stuffed mashed potato nests (Print-Friendly Version)
Creamy mashed potato nests stuffed with cheddar, bacon, or vegetables make a cozy side for holidays, brunch, or family dinners. Perfect for spring gatherings or colder months, this dish adds comfort to any meal—one to keep handy.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Base
01 -
3 cups mashed potatoes, preferably prepared from russet potatoes
02 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
03 -
1 large egg
04 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
05 -
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Filling
06 -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
07 -
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or sautéed ground beef
08 -
1/2 cup steamed broccoli florets or mixed vegetables
09 -
2 tablespoons chopped chives, for garnish (optional)
→ Preparation
10 -
Nonstick spray or oil, for greasing muffin tin
# How to Make It:
01 -
Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly with nonstick spray or oil.
02 -
In a large bowl, blend mashed potatoes, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
03 -
Portion the mashed potato mixture evenly into the muffin tin cups. Press down and shape a well in the center of each using the back of a spoon.
04 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
05 -
Remove from oven and fill each potato nest with shredded cheddar cheese and your choice of crumbled bacon, sautéed ground beef, broccoli florets, or mixed vegetables.
06 -
Return the filled nests to the oven and bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
07 -
Allow to cool briefly. Remove from the muffin tin, garnish with chopped chives if desired, and serve while warm.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For a vegetarian dish, omit bacon or use only vegetables. Substitute ground beef for the bacon if preferred.