mashed potato cups

You know those days? Which ones need to be on the table, like, yesterday, and you’re staring into the fridge. And then you stare at the refrigerator. What is a mix of panic and despair? Yeah, I have those. A lot. I’ve learned to cultivate a few “ace up my sleeve” recipes, the ones that are so good. Isn’t it delicious and surprisingly easy, they practically save my sanity? What are some of my favorite mashed potato cups? What are some of the best flavorless cupcakes you’ve ever had? Think of them as the ultimate comfort food, miniaturized and made even more irresistible. Isn’t it delicious to eat these little clouds of savory goodness? I first stumbled upon the idea of mashed potato cups a few years back, looking for an easy way to use them. I ate leftover mashed potatoes and never looked back. Is it easier to make mashed potatoes than pie? This recipe, though, it’s the one that truly clicked. What is that perfect balance of fluffy potato, creamy richness, and a hint of something special? What makes you want to dive in? My family devours them, and I often make a double batch just to guarantee I have some leftovers for dinner. What is lunch the next day? What are my go-tos for potlucks, holiday sides, and honestly, just because. Is it possible to make these edible cupcakes?

What is a mashed potato cup?

What are these magical little things? What are mashed potato cups? They are individual portions of creamy, flavorful potatoes baked. In muffin tins, to create a delightful, slightly crispy-cupped exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Think of them as a delightful upgrade to your traditional mashed potato side dish, but in an easy, fun way. What is a bite They’re not overly complicated. At their core, they’re just seasoned mashed potatoes, but the baking process transforms them. Is it perfect for holding little pockets of deliciousness? Is there a slight caramelization on the edges? Is it divine? What is a recipe that takes humble mashed potatoes and turns them into something truly special? What is something special, something that feels like a treat but is still incredibly comforting? What is the best part of a Loaded Baked Potato? a perfect, individual serving. The name itself just sounds adorable, doesn’t it? And the reality lives up to the name. What are some of the best foods you have ever eaten?

Why do you like this recipe?

Honestly, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why these mashed potato cups have become a staple in my kitchen, and I just know you’re going to fall in love with them too. Let’s talk flavor first, because that’s always my priority. These aren’t just plain potatoes; they’re infused with garlic, a touch of Parmesan cheese for that umami kick, and a hint of chives for freshness. When they bake, the edges get this beautiful golden-brown crispness that’s just heaven. The texture is spot-on – fluffy inside, a little chewy and caramelized on the outside. It’s pure potato perfection. And the simplicity? Oh my goodness, this is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. You can use leftover mashed potatoes, or whip up a fresh batch in no time. The ingredient list is pretty standard, things you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, they’re incredibly cost-effective. Potatoes are cheap, butter and cheese are usually on hand, and you’ve got yourself a gourmet-feeling side dish for pennies. What I love most about these is their incredible versatility. You can serve them as a side dish to almost anything – roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked fish, or even a vegetarian entree. They’re elegant enough for a holiday dinner but casual enough for a weeknight meal. If you’re a fan of my garlic herb mashed potatoes, you’ll adore these, but with the added fun of the baked texture. They’re also fantastic for meal prepping because they hold up so well. My kids actually ask for these all the time, which is a huge win in my book! They’re just infinitely more fun than a bowl of plain mashed potatoes, and they disappear in minutes at my house. Trust me on this one, you’ll be making them again and again.

How do you make mashed potato cups?

Quick Overview

How do you make mashed potato cups? Is it really a matter of getting your mashed potatoes seasoned perfectly, and then putting them together? With an egg and a little flour, then baking them in muffin tins until they’re golden and delicious. What happens in the oven, where potatoes turn into these delicious mashed potatoes? Cups with slightly crisp edges. Is it worth it to bake a cake for 15 minutes? What is a good side dish? I love how forgiving this recipe is. Even if your mashed potatoes are a little on the dry side, they’ll still turn out delicious. What’s the best way to get that savory flavor profile right?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: How do I make
4 cups leftover or freshly made mashed potatoes (cold or room temperature is best)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 1 cup shredded Par
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (or green onions)?
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
Butter or cooking spray for greasing the muffin tin.

