Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potato Cups are the perfect bite-sized comfort food that combines everything people love about creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese—baked into golden, crispy-edged cups. These savory potato cups are fluffy on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and packed with rich garlic and cheese flavor in every bite. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or party snack, they disappear fast and always leave people asking for the recipe.
What makes this dish so special is its texture contrast. The mashed potatoes bake into a soft, creamy center while the edges caramelize beautifully in the muffin pan, creating an irresistible crust. Cheese melts throughout and on top, forming those stretchy, gooey strands that make these cups completely addictive. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, they look as good as they taste.
These Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potato Cups are also a brilliant way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and impressive results make this recipe a favorite for holidays, potlucks, and everyday meals alike.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (fresh or leftover)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Non-stick spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
Prepare the Mixture
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a standard muffin tin generously with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and help create crispy edges.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, sour cream, melted butter, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. The eggs help the cups hold their shape while baking, and the cheese adds richness and structure. Stir in chopped chives for a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each nearly to the top. Use the back of a spoon to gently smooth the surface. The mixture should be thick but fluffy, not runny.
Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The tops should become golden brown and slightly puffed, with crispy edges pulling away from the sides of the pan. For extra browning, switch to broil for the final 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Remove from the oven and allow the potato cups to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully lifting them out with a spoon or knife. This resting time helps them firm up and release cleanly.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potato Cups are incredibly versatile. Serve them hot as a side dish with roasted chicken, steak, or grilled vegetables. They also work beautifully as an appetizer with sour cream, ranch dip, or garlic aioli on the side.
For brunch, pair them with eggs and fresh fruit. For parties, arrange them on a platter and garnish with extra chives or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Their compact size makes them ideal for finger food and buffet-style serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the cups in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to restore crisp edges. They can also be reheated in an air fryer for excellent texture.
These potato cups freeze well, too. Freeze fully cooled cups in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven until hot and golden.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potato Cups deliver big flavor with minimal effort. They’re comforting, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable—add bacon bits, swap cheeses, or spice them up with paprika or chili flakes. With their crispy outside and creamy, cheesy center, these potato cups turn a simple ingredient into something truly special.
Perfectly golden, irresistibly cheesy, and packed with garlic flavor, these Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potato Cups are guaranteed to become a favorite on your table. 🧀🥔✨