Mashed Potato Cups: Easy Recipe & Perfect Portions

Mashed Potato Cups: Prepare to be amazed by this delightful twist on a classic comfort food! Imagine perfectly portioned, creamy mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection in individual cups. These aren’t your grandma’s mashed potatoes (though she’d certainly approve!). We’re taking this beloved side dish to a whole new level of elegance and convenience.

Mashed potatoes have a rich history, tracing back to the introduction of the potato to Europe in the 16th century. Over time, they’ve become a staple in countless cuisines, a symbol of warmth and home-cooked goodness. But let’s be honest, sometimes serving mashed potatoes can be a bit messy. That’s where these adorable Mashed Potato Cups come in!

People adore mashed potatoes for their incredibly comforting texture and mild, buttery flavor. They’re the perfect accompaniment to everything from roasted chicken to hearty stews. But what makes these individual cups so special? They offer a delightful textural contrast – a crispy, slightly browned exterior giving way to a fluffy, creamy interior. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient for portion control and make for a stunning presentation at any dinner party. Get ready to impress your guests (and yourself!) with this easy and delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

• For the Mashed Potatoes:
• 5 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
• For the Filling (Choose one or mix and match!):
• Option 1: Classic Ground Beef
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Option 2: Creamy Mushroom
• 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Option 3: Cheesy Broccoli
• 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets and steamed until tender-crisp
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For Assembling:
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Cooking spray

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork without much resistance.
2. Drain and Dry: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the empty pot and place it back on the stovetop over low heat for a minute or two. This will help to evaporate any excess moisture and prevent your mashed potatoes from becoming watery. Stir the potatoes constantly to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
3. Mash the Potatoes: Remove the pot from the heat. Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps. A ricer will give you the smoothest, most luxurious mashed potatoes, but a potato masher works just fine too. Be careful not to over-mash, as this can make the potatoes gluey.
4. Add the Cream, Butter, and Sour Cream: Gradually add the warmed heavy cream and melted butter to the mashed potatoes, mixing until they are fully incorporated and the potatoes are creamy and smooth. Add the sour cream and minced garlic, and stir until everything is well combined. Warming the cream and melting the butter helps them incorporate more easily and prevents the potatoes from cooling down too much.
5. Season to Taste: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper and then add more as needed, tasting as you go. If desired, stir in the chopped fresh chives or green onions for added flavor and color.

Preparing the Filling (Choose Your Favorite!):

Option 1: Classic Ground Beef Filling

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and is cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Season to Taste: Season the ground beef filling with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Option 2: Creamy Mushroom Filling

1. Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and have released their moisture, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Add the Shallot and Garlic: Add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallot is softened and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Deglaze with White Wine (Optional): If using, pour the dry white wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the wine has almost completely evaporated, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Season to Taste: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and season the mushroom filling with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Option 3: Cheesy Broccoli Filling

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp. You want them to be cooked through but still have a little bit of bite.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the steamed broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and butter.
3. Season to Taste: Season the cheesy broccoli filling with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Assembling the Mashed Potato Cups:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Muffin Tin: Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. This will prevent the mashed potato cups from sticking to the tin.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Spoon a layer of mashed potatoes into the bottom of each muffin cup, filling them about halfway.
4. Add the Filling: Spoon your chosen filling (ground beef, mushroom, or broccoli) over the mashed potatoes in each cup.
5. Top with Mashed Potatoes: Top each cup with another layer of mashed potatoes, filling them almost to the top.
6. Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the tops of the mashed potato cups with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potato cups are heated through and the tops are lightly golden brown. If you added cheese, it should be melted and bubbly.
8. Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the mashed potato cups cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them with a spoon or spatula. Serve warm and enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Mashed Potato Cups are truly a game-changer, transforming a classic comfort food into an elegant and incredibly convenient appetizer or side dish. I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Mashed potatoes? In a cup? What’s the big deal?” But trust me on this one. The individual portions make them perfect for parties, potlucks, or even just a weeknight dinner when you want something a little bit special without a ton of fuss.

What makes these cups a must-try? First, the texture is divine. The crispy, golden-brown edges of the potato cups give way to a creamy, fluffy interior that’s simply irresistible. Second, they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize the flavor profile to your heart’s content. Add roasted garlic for a pungent kick, stir in some cheddar cheese for a cheesy delight, or sprinkle in some fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. The possibilities are endless! Third, they are a fantastic make-ahead option. Prepare the cups in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and simply bake them off when you’re ready to serve. This makes them ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.

Speaking of serving suggestions, these Mashed Potato Cups are incredibly adaptable. For a simple yet satisfying side dish, serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish. They also pair beautifully with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. If you’re looking to elevate them even further, consider topping them with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chives, or a drizzle of gravy. For a truly decadent experience, add a crispy piece of bacon or some crumbled blue cheese.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Let’s talk variations. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter, more vibrant flavor. You could also incorporate other vegetables into the mash, such as cauliflower or parsnips. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. And if you’re catering to dietary restrictions, these cups can easily be made gluten-free and vegetarian. Simply use gluten-free flour for dusting the muffin tin and ensure that any toppings or additions are also vegetarian-friendly.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I truly believe that these Mashed Potato Cups will become a new favorite in your household. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable. Plus, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of mashed potatoes in cup form. Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you try any variations? What toppings did you use? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking! And remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and make these Mashed Potato Cups your own. The kitchen is your playground, so have fun and let your creativity shine!