Description
Experience the perfect blend of crispy texture and cheesy goodness with these Cheesy Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests. Made from creamy mashed potatoes shaped into nests and baked to golden perfection, then filled with melty cheese for an irresistible appetizer or side dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or breadcrumbs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly and Baking
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing muffin tin)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar) for filling
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place peeled and chunked russet potatoes in salted boiling water. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain thoroughly.
- Mash and Mix: Mash the cooked potatoes until smooth. Let them cool for about 5 minutes, then stir in the egg, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, milk, melted butter, flour, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is thick and scoopable.
- Prep Muffin Tin: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin well with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Form Potato Nests: Spoon the mashed potato mixture into each muffin cup. Press the mixture up the sides to form a nest with a well in the center, perfect for holding the cheese filling.
- Bake Potato Nests: Bake the nests in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and crisp.
- Add Cheese Filling: Remove the muffin tin and place a spoonful of shredded mozzarella (or cheddar) cheese into the well of each potato nest.
- Final Bake: Return the nests to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Let the nests cool for 5 minutes, then carefully remove from the muffin tin. Serve them warm as a delightful appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses depending on your preference or availability.
- Add herbs like chives, parsley, or rosemary for extra flavor in the mashed potato mixture.
- Use breadcrumbs instead of flour for a slightly crunchier texture.
- Serve with sour cream or a dipping sauce for additional taste.
- Make sure to grease the muffin tin well to easily remove the nests after baking.
