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
Scale
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
