Side Dish

Mashed Potato Cups – Comfort Food Meals

Name: Mashed Potato Cups – Comfort Food Meals
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: ¼ cup crispy bacon bits; 1 teaspoon roasted garlic powder; ¼ cup grated parmesan; 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions; 1 teaspoon sea salt; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh green chives; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups creamy mashed potatoes; ¾ cup whole milk; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 medium russet potatoes; ¼ cup tangy sour cream

Lauren Miller August 7, 2025

Servings: 12 Total Time: 50 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Every great dish deserves a partner, and mashed potato cups are no exception. These delightful bites can complement various foods for a well-rounded meal.

For an American twist, think crispy fried chicken or savory meatloaf. Feeling adventurous? Try pairing them with spicy shrimp tacos for a delicious contrast. If you’re in a Mediterranean mood, a lemony grilled fish brings a refreshing touch.

And for those cold winter nights, a warm and hearty beef stew will wrap around you like a cozy blanket. Plus, who could resist the joy of a side salad with refreshing greens and vinaigrette? The options are limitless! This is a dish that adapts seamlessly, opening the door to a range of flavors.

Let’s face it. Mashed potatoes hold a special place in our hearts (and stomachs). But what if I told you that there’s a way to bring a little more charm to this beloved classic?

Enter mashed potato cups—a delightful twist on the traditional favorite.

They’re comforting, versatile, and, most importantly, just plain fun to eat! Imagine little, fluffy portions of mashed goodness, perfectly shaped, and ready for dipping or garnishing. They make a fantastic appetizer or a side dish that steals the show.

So, why mashed potato cups?

Well, they combine crispy edges with a creamy interior, creating an irresistible texture. And they’re easy to make! You can enjoy them at family gatherings, or they can simply elevate your weeknight dinner game. You’ll want to treat yourself to this delightful little cup of joy!

What Are Mashed Potato Cups?

Mashed potato cups are delightful little servings of your favorite comfort food, shaped into charming little vessels. The idea is straightforward: creamy mashed potatoes are molded into cup shapes, baked until golden, and can be filled or topped with diverse ingredients. Imagine a small cup that can hold stuff like cheese, vegetables, or crumbled bacon. Perfect, right?

This dish not only satisfies cravings but also impresses visually. Each little cup is a testament to the creativity we can squeeze into our cooking endeavors. They cater to all ages; kids enjoy the fun shapes, while adults appreciate the flavor.

How Do They Taste?

When digging into a mashed potato cup, you’ll first experience the crispiness—a beautiful contrast to the warm, smooth interior. The flavor is classic. Think buttery, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.

With each bite, the taste of freshly made potatoes shines through. Add a sprinkle of cheese or toppings, and you transform a familiar favorite into something transcendent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

You might ask, why should I try making mashed potato cups?

The answer is simple. They are incredibly versatile. The flavor profile is adaptable to your preferences. Plus, they bring joy to the table. Kids and adults alike will enjoy scooping up the flavors. Not to mention, they’re a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes!

What’s more, they’re surprisingly easy to make—you can whip them up even on a busy day. The satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch cannot be overlooked. Not only do they taste fantastic, but they also look unique and fun.

Ingredients

To make these delightful mashed potato cups, gather the following ingredients:

Main Mixture:

¼ cup crispy bacon bits

1 teaspoon roasted garlic powder

¼ cup grated parmesan

2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions

1 teaspoon sea salt

¼ cup finely chopped fresh green chives

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups creamy mashed potatoes

Mashed Potatoes Base:

¾ cup whole milk

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 medium russet potatoes

¼ cup tangy sour cream

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing the russet potatoes. Then, peel and cut them into quarters. Put them in a pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt.

Boil until tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork. Drain the potatoes and steam them for a couple of minutes to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Mash and Mix

Transfer your cooked potatoes back into the pot. Add the butter, milk, and sour cream. Using a potato masher or fork, mix until creamy. Avoid over-mashing, or your potatoes may become gluey. Once smooth, stir in the seasonings: garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Add Mix-Ins

Now it’s time for the fun part. Fold in the crispy bacon bits, cheese, scallions, and chives. Make sure everything is well combined. The creamy texture mixed with the bits of goodness will make this mixture irresistible.

Step 4: Shape and Fill

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a muffin tin and grease it well to ensure easy removal. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, fill each cup with your mashed potato mixture. Gently press down and smooth the tops. A little indentation in the center works well if you want to add extra toppings later.

Step 5: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them—everyone loves a perfect golden top!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once done your mashed potato cups, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, gently remove them from the tin using a fork or spatula. Serve them warm, and feel free to top with more cheese or sour cream depending on your desire.

Tips on Making Mashed Potato Cups

1. Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for a fluffy mash due to their high starch content.
2. Don’t Overmix: Keep it gentle when mashing. A light touch ensures a smooth texture.
3. Experiment with Toppings: Try sour cream, cheese, or even guacamole as finishing touches.
4. Bake to Perfection: Adjust the baking time based on how crispy you like your cups.
5. Line the Muffin Tin: If you want easy removal, consider using parchment paper liners for the muffin pan.

Nutrition Information

Mashed Potato Cups Nutrition Facts

How Do You Store These Mashed Potato Cups?

Storing mashed potato cups is incredibly easy:

Refrigeration: Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: You can freeze the cups for up to a month. Simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat them in the oven without thawing for the best results.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Mashed Potato Cups?

1. Sweet Potatoes: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a healthier and sweeter variant.
2. Cauliflower: For a low-carb option, use mashed cauliflower instead. It’s light and equally creamy!
3. Greek Yogurt: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for added protein and a tangy flavor.
4. Vegan Butter: If you want dairy-free cups, use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
5. Seasoned Bread Crumbs: Toss some bread crumbs on top before baking for a delightful crunch.

Conclusion

Mashed potato cups are a perfect fusion of fun and flavor. They transform a comforting classic into an exciting culinary experience.

Whether served as an appetizer or a side, these cups deliver smiles and satisfaction all around. You can whip them up quickly, adapt them based on dietary needs, and even prepare them in advance.

So, wait no longer. Gather your ingredients and dive into this delightful dish! You’ll not only make your taste buds happy, but you may also turn mealtime into something memorable.

Join the crowd of happy eaters who have already fallen in love with these little potato wonders. Enjoy, and remember, it’s all about embracing creativity in the kitchen!

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