Loaded Potato Cups

If you love a good potato dish (who doesn’t?), you’re going to be absolutely hooked on these Loaded Potato Cups. Imagine all the best parts of a loaded baked potato—creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and green onions—wrapped up in a cute, handheld cup that’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or just an indulgent snack. These bite-sized delights are warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, giving you everything you crave in one tasty little package. Trust me, once you try these, you won’t want to stop!

Why You’ll Love Loaded Potato Cups

Here’s why these little cups of deliciousness are destined to become your new favorite recipe:

Comfort Food in a Handheld Form:

Everything you love about a loaded baked potato is right here, but in a convenient, bite-sized cup. No need to fuss with knives and forks—just pick up and enjoy!

Crispy on the Outside, Creamy on the Inside:

Each cup gets a golden, crispy edge thanks to the perfectly baked potato shell. Inside, it’s a warm, creamy mash of potatoes, cheese, and bacon—pure heaven.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a party snack, or a side dish for a holiday meal, these Loaded Potato Cups work for any occasion. They’re super versatile and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Easy to Make:

The recipe is pretty straightforward—just prep the potatoes, stuff them with goodness, bake, and you’re done. Simple and delicious!

Ingredients in Loaded Potato Cups

You only need a few pantry staples and some tasty extras to make these potato cups, and the result is a whole lot of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Potato Cups:

• Russet Potatoes: The star of the show! Russets are perfect for making creamy mashed potatoes with a fluffy texture.
• Olive Oil: For brushing and roasting the potato shells to perfection.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the potato shells before baking.

For the Filling:

• Bacon: Because everything’s better with bacon, right? Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch to balance the creamy potatoes.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For that melty, gooey cheese that brings everything together.
• Sour Cream: Adds a creamy tang to the mashed potatoes.
• Green Onions: For a bit of freshness and a nice pop of color.
• Butter: For creamy mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth.
• Milk: To achieve the perfect creamy consistency for the mashed potatoes.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making these irresistible Loaded Potato Cups!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin with a bit of cooking spray or brush with olive oil.

Step 2: Bake the Potatoes

Wash and dry the russet potatoes, then prick each one a few times with a fork. Rub them with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45 minutes, or until they’re soft and fully cooked.

Step 3: Prepare the Bacon

While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon until crispy. You can do this in a skillet or on a baking sheet. Once done, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are done baking and cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato on the skins. Mash the potato flesh with butter, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Potato Cups

Spoon the mashed potato mixture into the empty potato skins. Press down gently to create an even base, then top with the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions.

Step 6: Bake Again

Place the filled potato cups back into the muffin tin and bake at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops are lightly golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the potato cups cool for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with more green onions, if desired, and enjoy!

How to Serve Loaded Potato Cups

These loaded potato cups are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main event. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Side Dish:

Serve them alongside a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or grilled vegetables. They’re hearty enough to complement any meal.

At a Party:

These little cups are the perfect finger food for your next party or gathering. Guests will love grabbing one (or a few!) of these cheesy, crispy bites.

With a Salad:

Pair them with a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the potatoes. A tangy vinaigrette would be a nice contrast to the creamy filling.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make these Loaded Potato Cups even more amazing:

Use Smaller Potatoes:

If you want mini versions of these cups, use smaller potatoes like baby reds or Yukon Golds. They’ll fit perfectly in a muffin tin and make adorable bite-sized servings.

Customize the Fillings:

Feel free to swap out the bacon for other toppings, like sausage, pulled pork, or even vegetables for a vegetarian version. You can also experiment with different cheeses—Gouda, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack would be fantastic!

Make Ahead:

These loaded potato cups can be made ahead of time. Simply bake them, let them cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, pop them in the oven to reheat for about 10 minutes.

Double the Batch:

If you’re feeding a crowd, go ahead and double the recipe. These potato cups disappear quickly, and everyone will want more!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 loaded potato cup (based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 13g (20% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 6g (30% DV)
• Cholesterol: 25mg (8% DV)
• Sodium: 320mg (13% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g (8% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (12% DV)
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Vitamin A: 8% DV
• Vitamin C: 10% DV
• Calcium: 10% DV
• Iron: 6% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes (includes baking time for potatoes)
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these potato cups ahead of time?

A1: Yes! You can prep the potato cups, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready. This makes them perfect for meal prep or party planning!

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A2: Absolutely! Feel free to use whatever cheese you prefer. Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack will work great for a different flavor.

Q3: Can I make these without bacon?

A3: Yes! You can skip the bacon if you’re vegetarian, or swap it for sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a delicious alternative.

Q4: Can I freeze these loaded potato cups?

A4: Yes, you can freeze the assembled cups. Just bake them, let them cool, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat.

Q5: How do I get the potatoes crispy?

A5: Brush the potato skins with a bit of olive oil before baking, and bake them at a high temperature (400°F) to get them crispy on the outside.

Q6: Can I use a different type of potato?

A6: While russet potatoes work best for the fluffy texture, you can also try Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier filling or red potatoes for a firmer bite.

Q7: Can I add more toppings?

A7: Of course! You can add sour cream, chives, or even a dollop of ranch dressing on top to take these cups to the next level.

Q8: What should I serve these with?

A8: These loaded potato cups pair well with almost anything! Try them with a fresh salad, grilled meats, or even as an appetizer to kick off a meal.

Q9: How many servings does this recipe make?

A9: This recipe makes about 12 loaded potato cups, depending on how much you fill each potato shell.

Q10: Can I make these without sour cream?

A10: Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or just add extra butter and milk for a creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Loaded Potato Cups are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic loaded baked potato. They’re creamy, cheesy, crispy, and packed with all the savory goodness you love. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them on your own, these potato cups will quickly become a favorite. So grab your potatoes, get baking, and prepare to wow everyone with these irresistible bites!

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