Crispy golden mashed potato nests stuffed with gooey cheese and savory fillings. These adorable potato cups are creamy inside, crispy outside, and perfect as appetizers, snacks, brunch bites, or side dishes.
🛒 Ingredients (Makes 10–12 Nests)
🔹 Potato Base
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- Salt & black pepper to taste
🔹 Filling Options
- Mozzarella cubes 🧀
- Cooked bacon bits 🥓
- Sautéed mushrooms 🍄
- Spinach 🌿
- Cooked sausage or chicken
🔹 Optional Topping
- Extra cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Chili flakes 🌶️
🍳 Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowl
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Grease muffin tin well
🔸 Step 2: Prepare Potato Mixture
- In bowl combine:
- Mashed potatoes
- Egg
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
- Salt & pepper
🔸 Step 3: Form Nests
- Spoon mixture into muffin cups
- Press center down with spoon to create “nest” shape
🔸 Step 4: Add Filling
- Place cheese or desired filling into center
🔸 Step 5: Top
- Add a little extra cheese on top if desired
🔸 Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes
✔ Edges should become golden and crispy
🔸 Step 7: Cool Slightly
- Let rest a few minutes before removing from pan
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Breakfast platter 🍳
- Party appetizer 🎉
- Soup side 🍲
- Holiday side dish 🍽️
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Cold mashed potatoes hold shape best
✔ Grease muffin tin well
✔ Use crispy bacon for texture
✔ Broil briefly for extra golden tops
🔄 Variations
🥓 Bacon Cheddar Nests
Add bacon and cheddar
🌿 Spinach Feta
Use feta and spinach filling
🍄 Mushroom Swiss
Add sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese
🌶️ Spicy Jalapeño
Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese
❓ FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, though homemade gives best texture.
Can I air fry them?
Yes—air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 12–15 minutes.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely—freeze after baking.
⚖️ Approx. Nutrition (Per Nest)
- Calories: ~120–180
- Protein: ~5g
- Carbs: ~14g
- Fat: ~7g
⚖️ WW Points (Estimated)
🔹 Standard Version
👉 3–5 WW Points
🔻 Reduced Cheese Version
👉 2–4 WW Points
✅ WW-Friendly Version
(Light cheese & lean fillings)
👉 1–3 WW Points