Crispy Mashed Potato Cups: A Bite-Sized Delight for Any Occasion

Mashed potatoes are a timeless comfort food, but have you ever thought about serving them in a fun, bite-sized form? Enter Crispy Mashed Potato Cups, a creative twist on classic mashed potatoes that’s guaranteed to impress. These golden, crispy cups are filled with creamy mashed potato goodness and topped with your favorite ingredients for an explosion of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a holiday feast, or simply looking for a new way to enjoy leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Portable: Serve mashed potatoes in a handheld, bite-sized format—perfect for parties, potlucks, or casual dinners.
• Customizable Toppings: Tailor the recipe to suit your taste by adding herbs, spices, or other toppings.
• Uses Leftovers: This is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into something entirely new and exciting.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the playful presentation and delicious flavors.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make these ahead of time and store them for quick reheating later.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives

For the Cups:

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Optional Toppings:

• Extra shredded cheese
• Additional green onions or chives
• A dollop of sour cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potato Mixture

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly with nonstick spray or melted butter to prevent sticking. Silicone muffin liners can also be used for easier removal.
2. Mix Mashed Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and green onions. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring the cups hold their shape during baking.

Assemble the Cups

3. Prepare the Crust: In a separate bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand. This will form the crispy crust at the bottom of each cup.
4. Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon about a tablespoon of the panko mixture into each muffin cup. Press it down firmly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to create an even layer. This crust adds texture and prevents the cups from falling apart.
5. Add Mashed Potatoes: Divide the mashed potato mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each one generously. Use a spoon or spatula to smooth the tops for a clean finish. If desired, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for extra cheesiness.

Bake and Serve

6. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy. For an extra-crispy finish, broil the cups for the last 2–3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
7. Cool and Remove: Allow the cups to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before gently removing them with a knife or small spatula. Transfer them to a serving platter and garnish with optional toppings like green onions or a dollop of sour cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 potato cups
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Save

Variations to Try

This recipe is highly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients:

• Herb-Infused Cups: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the mashed potato mixture for a fragrant twist.
• Cheesy Delight: Mix in mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack cheese for a melty, gooey center.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in finely chopped cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute panko bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These mashed potato cups are not only delicious but also convenient for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked potato cups in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the cups in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave them until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
   Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly. Just ensure they aren’t too runny; if needed, mix in a little more sour cream or cheese to thicken them.
2. How do I prevent the potato cups from sticking to the pan?
   Grease the muffin tin thoroughly with nonstick spray or melted butter. Alternatively, use silicone muffin liners for effortless removal.
3. Can I make these potato cups ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the cups in the muffin tin and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply increase the baking time by a few minutes if they’re cold from the fridge.
4. What can I serve with mashed potato cups?
   These cups pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a fresh salad. They’re also a great appetizer or snack on their own.
5. How do I keep the mashed potato cups from falling apart?
   Adding an egg to the mashed potato mixture helps bind everything together, ensuring the cups stay intact.
6. Can I add vegetables to the potato mixture?
   Definitely! Finely chopped cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn can be mixed in for added flavor and nutrition.
7. Can I skip the panko crust?
   Yes, you can omit the crust and simply bake the mashed potato mixture in greased muffin cups. While the texture will differ slightly, the cups will still be delicious.
8. Are these potato cups kid-friendly?
   Absolutely! Kids love the crispy exterior and creamy interior, plus you can customize the toppings to suit their preferences.
9. Can I serve these at room temperature?
   Yes, these cups are tasty both warm and at room temperature, making them ideal for parties and potlucks.
10. How do I make these potato cups extra crispy?
    Broiling them for the last 2–3 minutes of baking will give the tops a golden, crispy finish.

Conclusion

Crispy Mashed Potato Cups are a delightful way to elevate traditional mashed potatoes into something extraordinary. With their crunchy crust, creamy filling, and endless topping possibilities, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Easy to prepare, customizable, and utterly delicious, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves potatoes. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to wow your taste buds with this crowd-pleasing dish!