Cheesy Bacon and Potato Muffins

These Cheesy Bacon and Potato Muffins are savory, fluffy, and packed with the comforting flavors of bacon, cheddar, and potatoes. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a light meal, these muffins are an irresistible treat for all ages!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250 g) mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil or melted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 2 tbsp (15 g) chopped green onions or chives

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with oil or butter.
  2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, milk, olive oil (or melted butter), and eggs. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    • In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Combine the Mixtures:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Add the Fillings:
    • Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions or chives.
  6. Fill the Muffin Tin:
    • Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
  7. Bake the Muffins:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Serve:
    • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
  • Pair with a fresh salad for a light meal.
  • Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or garlic aioli.

Cooking Tips

  • For extra flavor, sprinkle additional cheese and bacon bits on top before baking.
  • If the mashed potatoes are too dry, add a splash of milk to loosen the consistency.
  • Use a non-stick muffin tin or liners to prevent sticking.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Potatoes: Provide a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
  • Cheddar cheese: Rich in calcium and protein.
  • Bacon: Adds protein and a smoky flavor, but can be omitted for a vegetarian option.

Dietary Information

  • Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
  • Not suitable for vegan diets but can be modified with substitutions.

Nutritional Facts (per muffin, based on 12 muffins)

  • Calories: 160 kcal
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 1 g

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
  • Perfectly portable for on-the-go snacks or lunchboxes.
  • Versatile – add your favorite cheeses, veggies, or herbs.
  • Fluffy, cheesy, and packed with savory bacon goodness!

Conclusion Cheesy Bacon and Potato Muffins are a delightful combination of comfort and convenience. With their fluffy texture, rich cheesy flavor, and smoky bacon bits, these muffins are perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious twist on classic potato dishes!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this recipe without bacon?
    Yes, you can omit the bacon or substitute it with diced ham or cooked sausage.
  2. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
    Yes, mashed sweet potatoes work well for a slightly sweeter flavor.
  3. Can I add vegetables?
    Absolutely! Try adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or corn for extra texture and flavor.
  4. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
    Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
  5. What cheese works best for this recipe?
    Cheddar is great, but you can also use mozzarella, Gruyère, or a cheese blend.
  6. How do I make them dairy-free?
    Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and olive oil instead of butter.
  7. Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
    It’s best to bake the muffins immediately, but you can store the batter in the fridge for up to 1 day.
  8. How long do they stay fresh?
    They stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  9. Can I bake them in mini muffin tins?
    Yes, adjust the baking time to 12-15 minutes for mini muffins.
  10. How can I prevent them from sticking?
    Use muffin liners or grease the tin thoroughly with butter or oil.