Oven-Baked Fried Potato & Onion Muffins

These Oven-Baked Fried Potato & Onion Muffins are a deliciously savory treat that offers a unique twist on classic muffins. With a delicate balance of buttery richness and subtle sweetness, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack. The combination of potatoes and onions adds a surprising flavor depth that pairs wonderfully with various dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or two forks, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together. Stir this wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Grease a muffin tin and spoon the batter evenly into the cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 muffins
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Add Fried Onions: To make these muffins even more flavorful, add some finely chopped fried onions to the batter.
• Herb-infused Muffins: Incorporate fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
• Cheese Lovers: Add some shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan) to the batter for a cheesy version of these savory muffins.
• Potato and Onion Bake: Replace the sugar with mashed potatoes and caramelized onions for a more savory muffin experience.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to make these muffins suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Reheating: Reheat muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, until warmed through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make these muffins without sugar?
   Yes, you can reduce or eliminate the sugar for a more savory muffin. If you’d like, you can substitute it with a small amount of honey or maple syrup for a slight sweetness.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter, though it might slightly affect the flavor and texture.
3. Can I freeze these muffins?
   Yes, these muffins freeze well. Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before serving.
4. How can I make these muffins fluffier?
   Make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense muffins. Gently stir the ingredients until just combined for the fluffiest texture.
5. Can I add mashed potatoes to the batter?
   Yes, mashed potatoes would work wonderfully in this recipe and make the muffins even more moist and savory. You might want to reduce the milk slightly if adding mashed potatoes.
6. Can I substitute whole milk for a dairy-free alternative?
   Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk as a substitute for the milk in this recipe.
7. What other vegetables could I add to these muffins?
   You can experiment with adding other vegetables like finely grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
8. What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
   If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can bake the batter in a small, greased loaf pan, adjusting the baking time to 35-40 minutes.
9. Can I make these muffins in advance?
   Yes, you can make these muffins ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for a couple of days. They can also be frozen and reheated later.
10. How do I know when the muffins are done?
    The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes and check again.

Conclusion

These Oven-Baked Fried Potato & Onion Muffins offer a wonderful combination of savory flavors in a simple, easy-to-make muffin. Whether served as a side dish to complement a savory meal or enjoyed on their own as a snack, these muffins are versatile, satisfying, and full of flavor. With a few easy variations, you can customize them to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making them a perfect addition to any meal.

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