Cozy Mashed Potato Cups Recipe: Bite-Sized Comfort Joy

Crispy golden potato cups showcase a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Nestled with creamy cheese and herbs, these bite-sized delights promise an irresistible experience.

Small ovens or large kitchens become playgrounds for culinary creativity.

Crunchy exteriors give way to soft, pillowy interiors that melt in your mouth.

Each cup carries a story of warmth and simplicity, inviting you to savor every morsel.

Unexpected textures and rich flavors combine in a symphony of deliciousness.

Whip up these little treasures and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Little Tricks for Mashed Potato Cups Success

• Customize the Crust: Swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or crushed crackers for different textures and dietary needs.
• Prevent Sticking: Generously grease muffin tin or use parchment paper liners to ensure easy removal of potato cups.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to enhance the overall taste profile of the potato mixture.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare potato mixture and assemble cups in advance, then refrigerate and bake just before serving for convenient meal planning.
• Vegetarian Variation: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to create a meat-free version of these delicious potato cups.

Reheat and Store Mashed Potato Cups Easily

• Store leftover mashed potato cups in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place them carefully in a single layer to prevent crushing.
• Wrap each potato cup individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
• Warm potato cups at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. For crispy edges, remove foil during the last 5 minutes of heating.
• Reheat individual cups for 30-45 seconds, checking to avoid overheating. Add a small splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

What Matches Well with Mashed Potato Cups

• Juicy medium-rare ribeye creates a perfect protein companion that complements the cheesy potato cups with rich, hearty flavors.
• Light arugula salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy potato cups.
• Hoppy IPA or smooth amber ale balances the cheesy, bacon-studded potato cups, enhancing the overall dining experience with its robust character.
• Herb-seasoned roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots add nutritional balance and earthy undertones to the potato cups.

Mashed Potato Cups – Fun Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace panko bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use certified gluten-free cheese and bacon to ensure the entire recipe remains safe for those with celiac disease.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap bacon with crispy roasted mushrooms or caramelized onions. Add smoked paprika for depth of flavor. Use vegetarian Parmesan cheese to maintain the savory profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower or mashed turnips. Reduce bread crumb quantity and use almond flour instead. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance taste.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. Select dairy-free butter alternatives for the bread crumb mixture.

Mashed Potato Cups Recipe FAQs

• Can I make these mashed potato cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and fill the muffin tin in advance. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

• Is it possible to make these potato cups vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits, chopped mushrooms, or additional cheese to maintain the savory flavor profile.

• What if I don't have panko breadcrumbs?

No worries! You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute. The key is to create a crispy base that adds texture to the potato cups.

• Can I freeze these mashed potato cups?

Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.

Why Mashed Potato Cups Recipe Stands Out

• This recipe transforms classic mashed potatoes into portable, crispy-edged cups that make comfort eating exciting and interactive.
• With just one bowl for mixing and simple ingredients, these potato cups deliver gourmet taste without complicated cooking techniques, perfect for busy home cooks.
• Easily customizable and shareable, these potato cups are ideal for gatherings, game nights, and potlucks, offering a crowd-pleasing twist on traditional side dishes.
• Requiring only 20-25 minutes of baking time and straightforward preparation, these potato cups provide a delicious meal solution for families seeking tasty, no-fuss dinners.

Mashed Potato Cups Recipe Ingredients Guide

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy foundation of the recipe, best when smooth and freshly prepared.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and tangy flavor to the potato mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, melty goodness and depth of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty notes and helps with browning.

• Bacon: Crispy, salty element that brings smoky complexity to the dish.
• Egg: Helps bind the potato mixture and provides structure.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor with a pop of color.

• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic garlic essence.
• Onion Powder: Provides gentle, background onion flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Creates a crispy, golden crust with light texture.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind bread crumbs and adds rich flavor.

How to Make Mashed Potato Cups Fast

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and give it a generous coat of nonstick spray or melted butter.

Step 2: Create Potato Magic

• Mashed potatoes
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Green onions

Blend everything until it looks creamy and well-mixed.

Step 3: Craft the Crispy Base

• Panko bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Melted butter

Mix until the ingredients become a delightful, crumbly mixture.

Step 4: Build the Foundation

Sprinkle a tablespoon of the panko mixture into each muffin cup. Press down firmly to create a crunchy base.

Step 5: Fill with Potato Goodness

Scoop the potato mixture into each cup, piling it high. Feel free to sprinkle extra cheese and bacon on top for more flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden tops and crispy edges.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the potato cups rest in the tin for 5 minutes. Gently loosen with a knife and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with extra green onions, cheese, or a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling fancy.

Mashed Potato Cups Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy Mashed Potato Cups bring comfort and elegance to any dinner table, merging classic comfort with modern presentation. Crispy edges, velvety centers, and golden-brown tops make these individual servings irresistible for you to savor and share with loved ones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) mashed potatoes
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) melted butter

Seasonings and Optional Ingredients:

• ½ cup (70 grams) cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
• ¼ cup (15 grams) green onions or chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• Extra cheese
• Chopped green onions or chives
• A dollop of sour cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray or melted butter to ensure easy removal of potato cups.
2. Combine mashed potatoes with sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chopped green onions in a large mixing bowl, stirring until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Create a crispy base by blending panko bread crumbs, additional Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes uniformly textured.
4. Distribute the panko mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing firmly to form a compact, golden crust at the bottom of each compartment.
5. Generously spoon the prepared potato mixture over the bread crumb base, filling each cup to the brim and smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon.
6. Optional: Sprinkle extra cheese and bacon crumbles on top of each potato cup for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
7. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and crispy edges that indicate perfect doneness.
8. Remove from the oven and let the potato cups rest in the tin for 5 minutes, allowing them to set and cool slightly.
9. Carefully loosen the edges with a knife and gently transfer each potato cup to a serving plate.
10. Garnish with additional green onions, a sprinkle of cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to add a final flourish before serving.

Notes

• Customize the potato mixture by swapping cheeses or adding different herbs for unique flavor profiles.
• Ensure potato mixture is smooth and well-mixed to create uniform, creamy potato cups with consistent texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients like egg and sour cream to help blend flavors more effectively and create a smoother mixture.
• Make these potato cups gluten-free by substituting panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond flour.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg