Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins
Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Just a Taste with Kelly Senyei on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 33 min | Total: 53 min
Cost: $5.34 total, $0.45 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Leftover Mashed Potatoes (room temperature, any style (butter‑rich works best))
- 1 large Egg (beaten lightly)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp cheddar preferred for flavor; reserve 1/4 cup for topping)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (finely chopped; optional substitute with green onions)
- as needed Cooking Spray (to grease muffin tin)
- 0.25 cup Extra Shredded Cheddar Cheese (for topping) (adds a melty finish)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients
Measure out 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes, beat 1 large egg, shred 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh chives.
Time: PT2M
Combine the Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg, then add the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, and chopped chives. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Preheat Oven & Prepare Tin
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 12‑cup muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 375°F
Fill Muffin Cups
Using an ice‑cream scoop or large spoon, portion the potato mixture into the muffin cups, filling each about three‑quarters full.
Time: PT5M
First Bake
Place the tin in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 375°F
Add Topping Cheese
Remove the tin, sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup shredded cheddar over each muffin, then return to the oven for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 375°F
Cool & Serve
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a serving plate and garnish with a pinch of fresh chives.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbohydrates
- 15g
- Fat
- 8g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Mashed sweet potatoes, Cauliflower mash
- Instead of Egg: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water (vegan), 1 large egg white
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Parmesan
- Instead of Fresh Chives: Green onions, Scallions, Parsley
- Instead of Cooking Spray: Butter or oil brushed with a pastry brush
- Instead of Extra Shredded Cheddar Cheese (for topping): Any meltable cheese
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Measuring Cups
- Muffin Tin (12‑cup)
- Cooking Spray
- Ice Cream Scoop or Large Spoon
- Oven
- Spatula
- Oven Mitts
- Cooling Rack (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisking the egg into the mashed potatoes to create a proper binder.
- Filling the muffin cups no more than three‑quarters full to avoid overflow.
- Baking until golden brown before adding the topping cheese.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a small ice‑cream scoop for perfectly uniform muffins.
- For extra flavor, stir in a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika with the chives.
- If you have leftover cooked turkey or ham, fold in ¼ cup diced meat for a protein boost.
Troubleshooting
Muffins are soggy in the center.
Bake an additional 5‑7 minutes, or increase oven temperature to 385°F for the last 5 minutes.
Muffins are too dry or crumbly.
Add a tablespoon of milk or extra cheese to the mixture to increase moisture.
Cheese topping burns quickly.
Reduce the second bake to 2 minutes or lower the oven temperature to 350°F.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to zip‑top bags; keep for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze baked and cooled muffins in zip‑top bags; reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 30‑45 seconds.
- Prepare the potato mixture up to step 4, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins in American comfort food cuisine?
While not a traditional dish, turning leftovers into handheld muffins reflects the American home‑cooking ethos of minimizing waste and creating convenient, comforting snacks. These muffins have become popular on food blogs as a clever way to repurpose holiday or dinner leftovers.
What are the traditional regional variations of mashed potato muffins in the United States?
There are no historic regional versions, but cooks often adapt the basic recipe by adding local cheeses—such as Monterey Jack in the West or sharp cheddar in the Northeast—or incorporating regional herbs like dill in the Midwest.
How is Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins traditionally served in American households?
They are typically served warm as a snack, side dish, or breakfast bite, often garnished with fresh herbs and paired with a simple salad or fruit. They also appear on brunch tables as a hearty finger food.
What occasions or celebrations is Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins traditionally associated with in American culture?
These muffins are especially popular after Thanksgiving or holiday meals when large amounts of mashed potatoes remain. They are also a convenient make‑ahead snack for busy weeknights or family game nights.
What other American dishes pair well with Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins?
They pair nicely with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup such as tomato bisque. For a heartier plate, serve alongside grilled chicken or a simple pork chop.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins?
Common errors include not adding enough egg, which prevents the muffins from binding, over‑filling the cups causing overflow, and under‑baking, which leaves a soggy interior. Follow the binding step and watch the golden edges for doneness.
Why does this Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins recipe use an egg instead of a flour‑based binder?
The egg provides protein that binds the dense potato mixture without adding extra carbs or changing the flavor profile, keeping the muffins light and preserving the creamy potato texture.
Can I make Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in airtight bags. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly for a quick snack.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins?
The muffins should have a golden‑brown crust around the edges, a slightly crisp top from the melted cheese, and a soft, fluffy interior that holds together when lifted.
What does the YouTube channel Just a Taste with Kelly Senyei specialize in?
The YouTube channel Just a Taste with Kelly Senyei focuses on practical, family‑friendly recipes that transform everyday ingredients and leftovers into tasty, approachable meals, often highlighting quick techniques and budget‑conscious cooking.
How does the YouTube channel Just a Taste with Kelly Senyei's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Kelly emphasizes simplicity, minimal ingredient lists, and creative reuse of leftovers, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate plating or exotic ingredients. Her style is down‑to‑earth, encouraging home cooks to experiment with what they already have.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
