If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines comfort food vibes with a fun, bite-sized twist, this Mashed Potato Cups Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes baked until golden and crispy in cute individual portions that are perfect for parties, family dinners, or even a cozy snack on a chilly evening. Each cup is packed with flavor thanks to sharp cheddar, a touch of green onion, and your choice of savory meat, making them irresistibly delicious. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed mashed potatoes any other way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and mouthwatering flavor in your mashed potato cups.
- Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes mash up beautifully smooth, providing the ideal base for the cups.
- Butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to your mash.
- Milk: Keeps the mixture creamy but not heavy—feel free to adjust for your preferred consistency.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, tangy flavor and melts perfectly into the potatoes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite.
- Chopped green onions: Adds a pop of freshness and a mild onion kick.
- Chopped meat (optional): Perfect for a heartier version; think bacon, ham, or cooked sausage.
- Olive oil spray: For greasing the muffin tin to keep those cups crisp and non-stick.
How to Make Mashed Potato Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, lightly spray a muffin tin with olive oil to ensure your mashed potato cups will come out easily and have a beautiful crispy edge.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the diced russet potatoes. Cooking them until tender, about 10 to 12 minutes, is key to achieving that smooth, creamy mash. Keep an eye so they don’t overcook and fall apart.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the pot. Using a masher or fork, mash until smooth and lump-free—this is where the magic starts, creating the creamy foundation of your mashed potato cups.
Step 4: Mix in Butter, Milk, and Seasonings
Stir in the butter and milk, folding them gently into the potatoes to keep the texture light and creamy. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper—seasoning is everything when it comes to mashed potatoes!
Step 5: Add Cheese, Green Onions, and Meat
This is the fun part: folding in the shredded cheddar cheese that melts beautifully during baking, the fresh crunch of chopped green onions, and if you like, your choice of chopped cooked meat for a delicious savory boost.
Step 6: Shape the Cups
Spoon the potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin, pressing down gently to form little cups with slightly raised edges. This shape will hold delicious fillings or toppings later and crisp up nicely in the oven.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your filled muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the edges to turn golden brown and develop a perfectly crispy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the soft interior.
Step 8: Cool and Remove
Once baked, allow the mashed potato cups to cool in the tin for a few minutes. This brief rest helps them set so they can be removed easily without falling apart. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Mashed Potato Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Top your mashed potato cups with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chives, or a pinch of crispy bacon bits to elevate the flavors and add appealing textures. A scattering of fresh herbs like parsley or dill can brighten up the dish and make it look irresistible.
Side Dishes
These cups pair beautifully with fresh green salads, roasted vegetables, or a hearty meat entrée. For a full meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or steak. Their versatility lets them shine as a side or as a fun appetizer at gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these mashed potato cups as mini boats filled with pulled pork or chili for a fun twist. You can also top them with melted cheese and broil briefly for an extra bubbly finish. For parties, arrange them on a platter with colorful dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover mashed potato cups in an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or side you can enjoy later with minimal fuss.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the cups completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months—ideal for prepping in advance.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated mashed potato cups in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve that delightful crispy exterior.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes?
While russet potatoes are perfect for this recipe due to their starchy texture, you can experiment with Yukon Gold if you prefer a creamier, buttery flavor. Just be aware the texture will be slightly different.
Is it necessary to add meat?
Absolutely not! The recipe is flavorful on its own with cheese and green onions. Adding meat is optional and can be tailored to your preference or dietary needs.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and almond or soy milk, and use your favorite vegan cheese. The cups will still be delicious and creamy.
How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from sticking to the muffin tin?
Greasing the sides thoroughly with olive oil spray is key. You can also lightly flour the tin after greasing to make removal even easier.
What can I use as fillings for the mashed potato cups?
The cups are versatile and can be topped with anything from sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, chili, leftover meats, or even a sunny-side-up quail egg for a brunch twist.
Final Thoughts
This Mashed Potato Cups Recipe is one of those delightful finds that’s both simple and impressive, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a comforting treat yourself. Once you have the basic recipe down, the possibilities for customization are endless, making it a fun recipe to revisit time and again. Give these crispy, creamy little cups a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy mashed potatoes!
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Mashed Potato Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Mashed Potato Cups are a delicious and comforting side dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese, green onions, and optional savory meat, all baked to crispy perfection. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or a cozy snack, they offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors in individual servings.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Dairy & Mix-ins
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Optional
- 1/4 cup chopped meat (optional)
Other
- Olive oil spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and aid in crisping the potato cups.
- Cook the potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the diced potatoes. Cook them for 10-12 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Mash the potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a masher or fork to mash until smooth and free of lumps.
- Add butter and milk: Stir in the butter and milk to create a creamy texture. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Mix in cheese and extras: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and optional chopped meat, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Form the cups: Spoon the mashed potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin, pressing down gently with the back of the spoon to form cup shapes that can hold fillings.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the potato cups turn golden and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cups to cool for a few minutes so they firm up slightly, then remove them from the tin carefully and serve warm as a delicious side or appetizer.
Notes
- You can customize these potato cups by adding your favorite herbs or spices for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the chopped meat and add extra vegetables or cheese.
- Use a non-stick spray or brush the muffin tin with olive oil to ensure easy removal.
- These cups reheat well in the oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.
- Russet potatoes are preferred for their fluffy texture, but Yukon Gold can be used for a creamier result.
