Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups Recipe
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s equal parts comfort food and party-ready, these Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups just might become your new obsession. Perfectly portioned, irresistibly golden, and packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness, they’re the kind of recipe that transforms humble mashed potatoes into little bites of happiness. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just jazzing up a family dinner, this dish will make everyone ask for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups is how a handful of pantry staples come together to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient either boosts the flavor, brings creamy texture, or adds that perfect finishing touch.
- Mashed potatoes (3 cups): The hearty base, so make sure they’re thick and not too runny for best results.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind the mixture together so your cups hold their shape and don’t crumble.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Delivers a savory, umami punch and adds a lovely nutty note.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Infuses creamy richness and encourages that gorgeous golden top.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): The hero of flavor—freshly minced for the perfect aromatic kick.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just the right amount to lift all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A little warmth and depth in every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Melts on top for a gooey, stretchy finish that’s undeniably tempting.
- Chopped chives or parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color (and flavor) just before serving.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Makes sure those perfect cups release smoothly from the muffin tin every time.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Tin
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin tin lightly with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups pop out perfectly formed and prevents any sticky clean-up later.
Step 2: Mix the Mashed Potato Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled, thick mashed potatoes with the egg, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Give everything a thorough stir until you have a creamy, well-blended mixture. This blend will be the heart of your cups, so be generous with the mixing to ensure every bite is infused with cheesy, garlicky flavor.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, fill each muffin cup about three-quarters of the way full with your potato mixture. The thick blend should mound up nicely without spilling over. This ensures the portions bake up individually golden and crisp around the edges.
Step 4: Add Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each potato cup. This not only adds extra flavor but also creates that irresistible melted, stretchy cheese crown on each cup, making the final presentation seriously inviting.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the tops are golden and have a slightly crispy edge. The aroma at this point is pure magic! Once baked, let the Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups cool in the tin for about 5 minutes—this makes them easier to lift out and helps them keep their adorable shape.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Carefully remove the cups from the tin and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with chopped chives or parsley just before serving. This final burst of color and freshness really brings each cup to life.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups
Garnishes
Don’t skip a beautiful garnish! A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley gives every Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cup an appetizing look and a touch of brightness that brings balance to the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
These cups are dreamy alongside classic proteins like roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish, but they also shine at any holiday table. For a meatless meal, pair with a crisp salad or your favorite roasted veggies for a truly satisfying spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them straight from the muffin tin for a rustic touch, or arrange the Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups on a cake stand for party-worthy flair. Toothpicks or mini forks make them perfect for cocktail parties, while single-serve plates keep things classy for sit-down dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups keep beautifully in the fridge. Pop them into an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
These little cups freeze surprisingly well! Arrange cooled cups on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month, ready to bring cheesy comfort whenever you need it.
Reheating
To reheat, just pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp. If you’re in a hurry, a quick turn in the air fryer or even the microwave works well. You’ll have warm, melty Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups without any fuss.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch—just make sure they’re thick and not runny, as extra moisture can make the cups fall apart. Homemade is always ideal for richer flavor, but instant works surprisingly well here.
What’s the best way to make these ahead for a party?
Prepare and bake your Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups up to a day ahead. Let them cool, store in the fridge, and reheat briefly in the oven before serving. They’ll still taste freshly baked and hold their shape beautifully.
Can I add extra mix-ins like bacon or spinach?
Absolutely! Crumbled bacon or sautéed spinach can be mixed into the potato base or sprinkled on top for even more flavor. Feel free to get creative—chopped sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions also work deliciously.
How do I keep the cups from sticking to the pan?
A good layer of nonstick cooking spray is key, but you can also use silicone muffin liners for zero sticking and super-easy cleanup. Letting the cups cool slightly before removing also helps them release cleanly.
Are Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your mashed potatoes and seasonings are safe. Just check all labels to be sure, especially if you’re serving someone with celiac or a gluten sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a new side dish to wow your guests or family, give Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups a try! They’re hearty, flavorful, and so much fun to eat—you may find yourself making a double batch next time. Don’t be surprised if they steal the spotlight at the table!
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Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups are a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection in a muffin tin. With a crispy cheesy top and a creamy center, these savory cups are perfect for any gathering or as a fun side dish.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Cups:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and cooled)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped chives or parsley (for garnish)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Fill muffin tin: Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin and top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chives or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use thick mashed potatoes for best results.
- Enhance with bacon or spinach for added flavor.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
