Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests Recipe

Introduction

Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are a comforting and flavorful twist on classic mashed potatoes. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, these nests are filled with cheese, bacon, and green onions, making them a perfect side or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 egg
• Olive oil for brushing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potato nests.
2. Step 2: Peel and cut the russet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Step 3: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add milk, softened butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly. Fold in shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, sour cream, and the egg. Mix well to combine.
5. Step 5: Lightly brush a muffin tin with olive oil. Spoon the potato mixture into each cup, pressing down in the center to form a nest shape.
6. Step 6: Optional: add extra cheese and bacon on top of each nest for more flavor.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the nests are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
8. Step 8: Allow the nests to cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Try different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
• Add fresh herbs such as parsley or chives to the potato mixture for extra freshness.
• For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Storage

Store leftover nests in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven until heated through to retain crispness. Baked nests can also be frozen once cooled; reheat in the oven straight from frozen for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, prepare the mashed potato mixture a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the nests just before serving.

Can I freeze these potato nests?

Definitely. After baking and cooling, freeze the nests in a sealed container. Reheat them in the oven until warm before serving for the best taste and texture.

Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 213 reviews

Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are a comforting and delicious baked dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes mixed with cheese, bacon, green onions, and sour cream, shaped into nest-like cups and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a side or a hearty snack, these nests offer a crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 nests 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

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Potatoes and Base

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg

Fillings and Toppings

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Olive oil for brushing muffin tin

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potato nests.
2. Cook Potatoes: Peel and cut russet potatoes into chunks, place them in a pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Mash Potatoes: Drain cooked potatoes and return to the pot. Add milk, softened butter, salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth and creamy.
4. Mix Filling: Allow mashed potatoes to cool slightly, then fold in shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, sour cream, and egg until thoroughly combined.
5. Prepare Muffin Tin: Lightly grease a muffin tin with olive oil. Scoop the potato mixture into each cup, pressing the center down to create a nest shape.
6. Add Toppings (Optional): For extra flavor, top each nest with additional cheese and bacon if desired.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until nests are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow nests to cool for a few minutes before gently removing from the tin. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

• Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives into the potato mixture for enhanced aroma and taste.
• For a vegetarian variation, omit bacon and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• You can prepare the mashed potato mixture a day ahead; keep it refrigerated and assemble before baking.
• Baked nests freeze well; reheat in the oven until warmed through for best texture.

Keywords: mashed potato nests, stuffed potatoes, baked potato cups, cheese and bacon potatoes, easy potato recipe, comfort food, side dish