Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is comforting, creative, family-friendly, and perfect for using leftover mashed potatoes. The nests are crispy around the edges, creamy in the center, and endlessly customizable with your favorite fillings.
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Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests: A Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish with a Fun Twist
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12 potato nests
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy-on-the-outside mashed potato nests filled with cheese, bacon, or veggies—comforting, fun, and perfect as a side dish or party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (cold or room temperature)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Nonstick spray or olive oil
- Optional Fillings:
- Sour cream
- Chives or green onions
- Sautéed mushrooms or spinach
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin well.
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes with egg, shredded cheese, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the potato mixture into muffin cups.
- Use the back of a spoon to press down the center, forming a nest shape.
- Sprinkle bacon bits into the centers if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until edges are golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and add optional fillings like sour cream or veggies.
- Return to oven for 5 minutes if adding cheese fillings.
- Cool slightly, garnish with chives, and serve warm.
Notes
- Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly.
- For extra crispiness, brush edges with melted butter.
- Make vegetarian by omitting bacon.
- Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Mashed potatoes
Form the base of the nests, providing a fluffy interior and crisp edges when baked.
Egg
Helps bind the potatoes so the nests hold their shape.
Butter
Adds richness and improves flavor and browning.
Parmesan cheese
Enhances savory depth and helps create a lightly crisp exterior.
Salt
Balances and enhances the flavor of the potatoes.
Black pepper
Adds gentle warmth and seasoning.
Shredded cheese
Melts into the center for a creamy, comforting filling.
Cooked bacon, chicken, or vegetables
Adds hearty texture and flavor to the stuffing.
Green onions or chives
Provide freshness and a mild onion bite.
Directions
Preheat your oven and lightly grease a muffin tin. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, melted butter, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Spoon the potato mixture into the muffin tin cups. Using the back of a spoon, press the potatoes up the sides and create a well in the center to form a nest shape. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and set.
Remove the pan from the oven and fill each nest with shredded cheese and your choice of cooked filling. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the nests cool slightly before removing from the tin. Garnish with green onions or chives and serve warm.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: about 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover nests in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness. These nests can also be frozen once baked; reheat directly from frozen until warmed through.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Breakfast Nests
Fill with scrambled eggs and cheddar for a breakfast option.
Vegetarian Garden Nests
Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peppers as filling.
Loaded Potato Nests
Stuff with bacon, sour cream, and cheddar for a classic loaded flavor.
Chicken Alfredo Nests
Fill with cooked chicken and a spoon of Alfredo sauce.
Mexican-Inspired Nests
Add seasoned ground beef, corn, and pepper jack cheese.
Ham and Swiss Nests
Use diced ham and Swiss cheese for a savory combo.
Herb Mashed Potato Nests
Mix rosemary or thyme into the potatoes for added aroma.
Low-Carb Variation
Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
Mini Appetizer Nests
Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized portions.
Holiday-Style Nests
Fill with turkey and gravy for a festive leftover makeover.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for leftover mashed potatoes.
Do the potatoes need to be cold or warm?
Either works, but room temperature is easiest to handle.
How do I keep the nests from sticking?
Grease the muffin tin well or use silicone liners.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake the nests and reheat before serving.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack melt very well.
Can I air-fry these?
Yes, air-fry in a silicone mold until crisp and heated through.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Absolutely—shaping the nests is fun and easy.
Will they hold their shape?
Yes, the egg and cheese help them stay sturdy.
Can I make them gluten-free?
They are naturally gluten-free.
Are these good for parties?
Yes, they’re perfect finger-friendly comfort food.
Conclusion
Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests turn classic mashed potatoes into a fun, comforting dish with crispy edges and a creamy, flavorful center. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for family dinners, holidays, or entertaining guests. Whether served as a side or a main, these nests deliver warmth, creativity, and satisfying comfort in every bite.
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