Description

These Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are a delightful and cheesy appetizer or side dish perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes. Crispy on the outside and soft in the center, they are filled with your choice of savory fillings like ground beef, shredded chicken, or sautéed vegetables, then topped with melted cheese for an irresistible bite.

Ingredients

Mashed Potato Nest

3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and cooled)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)

Filling and Topping

1 cup cooked filling of choice (e.g., ground beef, shredded chicken, sautéed veggies)
Additional cheese for topping

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Mix mashed potato base: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Shape nests: Spoon the potato mixture into each muffin cup, using the back of the spoon to gently press into a nest shape with a raised edge and a hollow center.
Bake first phase: Bake the nests for 15–18 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and firm.
Add filling and cheese topping: Remove the nests from the oven, fill the hollow centers with your cooked filling, then sprinkle additional cheese over the top of each nest.
Bake until bubbly: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
Cool and garnish: Allow the nests to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tin. Garnish with chopped chives if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Great for using leftover mashed potatoes and reducing food waste.
Customizable fillings work well—try taco-seasoned ground beef, creamed spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for variety.
These nests freeze well; reheat in the oven to restore crispness.