These Loaded Mashed Potato Cups are cozy little bites filled with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions. They’re perfect for sharing or snacking!
Honestly, who can resist those crispy edges and cheesy goodness? I often make extra just for myself—shhh, it’s our little secret! 😂
Making these cups is a breeze. Just whip up some mashed potatoes, fill your muffin tin, and bake until golden. They’re a hit at any gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: Use freshly made mashed potatoes for the best texture. If you’re short on time, store-bought mashed potatoes work too. I like adding extra butter and cream for richness.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives a wonderful flavor. You can substitute with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra kick. If you’re after something lighter, try using low-fat cheese blends.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds wonderful crunch. If you’re vegetarian, use chopped mushrooms or tempeh bacon for a similar flavor. Personally, I never skimp on bacon—it just makes everything better!
Green Onions/Chives: They’re great for adding freshness. If you don’t have them, use finely chopped red or white onions sparingly. I love using chives because they’re milder and taste lovely.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess. You can use Greek yogurt for a healthier option; it gives a nice tang too.
How Do I Get Perfectly Formed Potato Cups?
The key to making great potato cups is to pack the mixture well. This helps them hold their shape while baking. Here’s how:
- After mixing all the ingredients, use an ice cream scoop or spoon to fill the muffin tins. Aim to pack them down a bit!
- Make sure the tops are smooth and even to help them brown nicely.
- Don’t overbake them! Keep an eye on the edges for a golden brown color without drying them out.
A little patience during the pressing and baking parts makes them hold together beautifully, giving you those charming little cups to enjoy!
Loaded Mashed Potato Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter, milk, salt, and pepper)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 green onions or chives, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sour cream, plus extra for topping
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter for muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, and then around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at about 35-40 minutes in total to whip up these delicious loaded mashed potato cups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, take a standard 12-cup muffin tin and lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray or a bit of butter. This will help ensure your potato cups come out nice and clean!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, the chopped bacon (make sure to save a few pieces for the top later!), the finely chopped green onions (or chives), the egg, and sour cream. Give it a good stir until everything is mixed nicely together. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste!
3. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Now it’s time to fill those muffin cups! Spoon the potato mixture evenly into each cup. Make sure to press down lightly on the mixture to compact it, so they hold their shape while baking.
4. Add the Cheese and Bacon Topping:
Next, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the reserved chopped bacon over the top of each filled muffin cup. This will create that lovely cheesy, crispy topping we all love!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Pop your muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be golden brown and the cheese to be melted and bubbly!
6. Cool and Remove:
After baking, you will want to remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Use a knife to gently run around the edges of each cup to loosen them before carefully removing them from the muffin tin.
7. Top and Serve:
Finally, add a small dollop of sour cream on top of each cup, followed by a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions for garnish. Now you’re ready to serve and enjoy these delightful loaded mashed potato cups!
These delicious bites make for an awesome appetizer, side dish, or a snack to share (but you might want to keep a few for yourself!). Enjoy!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly. Just make sure they’re not too watery; if they are, you can add a little extra flour or corn starch to help bind the mixture.
Can I Make These Cups Gluten-Free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any flour. Just double-check that your ingredients, like bacon and cheese, are labeled gluten-free.
Can I Freeze the Loaded Mashed Potato Cups?
Yes, you can! After baking, allow the potato cups to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, just pop them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What Are Some Good Toppings for These Cups?
In addition to sour cream and chives, you can try toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños for a spicy kick, or even a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for extra flavor. Get creative based on your taste preferences!