These Loaded Mashed Potato Cups are tiny delights filled with creamy mashed potatoes and tasty toppings like cheese, bacon, and green onions. They’re perfect for sharing or just for you!
Who doesn’t love potatoes? I love making these for parties, and they disappear in seconds! Just bake, fill, and enjoy—it’s that easy. You might even want to steal a few before serving! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Potatoes: You can use your favorite homemade mashed potatoes for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, store-bought ones work too! Just watch the salt, as some brands can be quite seasoned.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor kick, but you can swap it for Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you want some heat. You can also use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
Bacon: For a healthier choice, use turkey bacon or even crumbled tempeh for a vegan variant. Smoked paprika can add that smoky flavor if you skip the meat.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a wonderful substitute, giving a tangy flavor and a thicker consistency. If you want a dairy-free option, look for vegan sour cream alternatives.
Chives: Fresh chives are great, but green onions work just as well. If you don’t have either, you can use finely chopped parsley for a bit of color.
How Do I Get Perfectly Shaped Potato Cups?
Shaping the potato cups is key to their success. Here’s how to get those perfect little cups:
- Use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to fill each muffin cup. Press the potatoes down firmly but gently, so they hold their shape.
- Leave a bit of space at the top for cheese and toppings; this helps avoid overflow.
- Let them cool a few minutes before removing them from the pan. This helps them set up and stay intact.
Don’t rush the baking process! If you notice they’re not as golden as you like, just give them a few extra minutes. Enjoy the crispy edges!
Loaded Mashed Potato Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup sour cream, plus extra for topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to bake. You’ll have delicious loaded mashed potato cups ready in about 35 minutes total! Perfect for a quick snack or a fun appetizer for gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting those lovely golden edges on your potato cups! Next, lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to ensure that your tasty creations come out easily.
2. Mix the Mashed Potato Filling:
In a large bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, sour cream, 2 tablespoons of chopped chives, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until well blended. The mixture should be creamy and delicious!
3. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Using a spoon, carefully scoop the potato mixture into the muffin cups. Press them down gently to shape them into cute little potato cups. Make sure they’re packed in well, but not too tight—this will help them hold their shape while baking.
4. Add the Cheese Topping:
Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese on top of each potato cup. This will give you that gooey, cheesy goodness once baked. Who can resist cheese, right?
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want to see the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the cheese become bubbly and delicious!
6. Cool & Add Toppings:
Once they’re beautifully baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This helps them set up a bit. Top each cup with crumbled bacon, a little dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of the remaining chopped chives for a pop of color and flavor.
7. Time to Serve!
Enjoy your loaded mashed potato cups warm as a yummy appetizer, side dish, or snack. These little bites are sure to please everyone—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with flavor!
Dig in and enjoy all the happy moments created with these delightful cups!
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for these cups. Just make sure they are well-mixed and not overly dry. If they seem a bit stiff, add a splash of milk or extra sour cream to loosen them up before assembling.
How Can I Make These Cups Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the mashed potato mixture and fill the muffin tins a few hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them! Just add a minute or two to the baking time if they go into the oven cold.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Get creative! Besides bacon and sour cream, you can try toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even different cheeses like mozzarella or feta. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also add a nice touch!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick heat-up, though the oven will keep them crispy!
