Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These nests are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and endlessly customizable. They are ideal for entertaining and an excellent way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes.
Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests: Crispy Edges, Creamy Centers, and Endless Possibilities
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 nests
- Diet: Halal
Description
Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are crispy baked potato cups made from creamy mashed potatoes and filled with savory toppings like cheese, vegetables, or meat for a fun and comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled beef or sautéed vegetables (optional filling)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and grease a muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon mixture into muffin tin cavities.
- Press the center of each portion with the back of a spoon to create a nest shape.
- Fill each nest with cooked beef or vegetables if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until edges are golden and crispy.
- Remove carefully from muffin tin and garnish with green onions.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Cold mashed potatoes hold their shape better.
- Customize fillings with bacon, mushrooms, or spinach.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Mashed potatoes serve as the base, providing creamy texture and structure for shaping the nests.
Eggs help bind the potatoes, ensuring they hold their shape during baking.
Shredded cheddar cheese adds flavor and promotes a golden, crisp finish.
Parmesan cheese enhances savory depth and contributes to crisp edges.
Salt sharpens the overall flavor and balances richness.
Black pepper adds subtle warmth and complexity.
Garlic powder introduces aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
Butter enriches the mixture and improves browning.
Cooked bacon pieces provide a savory, smoky filling option.
Sour cream adds creamy contrast when used as a topping or filling.
Chopped green onions offer freshness and color for garnish.
Directions
Preheat the oven and lightly grease a muffin tin. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and melted butter. Mix until fully incorporated.
Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin tin wells. Using the back of a spoon, press down gently in the center of each portion to create a hollow “nest” shape while pushing the potato mixture up the sides.
Bake until the edges are golden and slightly crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool briefly before carefully lifting each nest from the tin.
Fill the centers with cooked bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions, or customize with your preferred fillings. Serve warm.
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.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes twelve potato nests. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, with a baking time of 25 to 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover nests in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the edges.
Variations and Customizations
Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are highly adaptable. For a vegetarian option, fill the centers with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables. I tested this recipe with a cracked egg baked into each nest during the final minutes of cooking, and it created a satisfying brunch variation.
You can also use different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles. If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the cheese slightly and focus on herb-based fillings.
For a more elegant presentation, top with smoked salmon and a small spoonful of crème fraîche. These variations allow you to tailor the nests to any occasion while maintaining their comforting base.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use Cold Mashed Potatoes
Chilled potatoes hold shape more easily during baking.
Grease Thoroughly
Ensure the muffin tin is well-greased for easy removal.
Crisp Finish
Bake until edges are deeply golden for best texture.
Creative Fillings
Experiment with proteins, vegetables, or cheeses for variety.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, though homemade offers better texture and flavor.
How do I prevent sticking?
Grease the muffin tin well and allow slight cooling before removing.
Can I freeze these nests?
Yes, freeze baked nests and reheat in the oven.
Are they suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, especially with egg or vegetable fillings.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes, bake in advance and reheat before serving.
What other fillings work well?
Shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions are excellent options.
Conclusion
Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests combine comfort and creativity in one versatile dish. With crispy edges, creamy centers, and customizable fillings, they are a practical yet elegant way to elevate simple mashed potatoes into something truly memorable.
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