Begin the preparation by preheating your oven to a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Take a 12-cup muffin pan and apply a generous coating of nonstick cooking spray to each cup to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you may grease the cups with butter or vegetable shortening if preferred.
Proceed by taking a large mixing bowl and combining the following ingredients thoroughly: the packaged mashed potatoes, eggs, granulated garlic, chopped chives, shredded Cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, ground black pepper, and Cayenne pepper.
Following the mixture of ingredients, distribute the potato mixture evenly amongst the prepared muffin cups, ensuring an equal amount in each cup for uniform cooking.
Place the filled muffin pan in the preheated oven and allow to bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown crust on the puffs and ensure they are cooked through.
Upon completion of the baking time, remove the muffin pan from the oven and allow the puffs to cool for a short period. This will make the removal process easier. If necessary, run a thin knife around the edges of each muffin cup to help release the puffs.
As a final touch, each mashed potato puff may be garnished with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkling of fresh chives, additional shredded cheese, and/or more crumbled bacon, according to individual preference. Serve immediately while warm for best results.