Description
Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups are a delightful, individually portioned take on the traditional mashed potato side dish. Infused with rich garlic and nutty Parmesan, these cups are baked in a muffin tin to create crispy edges and creamy centers. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or as an elegant party side, they offer the comfort of mashed potatoes with an elevated twist. The combination of flavors and textures makes these cups a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Thoroughly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cooking the Potatoes:
- Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Mashing the Potatoes:
- Add the minced garlic, whole milk, and unsalted butter to the potatoes.
- Mash until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Mixing in Flavorings:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before beating in the egg to avoid scrambling.
- Filling the Muffin Tin:
- Spoon the mashed potato mixture into the greased muffin cups, packing gently.
- Smooth the tops for a neat presentation.
- Baking:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
- Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cups cool in the tin for a few minutes to set before removing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the mashed potato mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Spoon into the muffin tin and bake when ready.
- Freezing Instructions: You can freeze unbaked cups for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Variations: Feel free to customize the flavor by adding cooked bacon bits, chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even a different cheese like cheddar or Gruyère. For extra crispiness, brush the tops with butter or sprinkle with breadcrumbs before baking.