Loaded Potato Cups

If you’re a fan of loaded baked potatoes, then you’re going to fall head over heels for these Loaded Potato Cups! Picture perfectly crispy potato cups filled with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with cheese, bacon, and all the fixings that make a loaded potato so irresistible. These little bites are the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re sure to impress anyone lucky enough to dig in.

Why You’ll Love Loaded Potato Cups

Here’s why you need to make these now:

• Crispy Outside, Creamy Inside: The potato cups are baked to crispy perfection on the outside, while the inside stays creamy and loaded with flavor.
• Customizable Toppings: You can top them with all your favorite baked potato fixings—cheese, bacon, green onions, sour cream, you name it! They’re fully customizable.
• Great for Parties: These little cups are perfect for gatherings, game day, or potlucks. Everyone loves a fun, bite-sized dish.
• Easy to Make: Despite how fancy they look, these potato cups are super easy to make. With simple ingredients, you’ll have them ready in no time!
• Comfort Food in a New Form: Who doesn’t love loaded potatoes? These bite-sized versions take comfort food to a whole new level.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the ingredients for these scrumptious Loaded Potato Cups:

Russet Potatoes

The star of this dish! Russet potatoes are perfect for mashing because of their fluffy texture. They form the base of the potato cups, giving them that creamy inside.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a must for that gooey, melty texture. It’s the perfect topping for loaded potatoes!

Bacon

Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch and smoky flavor that elevates the potatoes to the next level. Trust me, bacon makes everything better.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is the perfect creamy addition, giving the potatoes that tangy bite. You can also use Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter alternative.

Green Onions

These bring a fresh, mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon. Plus, they add a pop of color!

Butter

Butter makes everything better, right? It adds richness and helps bind the mashed potatoes together for a smooth, creamy filling.

Milk

Milk helps make the mashed potatoes extra creamy and smooth, creating the perfect filling for these potato cups.

Salt & Pepper

Simple seasonings like salt and pepper help bring all the flavors together. Don’t forget to taste as you go and adjust accordingly.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make your Loaded Potato Cups? Let’s get started!

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your cups bake evenly and crisp up perfectly.

Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and peel the russet potatoes. Cut them into cubes and boil them in salted water until they’re fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set them aside.

Mash the Potatoes

In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes with a potato masher until smooth. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper, and mash until creamy. Feel free to add more milk or butter if you like them extra creamy!

Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. This will help the potato cups come out easily after baking.

Form the Potato Cups

Spoon the mashed potatoes into each muffin cup, pressing them down slightly to form little potato “cups” with the back of a spoon. You want them to be compact enough to hold the filling but still fluffy inside.

Add the Toppings

Top each potato cup with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of green onions.

Bake Until Golden

Bake the potato cups in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the potato cups are crispy and golden brown.

Finish and Serve

Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, top them with a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and an extra sprinkle of green onions for garnish. Serve them warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 220

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Loaded Potato Cups

These potato cups are great as appetizers, side dishes, or even a fun main course for a smaller meal. Here are some ideas for serving them:

• As a Snack: Serve them as finger foods for game day, parties, or a casual get-together. They’re bite-sized and easy to eat.
• With a Salad: Pair them with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the potatoes.
• With Steak or Grilled Chicken: These loaded potato cups are the perfect side dish for a hearty meal. Serve them alongside grilled meat for a well-rounded dinner.
• Drizzle with Sauce: If you want to take things up a notch, drizzle some ranch or barbecue sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make sure your Loaded Potato Cups turn out perfectly:

• Use a Muffin Tin: A muffin tin is the best way to create these individual servings. If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can also try baking them in a mini cupcake pan.
• Crisp the Bacon First: For the best texture and flavor, crisp the bacon up ahead of time. You can use store-bought bacon bits or cook your own.
• Customize Your Toppings: Add more toppings like shredded Parmesan, chives, or even a little hot sauce for a kick.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the muffin cups, as the mashed potatoes can overflow while baking. Just fill them generously, but not to the brim.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the potato cups ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!

Q2: Can I freeze these?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the assembled potato cups before baking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of baking time.

Q3: What kind of cheese can I use?
A3: While cheddar is classic, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a blend of cheeses for a unique twist.

Q4: Can I make these without bacon?
A4: Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted veggies for extra flavor.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for best results.

Q6: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
A6: Yes, you can use sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture will be a bit different, and they’ll have a slightly sweeter taste.

Q7: Can I make them spicier?
A7: If you like a little heat, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the mashed potatoes or as a topping!

Q8: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
A8: While fresh mashed potatoes work best for this recipe, you can use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package and adjust the butter and milk accordingly.

Q9: Can I add a protein to the cups?
A9: Absolutely! You could add shredded chicken, ground beef, or even chili to the potato cups for a more filling meal.

Q10: Can I make them in a large dish instead of individual cups?
A10: Yes, you can layer the mashed potatoes and toppings in a baking dish like a casserole and bake it all at once. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Loaded Potato Cups are the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of a loaded baked potato in an easy, bite-sized form. With a crispy exterior and a creamy, cheesy filling, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving them as a side, snack, or appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit! Enjoy!

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