Cheese and Chive Potato Puffs

• servings: 10 servings
• active time: 20 minutes
• total time: 36 minutes

Ingredients

1 ½ lb yellow flesh potatoes (*see note)

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp milk

3 eggs

¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

1/4 cup real bacon bits or bacon pieces

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder-less if potatoes have garlic in them

1 tsp dried parsley flakes

¼ tsp pepper, scant

Grated Parmesan cheese

sour cream (to serve)

chopped fresh chives (to garnish)

Directions

Peel and dice the potatoes. Place the potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender. Drain and then return the potatoes to the pot. Add the butter and milk and mash well. Allow the potatoes to cool completely to room temperature before continuing.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes and the eggs. Lightly whisk to ensure the eggs are fully mixed in but don't overwork the potatoes or they could become gluey. Add the shredded Parmesan, mozzarella, and 3/4 cup of the cheddar along with the kosher salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.

Preheat the oven to 400° F. Spray a muffin tin or mini muffin tin with non-stick spray. Sprinkle each muffin cup with grated Parmesan and tilt the pan so that each cup is coated. Spoon the potato mixture into the muffin cups (use cookie scoop), filling them three-quarters full. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and press down.

Bake the puffs for 30 to 35 minutes until they are well-browned OR 20 minutes if using mini muffins tin. Let cool briefly in the muffin pan, no more than 5 minutes. Carefully remove the potato puffs and transfer to a rack.

Serve the potato puffs warm with sour cream and chives to garnish. Enjoy!

Notes

Alternatively, use 3 cups prepared, cooled mashed potatoes. Omit the butter and milk.

I altered this recipe adding some spices and bacon bits.

I like the mini muffin size better for more bite size. Made approx 37 mini muffins.