Mashed Potato Cups Recipe

Mashed Potato Cups are a fun and delicious twist on traditional mashed potatoes, served in crispy, golden cups. These bite-sized treats are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or a fun addition to any meal. Filled with creamy mashed potatoes and topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions, these cups offer a burst of flavor in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for serving mashed potatoes in a fun, handheld way
• Great as a side dish, appetizer, or party snack
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Customizable with your favorite toppings
• Kid-friendly and perfect for meal prep

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers work great)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives

For the Cups:

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Optional Toppings:

• Extra shredded cheese
• More crumbled bacon
• Additional green onions or chives
• A dollop of sour cream

Directions

Prepare the Potato Mixture

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray or melted butter.
2. Mix Mashed Potatoes:
   • In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and green onions.
   • Mix until everything is well combined.

Make the Potato Cups

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • In a separate bowl, mix panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until well combined.
2. Fill the Muffin Tin:
   • Spoon a tablespoon of the panko mixture into each muffin cup.
   • Press down firmly to form a crust.
3. Add Mashed Potatoes:
   • Scoop the mashed potato mixture on top of the crusts, filling each cup generously.
   • If desired, sprinkle extra cheese and bacon on top.
4. Bake:
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the edges are crispy.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the cups to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before gently removing them with a knife.
   • Top with additional green onions, cheese, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 potato cups
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Loaded Mashed Potato Cups: Add crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Garlic Herb Potato Cups: Mix in roasted garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
• Cheesy Potato Cups: Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a melty center.
• Spicy Potato Cups: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Vegetarian Potato Cups: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked potato cups in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly. Just ensure they are not too runny.

2. How do I prevent the potato cups from sticking to the pan?

Grease the muffin tin well, or use silicone muffin liners for easy release.

3. Can I make these potato cups ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and assemble the cups in the muffin tin, then refrigerate until ready to bake.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread crumbs instead of panko to make this recipe gluten-free.

5. What can I serve with mashed potato cups?

Serve them as a side dish with roasted chicken, steak, or a fresh salad. They also make a great appetizer or snack.

6. How do I make these potato cups extra crispy?

Broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to get a golden, crispy top.

7. Can I add vegetables to the potato mixture?

Yes, mix in cooked and finely chopped vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn for added nutrition.

8. Can I make these without the panko crust?

Yes, you can skip the crust and simply bake the potato mixture in greased muffin cups.

9. How do I keep the mashed potato cups from falling apart?

Adding an egg helps bind the mixture together, keeping the cups intact.

10. Can I serve these at room temperature?

Yes, they are delicious warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for parties and potlucks.

Conclusion

Mashed Potato Cups are a creative and tasty way to enjoy classic mashed potatoes. With their crispy crust, creamy filling, and customizable toppings, these bite-sized delights are perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or party snack, these potato cups are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Easy to make and fun to eat, this recipe is a must-try for potato lovers!

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