Loaded Mashed Potato Cups: Crispy, Cheesy, and Perfectly Portionable

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded Mashed Potato Cups are a fun and flavorful way to turn classic mashed potatoes into an irresistible baked dish. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these cups are packed with cheesy, savory goodness in every bite. I first made them as a way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, and they quickly became a favorite for both family dinners and gatherings. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its versatility. These cups work just as well as an appetizer as they do as a side dish, and their individual portions make serving effortless. They are easy to prepare, bake beautifully in a muffin tin, and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether for holidays, parties, or weeknight meals, these mashed potato cups deliver comfort and convenience in a perfectly sized package.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes form the base of the cups. Both freshly made and leftover mashed potatoes work well, as long as they are thick and well-seasoned.

Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese adds sharp, savory flavor and melts beautifully, creating a rich interior.

Sour Cream
Sour cream adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the richness of the potatoes and cheese.

Green Onions
Green onions provide freshness and mild bite, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Eggs
Eggs help bind the mixture together, ensuring the cups hold their shape once baked.

Butter
Butter adds richness and helps create a golden, crisp exterior.

Salt
Salt enhances flavor and ensures the potatoes are well seasoned.

Black Pepper
Black pepper adds subtle heat and depth without overpowering the dish.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and generously greasing a standard muffin tin. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, eggs, melted butter, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully combined and smooth.

Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each nearly to the top. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the mixture down and smooth the surface.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the edges are crisp. Allow the cups to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 loaded mashed potato cups. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a baking time of about 30 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover Loaded Mashed Potato Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes to restore crispness, or microwave briefly for convenience.

Variations and Customizations

Loaded Mashed Potato Cups are easy to adapt based on taste and occasion. For extra indulgence, I sometimes mix in cooked bacon pieces or top the cups with additional cheese before baking. These additions add texture and deeper savory flavor.

You can also swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or a blended cheese for a milder profile. I have prepared these cups using garlic mashed potatoes, which adds another layer of flavor without extra effort.

For a lighter version, reduced-fat sour cream and cheese may be used with good results. You can also add finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrition. These customizations make the recipe flexible while keeping its comforting appeal.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Loaded Mashed Potato Cups provide carbohydrates from potatoes along with protein and fat from cheese and eggs. Portion control is straightforward thanks to the individual cups. Reduced-fat dairy can be used to adjust nutritional content if needed.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Thick Potatoes
Use thick mashed potatoes to help the cups hold their shape.

Grease Well
Generously grease the muffin tin to prevent sticking.

Golden Tops
For extra browning, broil briefly at the end of baking.

FAQs

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

Yes, this recipe is ideal for leftovers.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they can be baked and reheated before serving.

Do these freeze well?

Yes, freeze baked cups and reheat in the oven.

Can I make them without eggs?

Eggs help bind the cups, but texture will be softer without them.

Are these good for parties?

Yes, they are easy to serve and very popular.

Can I add bacon?

Yes, cooked bacon pieces work very well.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but other melting cheeses work too.

How do I prevent sticking?

Grease the muffin tin thoroughly.

Can I make mini versions?

Yes, use a mini muffin tin and reduce baking time.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yes, the flavors are familiar and comforting.

Conclusion

Loaded Mashed Potato Cups are a simple yet satisfying way to elevate classic mashed potatoes into a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish. Easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, these cups deliver comforting flavor in every bite. Once you try them, they are sure to become a staple for both everyday meals and special gatherings.

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