If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish that feels special yet is downright simple to make, you’ve found a winner with this Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups Recipe. Imagine creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection inside individual cups, crowned with a crunchy Parmesan top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. These delightful bites turn humble spuds into elegant morsels ready to steal the show at any dinner table. Whether you’re serving a festive gathering or just craving a fun twist on classic mashed potatoes, this recipe offers comforting flavors and eye-catching presentation all in one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients for this dish is part of what makes the Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups Recipe so accessible. Each component is carefully chosen to bring balance and depth — from the creamy whole milk that keeps the texture silky to the sharp Parmesan that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Russet potatoes: Perfect for fluffy, well-mashed potatoes due to their high starch content.
- Garlic: Fresh minced cloves add a fragrant and savory punch that elevates every bite.
- Whole milk: Adds smoothness and richness without overpowering the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Melts beautifully with garlic and brings a creamy indulgence to the mash.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for mixing, plus a little extra to sprinkle on top for a golden, crispy crust.
- Large egg: Binds the mixture together so the potato cups hold their shape perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Cooking spray or butter: For greasing the muffin tin to ensure easy removal and a tasty edge.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled just before serving for a pop of color and mild herbaceousness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a 12-cup muffin tin. Place the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a large pot, cover them with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well, then return them to the hot pot and let sit for a few minutes to evaporate any excess moisture. This helps avoid watery mash later on.
Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Butter
While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sautéing just for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden, making sure it doesn’t burn. This step is key to unleashing that rich garlicky flavor that makes this recipe impossible to resist. Remove from heat and get ready to combine.
Step 3: Mash and Mix the Potatoes
Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash the potatoes until they’re smooth and lump-free — nobody wants chunky spots here. Season with salt and pepper to bring out the best in those creamy potatoes. Next, lightly beat the large egg and stir it into the mash to help the mixture set nicely when baked.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top for a generous portion. Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon, then sprinkle each cup with an extra handful of Parmesan cheese. The cheese topping will bake into a crunchy, golden crust that makes these potato cups so addictive. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops are beautifully golden brown and just a little crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow the potato cups to cool briefly so they firm up and release easily from the tin. Carefully remove each cup using a fork or spatula and plate them like bite-sized treasures. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add freshness and a vibrant touch. Serve warm and prepare for rave reviews from your family and friends!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a few crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, or even thinly sliced green onions to complement the savory flavors. These garnishes add contrast in taste and texture, transforming your potato cups into a sophisticated appetizer or side.
Side Dishes
These Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups pair wonderfully with protein-rich dishes like roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. Their crispy edges and creamy centers provide a delicious foil to juicy mains. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables alongside them help keep the meal balanced and visually appealing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the potato cups on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering, or arrange them on a fine china platter for a festive occasion. You can even place toothpicks in each cup to turn them into easy finger foods at a party. This versatile presentation makes them perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers from your Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy that comforting flavor later without any hassle.
Freezing
These potato cups freeze well, too. Place the cooled cups on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. This prevents sticking and lets you reheat just what you need. Frozen cups can keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the cups back into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and crispy once again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crispy edges soggy, and that goes against the deliciousness of this dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are best for this recipe because their starchy nature creates fluffy mashed potatoes that hold well. Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold can be used but may result in a denser texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk, and swap butter for a plant-based margarine. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe without an egg?
The egg acts as a binder to help the cups keep their shape. If you want to skip the egg, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch or using cream cheese to bind the mixture instead.
What can I do to add extra flavor to the potato cups?
Consider mixing in chopped herbs like chives or rosemary, or adding cooked bacon or caramelized onions for a savory kick. Experimenting with flavors can make this recipe truly your own.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups Recipe makes about 12 servings, perfect for sharing at a family dinner or holiday gathering.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly blends comfort and elegance. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress everyone at your table. Give it a try for your next meal and watch these irresistible potato cups become a fast new favorite in your kitchen!
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Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups are a delightful twist on classic mashed potatoes, baked into individual servings with a crispy Parmesan crust. Perfect as a savory side dish or appetizer, they combine creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic and butter, enriched with Parmesan cheese, and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Garlic & Butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Mashed Potato Mixture
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water, adding a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain thoroughly and return potatoes to the pot to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Infuse with Garlic & Butter: In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, making sure not to burn the garlic. Remove from heat.
- Mash & Mix the Potatoes: Mash the drained potatoes using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and lump-free. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the garlic butter mixture, then add the milk and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble & Bake: Lightly beat the egg in a small bowl and stir it into the mashed potato mixture until fully incorporated. Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling each almost to the top. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a crispy finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve & Enjoy: Allow the potato cups to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin using a fork or spatula. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- To avoid watery mashed potatoes, make sure to drain and return them to the hot pot to evaporate excess moisture before mashing.
- Sauté the garlic gently to bring out the flavor without burning it, which can cause bitterness.
- These cups can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese.
- Use a hand mixer for extra smooth mashed potatoes or a masher for a chunkier texture according to preference.
