About
Getting to munch on Irish Cheddar Muffins is as lucky as finding a four-leaf clover! Made with creamy Irish cheddar, crispy bacon, and hearty potatoes, these little guys are a savory delight and are the perfect snack along with pretty much any meal of the day. They're moist and fluffy with a crisp golden exterior that gives way to a cheesy and smoky interior... see? You'll be craving them all day long. You actually won't need luck when Irish Cheddar Muffins are on hand because they're just that good!
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) large Yukon Gold potato
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup Irish cheddar cheese, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
Directions
Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 2 -Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
Step 3 -Prick the potato all over with a fork, wrap it in a damp paper towel, and microwave, carefully turning the potato after 2 minutes, until it is just cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 4 -Allow the potato to cool enough to handle, then peel the skin, and grate it on the large holes of a box grater into a bowl.
Step 5 -Season the potato with the salt and the pepper and gently toss.
Step 6 -In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and crisp, about 10 minutes.
Step 7 -Transfer the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings and discard the rest.
Step 8 -In a large bowl, whisk the flour, the sugar, the baking soda, and the salt.
Step 9 -Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
Step 10 -In a medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, the melted butter, the egg, and the reserved bacon drippings together.
Step 11 -Pour the buttermilk mixture into the well in the flour mixture and stir until it is just combined.
Step 12 -Gently fold the grated potato, the cooked bacon, the cheese, and the chives into the batter mixture.
Step 13 -Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling them all the way to the top.
Step 14 -Bake the muffins until they are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 22-25 minutes.
Step 15 -Let the muffins cool for 5 minutes in the pan and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 16 -Serve.
