Mashed Potato Cups are a fun and delicious way to serve leftover mashed potatoes, baked into crispy, cheesy portions in a muffin tin. These savory bites are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, and they’re easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)eggscheddar cheese (shredded)green onions (chopped)salt and pepperbutter (melted)optional toppings: sour cream, bacon bits, extra cheese, chives
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, mix together mashed potatoes, eggs, shredded cheese, green onions, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spoon the potato mixture into each muffin cup, filling nearly to the top and smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon.
Drizzle or brush a little melted butter on top of each cup for added crispness.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are lightly browned.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the muffin tin.
Serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream, bacon bits, or extra cheese.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 mashed potato cups.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 20–25 minutesTotal time: 30–35 minutes
Variations
Mix in cooked bacon, ham, or sausage for a protein boost.
Add herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese.
Stir in steamed broccoli or spinach for added veggies.
Use mini muffin tins for bite-sized party snacks.
storage/reheating
Store leftover mashed potato cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, just make sure they are thick and not too runny to hold their shape when baked.
Can I freeze mashed potato cups?
Yes, freeze them after baking. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but any melty cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack works great.
Do I have to use eggs?
Eggs help bind the mixture and create structure. Without them, the cups may not hold together well.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate the unbaked cups for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
Conclusion
Mashed Potato Cups are a clever, tasty way to enjoy mashed potatoes in a new form—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re using leftovers or starting fresh, these savory cups make a perfect side dish or party favorite that everyone will love.
PrintMashed Potato Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mashed Potato Cups are a fun and tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Baked in a muffin tin with cheese and seasonings, these individual servings are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside—perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, egg, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin, dividing evenly among the cups. Press down lightly with the back of a spoon to compact.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cups are set.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm, garnished with extra chives if desired.
Notes
- For a crispy bottom, add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or cheese in the bottom of each muffin cup before filling.
- You can add crumbled bacon or cooked veggies to the mix for variety.
- These can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or microwave.