If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and downright irresistible way to enjoy mashed potatoes, these Mashed Potato Cups are your new best friend. They’re creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden on the outside—think of them as individual servings of comfort food heaven. Whether you’re trying to reinvent leftover mashed potatoes or whip up a fresh batch just for this, these little cups come together quickly and are perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Portable Comfort Food: These cups are great for parties, packed lunches, or just a cozy dinner at home. No need to scoop from a big bowl—everyone gets their own golden, crispy cup!
Incredibly Easy to Make: If you’ve got mashed potatoes on hand, you’re more than halfway there. Even making a fresh batch takes no time at all.
Crispy Outside, Creamy Inside: The edges crisp up beautifully in the oven, while the inside stays creamy and cheesy. It’s an amazing contrast of textures.
Customizable: You can mix and match ingredients based on what’s in your fridge. Bacon? Yes. Chives? Absolutely. Leftover roasted garlic? Throw it in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes or make a fresh batch—just make sure they’re smooth and seasoned well.
Egg: Helps bind everything together so the cups hold their shape.
Cheddar Cheese: For that melty, savory goodness. You can use sharp cheddar or mix in mozzarella for extra stretch.
Green Onions: Adds a pop of freshness and mild bite. Chives work too!
Cooked Bacon: Optional, but adds an amazing smoky crunch. Turkey bacon or veggie bacon bits work as substitutes.
Butter: Adds richness and helps get that golden brown crust.
Salt and Pepper: To taste—be sure your mashed potatoes are well seasoned before assembling.
Breadcrumbs (Optional): For a bit of crunch on top or bottom—totally optional, but a nice touch.

Variations

Loaded Mashed Potato Cups: Add sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, and bacon—just like your favorite loaded baked potato.
Veggie-Style: Stir in finely chopped steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or even corn for added texture and nutrition.
Spicy Twist: Mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to bring the heat.
Mini Shepherd’s Pie: Add a spoonful of cooked ground beef or lentils in the center before baking.

How to Make Mashed Potato Cups

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray or a bit of melted butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, egg, shredded cheese, green onions, and any extras like bacon. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the potato mixture into each muffin cup, packing it in slightly so it holds its shape. You can top each one with a sprinkle of cheese or breadcrumbs for a little crunch.

Step 4: Bake

Place the tin in the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the edges look crisp.

Step 5: Cool and Release

Let the cups cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Use a butter knife to gently loosen the edges and lift them out.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: They’re easier to work with and hold their shape better in the muffin tin.
Don’t Overfill: Fill the muffin cups just to the top. Overfilling can cause them to puff up and spill over.
Use Muffin Liners if Needed: For easier cleanup or transport, paper liners can help—just spray them lightly so the potatoes don’t stick.
Let Them Rest: They’ll firm up a bit as they cool, which makes them easier to remove from the tin and eat by hand.

How to Serve

These mashed potato cups are super versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy them:

As a Side Dish

Pair with roasted chicken, grilled sausages, or meatloaf. They add a fun twist to any protein-heavy meal.

For Brunch

Serve with eggs, avocado, and a light salad for a hearty and unique brunch option.

As a Snack or Appetizer

Set out a tray with dipping sauces like sour cream, ranch, or sriracha mayo for guests to enjoy.

On the Go

Pack them for lunch or a picnic—they’re just as tasty at room temperature.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Place cooled mashed potato cups on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 30–60 seconds, though the texture is best when oven-reheated.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure they’re thick, not too runny, and well-seasoned. Add a bit of extra cheese or seasoning to boost the flavor.

What if my mashed potatoes are too runny?
Mix in a bit of extra cheese, breadcrumbs, or even a tablespoon of flour to help thicken the mixture. The consistency should be scoopable and hold its shape.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just skip the bacon or use a vegetarian substitute. You can load up on herbs, veggies, and cheeses for tons of flavor.

Can I make these in advance for a party?
Yes! Make them the day before and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for 10 minutes before serving so they’re warm and crispy.

Final Thoughts

These Mashed Potato Cups are everything you love about mashed potatoes—creamy, cheesy, and comforting—wrapped up in an adorable, crispy little package. They’re quick to make, fun to customize, and guaranteed to be a hit at the table. Whether you’re using up leftovers or starting from scratch, give these a try—you might just start making mashed potatoes just to turn them into these cups!

Mashed Potato Cups Recipe