Name: Mashed Potato Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 green onions finely chopped; 1 egg; ¼ cup sour cream; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Nonstick cooking spray

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If cozy comfort food is calling your name, these crispy, cheesy Mashed Potato Cups are about to become your new go-to side (or snack). Imagine creamy mashed potatoes flecked with cheddar, green onion, and just a hint of tangy sour cream, all baked to golden perfection in easy-to-hold individual servings. Not only are Mashed Potato Cups the ultimate way to use up leftovers, they come together with only a handful of everyday ingredients and disappear just as fast—whether you serve them at a brunch, for holiday dinners, or as an after-school bite everyone will love.

Mashed Potato Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple and honest this recipe is, with each ingredient playing a special part—bringing flavor, creaminess, or that irresistible pop of color to the finished Mashed Potato Cups. Gather these basics, and you’re more than halfway to greatness.

Mashed potatoes (3 cups): The foundation—use leftovers or freshly made for ultimate creaminess.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into every bite, giving each cup cheesy goodness and a gorgeous orange hue.
Green onions, finely chopped (2): Brightens up the mix with a little crunch and fresh, mild flavor.
Egg (1): The secret binder that holds your Mashed Potato Cups together for perfect portable bites.
Sour cream (¼ cup): Adds a tangy richness and helps keep everything extra moist inside.
Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Packs in extra savory flavor and helps the tops get beautifully golden and crispy.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for boosting every single flavor note.
Nonstick cooking spray: Makes sure your Mashed Potato Cups pop right out, perfectly intact and photo-ready.

How to Make Mashed Potato Cups

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready by the time you finish mixing. Grab your trusty muffin tin and lightly spritz each cup with nonstick cooking spray—this little move ensures your Mashed Potato Cups release easily after baking, with those coveted crispy edges intact.

Step 2: Mix Up the Potato Filling

In a large mixing bowl, add your mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, egg, sour cream, grated Parmesan, and a hearty pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a thick, uniform mixture that holds its shape—don’t overmix, but make sure every bite will be full of cheese and onion.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon your potato mixture evenly into each of the prepared muffin cups, filling them almost to the top. You can use a standard spoon or cookie scoop for even portions. Press down gently to pack the mixture—this helps them bake up dense, tender, and easy to handle once done.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your tin into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for Mashed Potato Cups that are golden brown on top and just beginning to crisp around the edges. That aroma? It means you’re mere moments away from comfort-food bliss.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let your Mashed Potato Cups sit in the pan for a few minutes to firm up. Then carefully run a butter knife around the edges, gently lift each cup out, and let them cool on a rack or your serving platter. Serve them warm so the centers stay creamy and cheesy.

How to Serve Mashed Potato Cups

Garnishes

Turn up the wow factor by showering freshly baked Mashed Potato Cups with crisp bacon bits, extra chopped green onions, or even a light dusting of paprika for color and mild heat. A tiny dollop of sour cream on top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

These are a fantastic side to any main—think roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a robust vegetarian entrée. Pair Mashed Potato Cups with a vibrant green salad or roasted veggies to balance out all that comforting richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Set them out on a big platter for party appetizers, or tuck them into lunchboxes for a fun, packable twist on traditional potatoes. You can even stack them into a pyramid for a jaw-dropping brunch presentation. Get playful—try serving them with tiny forks or as finger food at your next potluck.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Mashed Potato Cups left (a big if!), pop them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll stay moist but you’ll want to crisp them up before serving again.

Freezing

Mashed Potato Cups freeze surprisingly well. Let them cool completely, then wrap each cup individually or line them up in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Mashed Potato Cups in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisped. In a pinch, the microwave works, but the texture will be less crisp on the outside.

FAQs

Can I make Mashed Potato Cups ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can fully bake the cups, cool them, and refrigerate for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven before serving for best texture and flavor.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes—just prepare them according to package instructions and let them cool a bit before mixing with the other ingredients. They work as a quick substitute when time is tight.

What other cheeses can I use besides cheddar?

Feel free to swap the cheddar with mozzarella for a milder stretch, or try Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, or even pepper jack for a little spicy kick. Any good-melting cheese will do!

How do I make these Mashed Potato Cups vegetarian?

The base recipe is vegetarian as written. Just make sure to use vegetarian-friendly Parmesan (as some brands contain animal rennet). You can also skip the bacon garnish.

Can I add extra veggies or meat?

Definitely! Stir in finely chopped cooked broccoli, cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier version—just be sure not to overload the mixture, so the cups still hold together.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Mashed Potato Cups, you’ll find yourself looking for excuses to whip up extra mash just for these. They’re irresistibly crispy, endlessly customizable, and sure to earn you repeat requests from friends and family. Go ahead, give them a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Mashed Potato Cups Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Mashed Potato Cups are a delightful way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into a tasty and convenient appetizer or side dish. With a cheesy, savory flavor and a crispy exterior, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potato Cups:

3 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions finely chopped
1 egg
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Nonstick cooking spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the tin: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, green onions, egg, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
Fill the muffin tin: Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top.
Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
Cool and serve: Let the cups cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tin. Serve warm as a side or appetizer.