food (Ideal for breakfast or a savory snack)
Full List of Ingredients
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2 medium potatoes (about 400 g), boiled and mashed
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6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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2 large eggs
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½ cup (120 ml) milk
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¼ cup (60 g) butter, melted
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2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with muffin liners to prevent the muffins from sticking.
2. Prepare the Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the boiled and mashed potatoes, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This ensures that the dry ingredients are well incorporated and helps avoid clumping in the batter.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth and well blended.
5. Combine All Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the potato mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
Slowly pour in the wet ingredients and mix gently until the batter is fully incorporated.
6. Fill the Muffin Tins
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This will allow the muffins to rise properly as they bake.
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 comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins can be served warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)
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Calories: 210
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Fat: 12g
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Protein: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugars: 2g
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Sodium: 380mg
Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Muffins have long been a staple in breakfast and snack foods, often favored for their portability and versatility. This savory twist on the traditional muffin, filled with mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon, brings together classic comfort foods into one delightful bite. This recipe is inspired by the trend of savory muffins, which combine familiar ingredients like potatoes and bacon into a handheld format, making it a popular choice for brunch or parties.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Savory and Satisfying: These muffins are the perfect balance of savory flavors with the heartiness of potatoes, the crispiness of bacon, and the creaminess of cheese.
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Quick and Easy: With only a few simple ingredients, these muffins are easy to whip up and bake in under an hour.
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Perfect for Meal Prep: These muffins can be made ahead of time and stored for a few days, making them ideal for meal prep or a quick snack.
Health Benefits
These muffins provide a good source of protein from the eggs, bacon, and cheese, while the mashed potatoes give a comforting carbohydrate boost. If you choose to add the green onions, they provide additional vitamins and antioxidants. The muffins are also rich in calcium from the cheddar cheese. However, as with most muffins, they should be enjoyed in moderation, as they are higher in fat and calories due to the cheese and butter.
Serving Suggestions
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Breakfast: Serve these muffins alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a filling breakfast.
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Brunch: Pair with fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete brunch.
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Snack: These muffins are perfect for an afternoon snack or as part of a picnic.
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With Soup: Enjoy them with a bowl of your favorite soup for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips
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Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can make the muffins dense. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.
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Use Warm Potatoes: Make sure the mashed potatoes are warm, which will help the batter come together more easily.
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Customize the Filling: Feel free to add extra ingredients to the filling, such as sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peppers, for a unique twist.
Variations to Try
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Add More Vegetables: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the muffin mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
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Spicy Version: Add some jalapeños or hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick.
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Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, gouda, or even blue cheese for a different flavor.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these muffins gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Bacon Cheddar Potato Muffins are a fun and delicious take on traditional muffins, offering a savory flavor that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With fluffy texture, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your home. Easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors, they are perfect for any occasion!
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month and reheat them when needed.
2. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a great alternative for a lower-fat version of these muffins.
3. Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cheese and substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine to make them dairy-free.
4. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, using sweet potatoes will give these muffins a slightly sweeter flavor and a unique twist.
5. How do I store leftover muffins?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
6. Can I make these muffins without bacon?
Yes, you can leave out the bacon for a vegetarian version or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
7. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! You can add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even cooked sausage for a different flavor.
8. How do I reheat these muffins?
Reheat the muffins in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
9. Can I use mashed potatoes from a box?
Yes, you can use boxed mashed potatoes, but freshly mashed potatoes will provide a better texture and flavor.
10. How can I make the muffins fluffier?
Make sure not to overmix the batter and let the batter rest for a few minutes before baking to allow the baking powder to activate.