Mashed Potato Cups: Easy Recipe & Perfect Portions

Mashed potato cups: Prepare to elevate your side dish game with this delightful and surprisingly elegant twist on a classic comfort food! Imagine perfectly portioned, creamy mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection in individual cups. These aren’t your grandma’s mashed potatoes (though we love those too!). This recipe takes the humble potato to a whole new level of deliciousness and presentation.

While the exact origins of individual potato servings are difficult to pinpoint, the concept of portioning food for both convenience and aesthetic appeal has been around for centuries. Think of elegant canapés at royal banquets or the perfectly formed timbales of classic French cuisine. Mashed potato cups borrow from this tradition, offering a sophisticated yet approachable way to enjoy a beloved dish.

So, why are mashed potatoes such a universal favorite? It’s simple: their creamy, comforting texture and mild flavor make them the perfect blank canvas for a variety of toppings and pairings. They’re also incredibly versatile, working equally well as a side for a hearty roast or a light vegetarian meal. But these aren’t just any mashed potatoes; baking them in individual cups creates a slightly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the fluffy interior. Plus, the individual servings make them perfect for parties, holidays, or even just a special weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these adorable and utterly irresistible mashed potato cups!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Mashed Potatoes:
• 5 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional)
• For the Filling (Choose one or mix and match!):
• Option 1: Bacon & Cheddar: 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Option 2: Broccoli & Cheese: 1 cup steamed and chopped broccoli florets, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Option 3: Spinach & Artichoke: 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 clove garlic, minced
• Option 4: Mushroom & Gruyere: 1 cup sliced mushrooms, sautéed, 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• Option 5: Chili & Cheese: 1 cup prepared chili (beef, turkey, or vegetarian), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• For the Topping (Optional):
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Paprika
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Bacon bits

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
3. While the potatoes are cooking, warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Be careful not to boil it. Warming the cream helps it incorporate smoothly into the potatoes.
4. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the pot.
5. Using a potato ricer or a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they are smooth. A ricer will give you the smoothest results, but a masher works just fine too. Avoid over-mashing, as this can make the potatoes gluey.
6. Add the melted butter, warmed heavy cream, sour cream, and minced garlic to the mashed potatoes. Stir gently until everything is well combined and the potatoes are creamy and smooth.
7. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a teaspoon of salt and a 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and then adjust as needed.
8. If desired, stir in the chopped fresh chives. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor.

Preparing the Filling:

While the potatoes are cooking, prepare your chosen filling. Here are instructions for each of the filling options:

Bacon & Cheddar Filling:

1. Cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
2. Shred cheddar cheese.
3. Combine crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl.

Broccoli & Cheese Filling:

1. Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp.
2. Chop the steamed broccoli into small pieces.
3. Shred cheddar cheese.
4. Combine chopped broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl.

Spinach & Artichoke Filling:

1. Thaw frozen spinach completely. Squeeze out all excess water. This is crucial to prevent a watery filling.
2. Chop artichoke hearts into small pieces.
3. Grate Parmesan cheese.
4. Mince garlic.
5. Combine squeezed spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and minced garlic in a bowl. Mix well.

Mushroom & Gruyere Filling:

1. Slice mushrooms.
2. Sauté the sliced mushrooms in a pan with a little butter or olive oil until they are softened and browned. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Shred Gruyere cheese.
4. Chop fresh thyme.
5. Combine sautéed mushrooms, shredded Gruyere cheese, and chopped fresh thyme in a bowl.

Chili & Cheese Filling:

1. Prepare your favorite chili recipe (beef, turkey, or vegetarian). You can also use canned chili for convenience.
2. Shred cheddar cheese.
3. Combine prepared chili and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl.

Assembling the Mashed Potato Cups:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the mashed potato cups from sticking.
3. Spoon a generous amount of mashed potatoes into each muffin cup, filling it about halfway.
4. Create a well in the center of each mashed potato cup using the back of a spoon. This well will hold the filling.
5. Spoon your chosen filling into the well of each mashed potato cup. Be careful not to overfill them.
6. Top the filled mashed potato cups with more mashed potatoes, covering the filling completely.
7. If desired, sprinkle the tops of the mashed potato cups with shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, chopped fresh parsley, or bacon bits. This adds a nice visual appeal and extra flavor.

Baking the Mashed Potato Cups:

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mashed potato cups are heated through and the tops are lightly golden brown.
2. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the mashed potato cups cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tin. You can use a knife or a small spatula to loosen them if necessary.
3. Serve the mashed potato cups warm. They are delicious as a side dish or as a snack.

Tips and Variations:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes and the filling ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake the mashed potato cups, simply assemble them and bake as directed.
• Freezing: Mashed potato cups can be frozen for later use. After baking, let them cool completely. Then, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mashed potatoes or the filling for a little bit of heat.
• Add Herbs: Experiment with different herbs in the mashed potatoes, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
• Different Cheeses: Use different types of cheese in the filling, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gouda.
• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of heavy cream in the mashed potatoes for a lighter, vegetarian option.
• Individual Serving Dishes: Instead of using a muffin tin, you can bake the mashed potato cups in individual ramekins or oven-safe dishes. This is a great option for a more elegant presentation.
• Gravy: Serve the mashed potato cups with your favorite gravy for an extra-delicious treat.
• Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! Simply prepare the filling and assemble the cups as directed.

Enjoy your delicious and customizable mashed potato cups! They’re sure to be a hit with everyone.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These adorable and utterly delicious mashed potato cups are more than just a side dish; they’re a conversation starter, a comfort food upgrade, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it takes a classic and elevates it to something special, all while remaining incredibly easy to make. Forget boring mashed potatoes served from a bowl – these individual portions are perfect for portion control, elegant presentation, and maximum flavor in every single bite.

Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the sheer deliciousness of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection, these cups offer versatility. They’re fantastic for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or even as a fun appetizer. The crispy edges and soft interior create a textural delight that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. For a truly decadent experience, top your mashed potato cups with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chives, and a crispy piece of bacon. Or, for a vegetarian option, try adding roasted garlic and parmesan cheese to the mashed potato mixture before baking. You could even get creative with different cheeses – Gruyere, cheddar, or even a little blue cheese would add a unique and delicious twist.

Thinking about sides? These cups pair perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a hearty vegetarian lentil loaf. They’re also a fantastic addition to any holiday spread, adding a touch of elegance and comfort to your table. For a fun variation, consider adding a hidden surprise inside each cup – a small piece of cooked broccoli, a dollop of cream cheese, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese. The possibilities are endless!

I’m already imagining all the delicious variations you could come up with! Perhaps a spicy version with a touch of chili powder and jalapeños? Or a Mediterranean-inspired cup with feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes? Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own.

I’m so excited for you to try these mashed potato cups! I know you’ll love them as much as I do. They’re the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and presentation, making them a winner in my book.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen. Once you’ve made these delightful little cups, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you try any fun variations? What did you serve them with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I can’t wait to see what you create and how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy every single bite of these amazing mashed potato cups! I’m confident that this will become a staple recipe in your home, just as it has in mine. Don’t forget to rate the recipe once you’ve tried it! Your feedback helps other home cooks discover this delicious and easy dish.