Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests

Let’s talk about comfort food in a whole new way, shall we? Picture this: perfectly creamy mashed potatoes, seasoned just right, molded into little nests, and then stuffed with all sorts of savory goodness. Yes, I’m talking about Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests, and trust me when I say, they’re a total game-changer! These little golden beauties are the ideal combination of creamy, crispy, and super flavorful. It’s like mashed potatoes, but better—so much better.

Whether you’re serving them as a fun side dish at dinner or bringing them to a party as an appetizer, these stuffed mashed potato nests are sure to steal the show. They’re so easy to make, yet look and taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Get ready for some ooohs and aaahs from your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests

I get it—mashed potatoes are already amazing on their own. But these stuffed potato nests? They’re a next-level take that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:

Crispy and Creamy
The outside of the potato nests gets a golden, crispy finish while the inside stays creamy and tender. It’s the best of both worlds!

Customizable Filling
These nests are completely customizable to suit your taste! Whether you love cheese, bacon, or veggies, you can stuff these with whatever you like. It’s a great way to use up leftovers too.

Impressively Cute
Let’s face it—these little nests are adorable. They’re small enough to be bite-sized but pack a lot of flavor in each one. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just impressing your dinner guests.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
With just a few pantry staples, you can create a delicious dish that’s both comforting and fun. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that’s quick to prepare but will make you look like a culinary genius!

Ingredients in Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

For the Potato Nests:

• Mashed Potatoes – The star of the show! You’ll want to use creamy mashed potatoes for the perfect texture. You can even use leftover mashed potatoes if you have some on hand.
• Eggs – Helps bind everything together and gives the nests a nice golden finish when baked.
• Cheese – A little shredded cheese adds creaminess and flavor to the potatoes.
• Butter – For richness and a smoother texture in the mashed potatoes.
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you love (garlic powder, paprika, etc.) to bring those potatoes to life.
• Breadcrumbs – Adds a little crunch to the nests when baked.

For the Filling:

• Cheese – You can use shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or any of your favorite cheeses to stuff these nests.
• Bacon – Crumbled crispy bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor that pairs so well with mashed potatoes.
• Green Onions – For a little fresh, zesty kick.
• Chives or Parsley – Fresh herbs to brighten up the flavor and give the nests a pop of color.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – For a bit of tang and creaminess in the filling (optional).

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into how you can make these little golden wonders:

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Start by making your mashed potatoes. If you don’t already have leftovers, boil your potatoes until they’re fork-tender. Drain, then mash them with butter, salt, pepper, and a splash of cream or milk until smooth and creamy. You’ll want them a little thicker than usual since they’ll hold the nest shape.

Step 2: Mix in the Eggs and Cheese

Once your mashed potatoes are ready, let them cool slightly before mixing in the eggs and shredded cheese. The eggs help the nests hold their shape, and the cheese adds extra creaminess and flavor. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Form the Nests

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. Scoop the mashed potato mixture into each muffin cup, pressing them down into the bottom. Then, use the back of a spoon to create a well in the center of each one, forming a little nest. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of each nest to give them a crispy finish when baked.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While the nests are baking, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix together your desired fillings. For example, if you’re using bacon, cheese, and green onions, combine them in a small bowl. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for an extra creamy touch.

Step 5: Bake the Nests

Place the filled muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the nests are golden and crispy on top. You’ll want them to be firm but still tender inside. The cheese should melt, and the breadcrumbs should turn golden.

Step 6: Fill and Serve

Once the nests are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Then, fill each nest with your filling—whether it’s cheese, bacon, herbs, or a little sour cream. Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for that final touch.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these crispy, cheesy mashed potato nests warm, and watch them disappear before your eyes. They’re perfect on their own or served alongside any main dish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests

These stuffed mashed potato nests are incredibly versatile, so here are some great ways to serve them:

• As a Side Dish – Pair them with roast chicken, steak, or any meat dish for a comforting side that adds extra flavor to the meal.
• For Brunch – Serve these at brunch with a side of scrambled eggs or a fresh salad.
• Appetizer – They’re perfect for parties or gatherings. Serve them with a variety of fillings to please different tastes!
• With Gravy – Drizzle some warm gravy over the top for an even more indulgent experience.

Additional Tips

• Customize the Filling – These nests are a blank canvas! Swap out the bacon for sautéed mushrooms or add a little spinach for a veggie-packed option.
• Make Ahead – You can prep the nests ahead of time! Just prepare the mashed potato mixture and shape the nests in the muffin tin, then refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
• Freezing – These freeze beautifully! Just assemble them, bake them halfway through, and then freeze them. When you’re ready, bake them the rest of the way from frozen.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these nests without eggs?
A1: Yes, you can! If you want to make them egg-free, try using a flaxseed egg or mashed avocado as a binding agent.

Q2: Can I make these in advance?
A2: Absolutely! You can prep everything ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then bake the nests when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.

Q4: Can I make these with sweet potatoes?
A4: Yes! Sweet potatoes would be a delicious twist on this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning for the slightly sweeter flavor of the potatoes.

Q5: Can I freeze these?
A5: Yes! Assemble the nests and bake them halfway. Then, freeze them in a single layer. When you’re ready to serve, bake them from frozen until golden and crispy.

Conclusion

These Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are the ultimate comfort food turned into something fun, crispy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a side, an appetizer, or a snack, they’re sure to impress. So go ahead, stuff them with all your favorite fillings, and get ready to enjoy a bite of potato perfection!

Print