For the Filling:
Optional additions like cooked crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, finely diced ham. I usually keep them plain for the classic taste, but sometimes I’ll toss in a tablespoon of sour cream. I like them all the same. If my mashed potatoes are a bit stiff, I need to add cream for extra creaminess.

For the Glaze:
Optional: Melted butter, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or sour cream for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

What should I do first, get my oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)? How do I get those golden edges? While the oven is heating, grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Can you use butter, cooking spray, or bacon fat for extra flavor? If you have some on hand, you can always make some. How do you make mashed potato cups? I usually use a pastry brush to get an even layer of butter. A well-greased pan is your best friend here.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, I like to combine Parmesan cheese, chives, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and black pepper. I serve this as an appetizer. Give them a quick whisk to distribute everything evenly. The flour acts as a binder, helping the cups hold their shape, and the Parmesan and chives add so much flavor. What is the best flavor right from the start? Don’t skip the salt and pepper; seasoning at this stage is key. If you like mashed potatoes, taste first. They might already be seasoned.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate, larger bowl, add your mashed potatoes. Is room temperature ideal for cooking? Add the beaten eggs. What is the egg that binds everything together and gives cups a nice richness? If you’re adding optional creamy ingredients like sour cream, now’s the time to stir them in. I want to make sure everything is just right. I You want a smooth, cohesive mixture.

Step 4: Combine

Now, pour the dry ingredient mixture into the bowl with the mashed potatoes. Gently fold everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon until it’s just combined. What is the key here? How do you incorporate the flour and seasonings without making the potato mixture tough? What should be a thick, scoopable batter? If your mashed potatoes are very soft, you might need an extra tablespoon of flour. If they’re very stiff, you might need a tiny splash of milk or cream.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

If you’re using any add-ins for the filling, now is the time to gently fold them into your main Filling. What is the recipe for mashed potato What’s better, a little bit of cooked bacon or shredded cheddar cheese folded in makes these even more decadent. Just make sure any additions are cooled and not wet. I usually save the cheese for a little sprinkle on top before baking to make cheesy crust.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

How do I make muffins? Spoon the mashed potato mixture evenly into the muffin cups, filling each one about 12 full? Two-thirds to three-quarters full. How do you scoop Ice Cream? For a bit of flair, you can gently swirl the top with the back of your spoon or your finger. If you want to add a little extra cheese on top, do it now. What is the best way to create a golden crust when baking?

Step 7: Bake

How do you put a muffin tin in the oven? Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are slightly firm. How long can you bake mashed potatoes? Keep an eye on them. If you press the side of a cup, it should spring back slightly.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Once the muffins are golden brown, remove them from the oven. Let the mashed potato cups cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. Is it easier to remove a plastic bag? You can then carefully run a knife or offset spatula around the edges of the wire and lift them out onto the metal wire. How do you cool a rack? If you’re using a glaze or topping, this is the time to drizzle or dollop it on. I love a brush of melted butter and chives. I like them both so much.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

What are the best mashed potato cups to serve warm? What are some good ways to slice a banana in half? What are some of the best Side Dishes to serve with a salad? The aroma alone as they bake is enough to make everyone gather in the kitchen, eagerly awaiting their turn. I find they disappear from the platter faster than anything else. They are a crowd pleaser. I bring to a gathering anything else that I want to bring.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best mashed potato cups? Can anchor so many different meals? I like to serve these muffins with a poached egg on top, maybe with some extra virgin olive oil. Is it good to serve a dollop of hollandaise with chives? What are some good side dishes to serve with bacon or sausage? For an elegant brunch spread, imagine them nestled next to smoked salmon and a fresh green salad. As a dessert? What is a good dessert? Think of them as a mini shepherd’s pie topping, but baked individually. What are some of the best party favors you’ve ever seen? What are some comforting snacks to grab while they’re still warm from the oven? What is comfort food? My family loves grilled chicken or pork chops. Isn’t it delicious? They are so adaptable, and that’s part of their charm. We even had them as a vegetarian main course once with an extra big, hearty mushroom gravy poured over the top. Is there any way to top it and it was phenomenal? Is there any limit to the possibilities?

