Description
Golden and crispy mashed potato nests filled with gooey cheese, creamy sour cream, and savory toppings. Perfect as appetizers, side dishes, or a creative brunch treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Mashed Potato Base:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg (to bind the nests)
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
- ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions
- 💡 Tip: Swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version.
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Place cubed potatoes in salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
- Mash: Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth. Let cool slightly, then mix in the egg.
- Shape the Nests: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Spoon mashed potatoes into each cup, pressing with the back of a spoon to form a well in the center.
- Bake the Shells: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, until edges are golden and crisp.
- Add the Filling: Remove from oven. Fill each nest with cheese, bacon, and a dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle with chives.
- Melt & Serve: Return to the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, crispy goodness!
Notes
Flavor Variations: Loaded Potato Nests — add shredded cheese, bacon, and a drizzle of ranch. Breakfast Nests — fill with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheddar. Veggie Nests — roasted peppers, spinach, and feta. Italian Nests — marinara and mozzarella. Great for meal prep or parties!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nest
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg