Description
Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests offer a delightful and comforting twist on classic mashed potatoes. These creamy and cheesy potato nests are baked until golden and crispy on the edges, then filled with savory bacon bits or sautéed vegetables, making them a perfect side dish, appetizer, or festive addition to your holiday meals.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Nests
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (made from about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Filling
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits or sautéed vegetables
- 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese (optional for filling)
Garnish
- Chopped chives or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix Potato Base: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with egg, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Form Potato Nests: Scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into each muffin cup. Using your fingers or a spoon, press the mixture against the sides of the cup, creating a hollow ‘nest’ shape with a cavity in the center.
- Initial Baking: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the nests turn golden brown and are set firmly.
- Add Filling: Remove the nests from the oven carefully. Spoon the cooked bacon bits, sautéed vegetables, or a combination of both into the hollow center of each nest. Add a small dollop of sour cream or cream cheese on top if you like.
- Final Bake: Return the filled nests to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes to warm the filling and meld the flavors together.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the nests cool slightly in the tin before gently removing them. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh, colorful finishing touch. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- These nests can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving.
- Leftover mashed potatoes work well, but ensure they are firm enough to hold shape—avoid overly loose consistency.
- Feel free to customize the filling to suit dietary preferences or occasion, using different vegetables, meats, or cheeses.