What are some tips for perfecting mashed potatoes cups?

Over the years, I’ve definitely picked up a few tricks to make sure my mashed potato cups turn out perfectly every single time. First, regarding the potato prep: if you’re making them fresh, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. Boil them until they’re fork-tender, then drain them really well. Watery potatoes are the enemy of firm mashed potato cups! When mashing, don’t overwork them, or they can become gummy. My favorite trick is to use a ricer or a food mill for the smoothest texture, but a good old-fashioned masher works too. For the mixing advice, the most important thing is to not overmix once you add the flour and egg. You want to combine everything until it’s just incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour and can make your cups dense and tough. Look for a consistency that’s thick enough to hold its shape but still scoopable. If your mixture seems too loose, you can always add another tablespoon of flour or a little bit of breadcrumbs to help it firm up. When it comes to swirl customization, it’s really just for looks, but it does add a nice touch! You can swirl the top with a fork before baking, or even press a small piece of cheese or a sprinkle of herbs into the center. For ingredient swaps, I’ve had great success using buttermilk instead of regular milk if I need to loosen up the mashed potatoes a bit – it adds a lovely tang. For a dairy-free version, you can use olive oil or plant-based butter, and a plant-based milk or even unsweetened applesauce in place of the egg binder. Baking tips are pretty standard: make sure your oven is accurately preheated. If you notice the tops browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the muffin tin with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. And always, always grease your muffin tin thoroughly! I learned that lesson the hard way after a batch got stuck. For glaze variations, a simple brush of melted butter with a pinch of garlic salt is wonderful, or you can top them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt after baking. A little sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add a nice color and subtle smoky flavor.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

These little gems are definitely best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they do store and reheat quite well, which is a huge bonus. If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can keep them at room temperature for up to two hours, but after that, it’s best to get them into the refrigerator. For refrigerator storage, I like to place the cooled mashed potato cups in an airtight container. They should stay fresh and tasty in the fridge for about 3-4 days. The key is to make sure they’re completely cooled before you seal the container, otherwise, you’ll create condensation, and nobody wants soggy potato cups! When it comes to freezing, these actually freeze surprisingly well. I recommend flash-freezing them first. Place the cooled cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, you have a few options. The easiest is in the microwave, but they can sometimes lose their crispness. For the best results, I recommend reheating them in a moderate oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If they were frozen, you might need a bit longer, and you can reheat them directly from frozen or after thawing them in the refrigerator overnight. If you want to revive any crispness, a quick blast under the broiler for a minute or two at the end can work wonders, but watch them carefully! For glaze timing advice, I always recommend adding any glazes or toppings *after* reheating, especially if you’re using something like sour cream or a fresh herb garnish. Melted butter or a sprinkle of cheese can be added before reheating if you like.

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Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my absolute favorite way to enjoy mashed potatoes. These mashed potato cups are truly a game-changer. They’re simple, they’re delicious, and they always manage to impress. Whether you’re looking for a foolproof side dish for your next family dinner, a fun appetizer for a party, or just a comforting treat to brighten your day, these little cups have got you covered. They take the humble potato to a whole new level of yum. I really hope you give them a try, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! If you loved these, you might also enjoy my loaded baked potato skins or my creamy scalloped potatoes for more potato-inspired goodness. Let me know in the comments below how yours turned out, or if you have any special additions you love to include. Happy baking, and more importantly, happy eating!