Description
Crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside mashed potato nests filled with savory toppings a fun and delicious twist on classic mashed potatoes, perfect for holidays or appetizers!
Ingredients
4 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup cooked bacon bits or crumbled sausage
1/2 cup sautéed spinach or caramelized onions (optional)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or more cheddar (for topping)
2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a muffin tin with parchment liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture into each muffin cup and use the back of a spoon to form a small well or “nest” in the center.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until edges are golden and slightly crisp.
5. Remove from the oven and fill each nest with your desired fillings — bacon, sausage, spinach, or onions.
6. Top each with shredded mozzarella or extra cheddar.
7. Return to the oven and bake an additional 5–7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly, then remove from muffin tin and garnish with chives or green onions before serving.
Notes
These nests are great for using up leftover mashed potatoes!
Customize with your favorite fillings — think broccoli and cheddar, pulled pork, or scrambled eggs for breakfast.
Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or air fryer for a crispy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nest
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: stuffed mashed potato nests, cheesy mashed potato cups, holiday appetizers, comfort food