If you’ve ever wondered what to do with those leftover mashed potatoes sitting in the fridge, let me introduce you to the absolute joy that is Mashed Potato Cups. Fluffy, cheesy, and perfectly crisp on the edges, this recipe transforms humble potatoes into a portable, party-ready treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether it’s a cozy brunch, an easy dinner side, or a make-ahead snack for busy weeks, these Mashed Potato Cups are as versatile as they are delicious. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be making extra mashed potatoes on purpose just to have a reason for these creamy, golden little gems!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of accessible, everyday ingredients to make Mashed Potato Cups, but each one packs a punch when it comes to flavor and texture. These heroes come together to create crispy, creamy bites with just the right amount of gooey cheese and a hint of fresh green onion.
- Leftover Mashed Potatoes (2 cups): The star of the show! Creamy mashed potatoes hold everything together and provide the comforting base.
- Large Egg (1): Acts as a binder, making sure your Mashed Potato Cups don’t fall apart.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds irresistible melty, cheesy goodness to each bite.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Brings a salty, savory kick and helps the tops get beautifully golden.
- Chopped Green Onions (2 tablespoons): These add freshness, color, and just the right bit of zing.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors—taste your mash before adding more salt since cheese can be salty.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy release from the muffin tin and helps your cups get nicely crisped.
- Optional Bacon Bits or Sour Cream for Topping: Perfect for adding a little extra indulgence and building your own flavor adventure at the table.
How to Make Mashed Potato Cups
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. This not only prevents sticking (so important!), but also helps the edges of your Mashed Potato Cups crisp up beautifully for that irresistible texture.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine your leftover mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, green onions, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended. Don’t be shy — make sure all the cheese and onions are evenly distributed so every Mashed Potato Cup gets its fair share of flavor.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the prepared cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Use the back of your spoon to smooth the tops; this helps them bake up evenly and look polished when you pop them out of the tin.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the edges are slightly crispy. Your kitchen will be filled with cheesy, potatoey aromas, so don’t be surprised if everyone comes wandering in!
Step 5: Cool and Remove
Let the Mashed Potato Cups cool for about five minutes in the tin—this lets them firm up just enough so they pop out easily. Carefully run a small knife or spatula around the edges and gently lift them out. Serve warm and get ready for a lot of happy faces!
How to Serve Mashed Potato Cups
Garnishes
Have fun personalizing your Mashed Potato Cups! Sprinkle with extra green onions for a fresh pop of color, a dollop of cool sour cream for creamy tang, or crispy bacon bits if you want something extra savory. Each topping adds a new layer of character and makes these little cups feel even more special.
Side Dishes
Mashed Potato Cups are wonderfully versatile and pair well with almost any main — from grilled chicken, roast beef, to lighter options like a big green salad. For a cozy brunch, try serving them with scrambled eggs, sautéed spinach, or smoked salmon. They also shine as a hearty appetizer at your next gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your presentation game by serving these cups on a rustic wooden board with a wink of fresh herbs scattered around. For parties, pass them around on a platter with a selection of dips or place a Mashed Potato Cup “bar” on your buffet where guests can top their own. Kids especially love anything in muffin form, so pop a couple into lunchboxes for a savory surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mashed Potato Cups (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) store well in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. This makes them perfect for meal prep or late-night snacking.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Mashed Potato Cups! After baking and cooling, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just grab a few whenever you need a quick side or snack.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the cups on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crisp on the outside, about 10 minutes. For a quick fix, you can microwave them for a couple of minutes, but the oven keeps that delightful crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! While homemade mashed potatoes yield the best flavor and texture, instant mashed potatoes work just fine in a pinch. Just make sure they’re not too runny — a thicker mash is best for forming sturdy Mashed Potato Cups.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and bake your Mashed Potato Cups, then let them cool and refrigerate in a sealed container. Simply reheat before serving and they’ll taste freshly made. Great for parties or holidays when time is tight.
How do I make them gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t include flour or breadcrumbs. Just double-check your nonstick spray and other optional ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well, and you’re good to go!
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to get creative! Mashed Potato Cups work well with other melty cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere. Try blending a couple together for a custom cheese flavor that suits your taste.
Can I add extra ingredients to the mixture?
Definitely! Stir in extras such as chopped cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, finely diced bell peppers, or even cooked broccoli. The cups are a perfect canvas for your favorite mix-ins, so don’t hold back.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, delicious, and wildly crowd-pleasing way to upgrade your leftovers, Mashed Potato Cups are about to become your new obsession. They’re easy, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your table — so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making mashed potatoes just to enjoy these again and again!
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Mashed Potato Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Mashed Potato Cups are a delicious way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, creating individual portions that are perfect as a side dish or savory snack. Packed with cheesy goodness and flavorful green onions, they are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Optional bacon bits or sour cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops with a spoon.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin.
- Serve: Serve warm, topped with optional bacon bits, sour cream, or extra green onions.
Notes
- These are perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed veggies for extra flavor.
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