If you’re looking to turn the classic loaded baked potato into an irresistible bite-sized snack, these Loaded Potato Cups are your dream dish come to life! Each cup features crisp-tender potatoes loaded with melty cheddar, smoky bacon, fresh green onions, and a dollop of cool sour cream, all nestled in a handheld portion that begs to be devoured. Perfect for parties, brunches, or even a weeknight treat, this recipe brings together all your favorite comfort flavors in one adorable package. Get ready to fall in love—one bite at a time—with the ingenious delight that is Loaded Potato Cups!

Loaded Potato Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make Loaded Potato Cups, but every one brings something essential—richness, texture, or bold color. The best part? You probably already have most of them waiting in your kitchen!

Russet potatoes (3 large): Their starchy, fluffy texture makes the perfect base for a crispy-edged cup and tender interior.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Lightly coats the potatoes so they roast up golden and delicious, while helping the seasonings stick.
Salt (½ tsp): Draws out the natural flavors and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth for a well-rounded flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into the potatoes, creating that classic loaded potato gooeyness everyone craves.
Cooked bacon, crumbled (½ cup): Brings irresistible smoky-salty crunch to each cup—feel free to swap in ham for a fun twist.
Sour cream (¼ cup): A dollop on top adds creamy tang that perfectly balances the richer savory notes.
Chopped green onions (2 tbsp): For a burst of freshness, color, and a gentle bite every loaded cup deserves.
Optional: Butter or garlic powder: For even more flavor, toss the potatoes with a dab of butter or sprinkle in garlic powder before baking.

How to Make Loaded Potato Cups

Step 1: Prep Your Tools

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a standard muffin tin with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray. This ensures your Loaded Potato Cups pop out effortlessly later and bake up with wonderfully crisp edges.

Step 2: Cube the Potatoes

Peel your russet potatoes and cut them into small, even cubes—aim for about a half inch or so. Uniform pieces mean even roasting, so every cup comes out tender in the middle and golden on the sides.

Step 3: Toss and Season

In a large bowl, toss your potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This simple step makes sure every spud gets a light coat of flavor and crisps beautifully in the oven. If you love a little extra oomph, now’s the time to add a sprinkle of garlic powder or toss in a pat of melted butter!

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the seasoned potato cubes evenly among the muffin cups, pressing them down gently into each cup. You want a nice, compact base that will hold together once baked, acting as the vessel for all the cheesy toppings to come.

Step 5: Roast the Potatoes

Place your muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The potatoes will soften and start to brown, especially on the edges—this is when the magic happens! You’re looking for fork-tender potatoes with those irresistible crispy bits.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bacon

Carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over each potato cup. Slide the tin back into the oven for another 5–7 minutes. The cheese should melt into gooey perfection while the bacon crisps further, infusing everything with smoky, savory goodness.

Step 7: Top and Serve

Let your Loaded Potato Cups rest for a minute or two so you can easily pop them out of the tin (a butter knife helps!). Finish each cup with a small dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of vibrant green onions. Serve them warm and watch everyone make them disappear in record time!

How to Serve Loaded Potato Cups

Garnishes

Finish your Loaded Potato Cups with classic toppings—think a swirl of sour cream, a scattering of fresh green onions, or even a pinch of chives. For even more flavor and visual flair, try a dash of smoked paprika or freshly cracked black pepper on top. These little touches make each bite feel special and extra-delicious.

Side Dishes

Loaded Potato Cups pair brilliantly with crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or a refreshing fruit salad if you’re serving them at brunch. They also work fantastically as a side for grilled chicken, hearty stews, or as part of a festive party platter with sliders and dips.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Loaded Potato Cups the star of any party spread by arranging them on a wooden board with extra toppings in small bowls nearby. For a brunch buffet, set out picks or tiny forks for easy grabbing. At the holidays, serve them nestled in muffin liners for a festive touch—or try doubling the batch and stacking them on a tiered appetizer stand for maximum wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Loaded Potato Cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They hold their shape really well and reheat more beautifully than you’d expect, so nothing goes to waste.

Freezing

To freeze, let your Loaded Potato Cups cool completely, then lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to two months—perfect for prepping party snacks or future cravings!

Reheating

Reheat Loaded Potato Cups in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. For even quicker results, pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds per cup, but you’ll get the best texture and crispiness from the oven.

FAQs

Can I make Loaded Potato Cups vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or swap it for veggie bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or diced roasted red pepper. You’ll get all the loaded flavor plus a vegetarian-friendly twist.

What’s the best way to cut the potatoes for even baking?

Keep the cubes about a half inch in size and as uniform as possible. This ensures all the potato pieces cook through at the same rate and helps your Loaded Potato Cups hold together beautifully.

Can I prepare everything ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can cube and season the potatoes and refrigerate them until ready to bake. You can also bake the cups, cool, and store them in the fridge, then reheat and add fresh sour cream and green onions just before serving.

Are Loaded Potato Cups gluten-free?

They are naturally gluten-free, making them a great choice for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your bacon and seasonings to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.

How do I get the cups out of the muffin pan without breaking them?

Let the cups cool for a couple of minutes after baking, then gently run a butter knife around the edges and lift them out. Greasing your pan well beforehand makes this step a breeze!

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about the combination of warm, cheesy potatoes and smoky bacon all wrapped up in a cute, crispy cup. Loaded Potato Cups take everything you love about loaded potatoes and make it even more fun—and perfectly shareable! Whether you serve them at a lively get-together or a cozy brunch, I can’t wait for you to share these with friends and family. Give them a try and let the compliments roll in!