Here’s a clear, detailed recipe for Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests. They’re crispy on the outside, soft inside, and perfect as a snack, side dish, or light meal.
🥔 Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests
⏱ Time
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Prep: 25 minutes
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Bake: 25–30 minutes
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Total: ~55 minutes
🍽 Servings
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Makes 8–10 nests
🛒 Ingredients
Mashed Potato Base
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4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
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2 tablespoons butter
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½ cup milk (warm)
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¾ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ cup grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
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1 egg yolk
Filling (Choose One or Mix)
Meat Option
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ lb (225 g) minced beef or chicken
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½ small onion, finely chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Salt & pepper to taste
Vegetarian Option
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Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, corn, or peas
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Cream cheese or ricotta for extra creaminess
Topping (Optional)
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Extra grated cheese
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Chopped parsley or green onions
🔪 Directions
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes
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Boil potatoes in salted water until very tender (15–20 minutes).
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Drain well and mash until smooth.
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Mix in butter, warm milk, salt, pepper, cheese, and egg yolk.
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Let cool slightly so it’s easier to shape.
2. Prepare the Filling
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Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
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Sauté onion until soft.
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Add garlic and minced meat; cook until browned.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Remove from heat and let cool.
(Skip this step if using pre-cooked or vegetarian filling.)
3. Shape the Potato Nests
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Grease a muffin tin or line with parchment.
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Spoon mashed potatoes into each cup.
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Use the back of a spoon to press down the center, forming a “nest.”
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Make the walls slightly thick so they hold the filling.
4. Fill the Nests
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Spoon filling into the center of each potato nest.
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Sprinkle cheese on top if desired.
5. Bake
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are golden and crispy.
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For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
6. Serve
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Let cool for 5 minutes.
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Carefully remove from the tin.
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Garnish with parsley or green onions.
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Serve warm.
✅ Tips & Variations
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Extra crispy: Brush edges with olive oil before baking
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Breakfast version: Add a quail egg in the center (crack in last 10 minutes)
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Kid-friendly: Use cheese and ham filling
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Air fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes