Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are a fun, savory twist on classic mashed potatoes—formed into nest-like cups and baked with a cheesy, creamy, or meaty filling in the center. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, these nests are perfect as appetizers, side dishes, or even bite-sized mains. Kids love them, and they’re great for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Bake Time | 20–25 minutes |
| Total Time | ~45 minutes |
🔧 Equipment Needed
- Muffin tin (standard or mini)
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or piping bag
- Oven
- Cooking spray or butter
🛒 Ingredients
For the Potato Nests:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives
Suggested Fillings:
Choose one or mix and match!
Cheesy Center
https://schemecontinuingwinning.com/wnib1zsr?key=45ab04dbcac38f2dccee395819b9ef5c
- Cubes of mozzarella or extra shredded cheddar
Creamy Bacon
- ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
- ¼ cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 2 tbsp green onions
Meaty Filling
- ½ cup cooked ground beef or sausage
- 2 tbsp marinara or BBQ sauce
- Shredded cheese on top
Veggie
- ½ cup sautéed mushrooms/spinach or steamed broccoli
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a muffin tin well with cooking spray or butter.
2. Make the Potato Mixture
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until fully combined. (Add green onions if using.)
3. Form the Nests
- Scoop about 2–3 tablespoons of potato mixture into each muffin cup.
- Use a spoon or fingers to press it down and up the sides, forming a nest shape with a well in the center.
4. Bake the Shells
- Bake the potato nests without filling for 15 minutes until they start to get golden and set.
5. Fill the Nests
- Remove from oven and add your chosen filling to each nest.
- Top with a little shredded cheese if desired.
6. Final Bake
- Return to oven and bake an additional 5–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and filling is heated through.
7. Cool & Serve
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Carefully remove with a spoon or small spatula.
- Serve warm!
🥄 Nutrition Facts (Estimated per nest, makes 12)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150–180 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Note: Varies depending on filling choices.
💡 Tips & Variations
Tips:
- Firm Mashed Potatoes work best—add a little flour if they’re too loose.
- Chill Mixture: If it’s too sticky, chill for 10–15 minutes before forming nests.
- Nonstick Muffin Pan: Essential! Or use parchment liners.
Variations:
- Mini Nests: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized appetizers.
- Spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the potato mix or filling.
- Breakfast Style: Fill with scrambled eggs and sausage or bacon.
