If you’ve been looking for a fun, flavorful way to enjoy potatoes that’s both crispy and cheesy, then this Cheesy Baked Potato Cups Recipe is going to be your new go-to comfort food. These golden little potato bites, packed with cheddar, Parmesan, bacon, and a hint of garlic, come out perfectly crispy on the edges and deliciously tender inside. They’re like miniature loaded baked potatoes that are as versatile as they are scrumptious. Whether as an appetizer, side dish, or a snack, these potato cups bring extraordinary taste and texture that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Cheesy Baked Potato Cups Recipe are straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to create layers of flavor and just the right balance of creaminess, crunch, and savory goodness. Each one plays an essential role in bringing these delightful potato cups to life.
- 3 medium russet potatoes (peeled): The perfect starchy base that crisps up beautifully when baked.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds melty richness and that irresistible sharpness we all love.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a nutty, salty bite that complements cheddar perfectly.
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Provides savory, smoky texture and depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions: Brings a gentle freshness and a pop of color.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Helps everything bind together and adds luscious buttery notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlicky kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild warmth and a little spice.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures easy release from the muffin tin and keeps the exterior crisp.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Potato Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and giving your muffin tin a good spray with the nonstick cooking spray. Next, peel and grate the russet potatoes using a box grater or a food processor — the finely shredded texture is key for getting that crispy outside and tender inside. Once shredded, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible because drier potato shreds bake up crispier.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the shredded potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, bacon bits, chopped chives, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This blend ensures every bite is bursting with cheesy, smoky, and savory goodness. Make sure it’s evenly combined so each cup bakes up with the perfect balance of ingredients.
Step 3: Bake the Potato Cups
Spoon the mixture evenly into your prepared muffin tin, pressing down lightly to compact each portion into tidy little cups. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and crisp. When done, let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before gently removing to keep their shape intact. Your Cheesy Baked Potato Cups Recipe now has a gorgeous, crispy exterior and delightfully melty interior ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Potato Cups Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these potato cups, consider topping them with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Fresh herbs like extra chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika add both visual appeal and bursts of fresh flavor that contrast nicely with the cheesy, crispy base.
Side Dishes
These cups pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad for a light lunch or with grilled vegetables to round out a hearty dinner. For brunch, try serving alongside scrambled eggs or a colorful fruit bowl to balance indulgence with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cheesy bites on a platter lined with crisp lettuce and scatter some extra bacon or chopped scallions on top for an impressive party appetizer. You might also try layering them with a bit of sour cream and a sprinkle of diced tomatoes to mimic the flavors of a loaded baked potato in miniature form.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Cheesy Baked Potato Cups Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They keep well and maintain their flavor, making them an easy option for quick snacks or reheated sides during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these potato cups by first cooling completely, then wrapping each individually in plastic wrap before storing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months, perfect for prepping ahead for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, place frozen or refrigerated potato cups on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that coveted crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding extras like sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers to keep that savory punch.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal here because of their high starch content, which helps achieve the perfect crispy texture inside and out.
Can I use pre-shredded potatoes?
While you can, freshly grated potatoes tend to have better texture and flavor, but if using bagged shredded potatoes, be sure to fully thaw and squeeze out moisture first.
Is it important to squeeze out the potato moisture?
Very important. Removing excess liquid is key to making sure your potato cups crisp up nicely instead of becoming soggy.
Can I add other cheeses?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of smoked gouda for different flavor profiles.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Cheesy Baked Potato Cups Recipe enough! It’s such a simple, yet unbelievably satisfying dish that brings together crispy, cheesy, and smoky flavors in a bite-sized form. Whether for family dinners, parties, or just a cozy night in, these little potato cups deliver comfort and joy every single time. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the table!
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Cheesy Baked Potato Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 potato cups
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These crispy and cheesy Potato Cups are a perfect appetizer or side dish, featuring shredded russet potatoes baked to golden perfection in a muffin tin. Enhanced with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, crispy bacon, and fresh chives, they make a delicious and customizable treat ideal for breakfast, brunch, or any gathering.
Ingredients
Potato Cups
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the potato cups.
- Grate and dry potatoes: Using a box grater or food processor, grate the peeled russet potatoes. Place the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent sogginess.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried shredded potatoes with cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, cooked crumbled bacon, chopped chives, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Fill muffin tin: Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin cups. Press down slightly on the mixture to compact it and shape into cups.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Allow the potato cups to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before gently removing them. Serve warm, optionally with sour cream or hot sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Customize your potato cups by adding cooked sausage, bell peppers, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
- To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon.
- Serve with sour cream, hot sauce, or your favorite dipping sauces.
- Make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture from the potatoes to achieve a crispy texture.
- Use a muffin tin to keep the potato cups perfectly shaped and evenly baked.
