Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests, a playful and irresistible twist on classic comfort food that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Picture creamy mashed potatoes molded into crispy-edged nests, packed with savory fillings, and topped with bubbly melted cheese—each bite is a celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a party, or just craving a cozy side dish, Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are guaranteed to impress and disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests lies in a handful of simple, familiar ingredients—each one chosen for the depth, richness, or pop of color it brings. Let’s break down why every item earns its place in this recipe.
- Mashed Potatoes (4 cups, cooled): Use leftover or freshly made mashed potatoes; they’re the heart of the nests and need to be firm enough to hold their shape.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, divided): Cheddar melts beautifully and brings a sharp, creamy flavor that ties everything together.
- Large Eggs (2): Eggs work as the binder, helping the potatoes hold their “nest” form while baking.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint elevates the potatoes with subtle, savory depth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for amplifying all the flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness of the cheese and potatoes.
- Chopped Fresh Chives (1 tablespoon, optional): These bring a burst of color and a mild oniony brightness.
- Cooked Bacon or Sausage (1 cup, crumbled): The meaty, smoky filling that makes each bite irresistible—feel free to use your favorite or go veggie!
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Creamy and tangy, it’s the perfect finishing touch when served.
- Cooking Spray or Butter (for greasing muffin tin): Prevents sticking so your nests pop out perfectly golden and intact.
How to Make Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or a swipe of butter—this step is key for those gorgeous, crispy nest edges and easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Potato Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled mashed potatoes, 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chives (if you’re using them). Mix everything together thoroughly until the eggs are fully incorporated and you have a smooth, fluffy, cheesy potato mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Nests
Scoop the potato mixture into each muffin cup, dividing it evenly. Use the back of a spoon to gently press down the center of each pile to create a well—this is where your filling will nestle. Press the sides up slightly to form a sturdy wall around the edges.
Step 4: Bake the Potato Nests
Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look golden and slightly crisp, giving you that signature nest appearance. The aroma at this stage is pure anticipation!
Step 5: Fill and Finish
Remove the tin from the oven and carefully fill each nest’s center with a generous spoonful of crumbled bacon or sausage. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the tops, then return the tin to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests cool in the tin for a few minutes to help them set and release easily. Gently lift each one out, plate them, and don’t forget a dollop of creamy sour cream to finish. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chives or finely sliced green onions on top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor, while a dash of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper can give your Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests a little gourmet flair. For extra decadence, add an extra swirl of sour cream or even a drizzle of hot sauce for those who like a kick.
Side Dishes
Pair your Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a fresh fruit platter for brunch. They’re equally at home next to scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or a hearty soup, making them a versatile addition to breakfast, lunch, or dinner spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the nests on a rustic wooden board for a family-style brunch, or arrange them on a tiered platter for an elegant appetizer spread. For parties, pop each nest into a colorful cupcake liner or top with miniature picks for easy, hands-off snacking—your guests will love the bite-sized, playful presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests left (a rare event!), simply let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll stay surprisingly crisp and flavorful, ready for a quick snack or side.
Freezing
These nests freeze beautifully! Once cooled, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just be sure to label the bag so you remember to treat yourself later.
Reheating
To reheat, place your Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. For quick reheating, the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven helps restore that irresistible crispness.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests?
Absolutely! Just make sure the instant mashed potatoes are thick and not too runny. Let them cool before mixing with the other ingredients so the nests hold their shape in the oven.
What other fillings can I use instead of bacon or sausage?
Feel free to get creative! Try sautéed mushrooms, spinach, caramelized onions, or even roasted red peppers for a vegetarian version. A spoonful of seasoned black beans or cooked chicken also works if you want to mix things up.
Can I make Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the nests up to the point of baking and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed and fill with your chosen toppings for a fresh, hot treat.
How do I prevent the nests from sticking to the muffin tin?
Be generous with greasing your muffin tin, using either cooking spray or softened butter. Letting the nests cool slightly before removing also helps them release cleanly and keeps their shape intact.
Are Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! Just double-check any store-bought ingredients like sausage or bacon to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a tray of Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests—each one is a delicious reminder that comfort food can be fun, festive, and totally unforgettable. Whether you’re making them for family or friends, give these nests a try and watch your table light up with smiles!
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Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 nests 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delightful stuffed mashed potato nests that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, filled with savory bacon or sausage and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a brunch appetizer, party snack, or comforting side dish, these gluten-free nests combine simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing treat baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (cooled)
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
Filling and Topping
- 1 cup cooked bacon or sausage (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
Other
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing muffin tin)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin using cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Potato Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped chives if using. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated to form a smooth mixture.
- Form Nests: Spoon the potato mixture evenly into each muffin cup. Use the back of a spoon to press the center of each portion down, creating a nest shape with a well in the middle to hold the filling.
- Bake Nests: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges of the nests become golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Add Filling and Cheese: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and fill the center wells of each nest with crumbled cooked bacon or sausage. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the tops of all nests.
- Final Bake: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the nests to cool slightly in the tin before carefully removing. Serve each nest warm with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly; ensure they are chilled and firm enough to hold their shape.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat or substitute with plant-based sausage crumbles.
- These nests are versatile and make an excellent addition to brunch menus, party appetizers, or as a flavorful side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nest
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
