Irresistibly Cheesy Loaded Potato Cups to Delight Your Taste Buds

Loaded potato cups are a tasty twist on the classic baked potato, turning it into an easy-to-eat snack.

These little treats feature crispy potato shells filled with delicious toppings that everyone loves.

People enjoy making these snacks because they can be customized to fit any occasion or taste preference.

The process involves scooping out potatoes and stuffing them with a yummy blend of ingredients sure to please anyone’s taste buds.

Common additions like cheese, bacon, and herbs make these snacks hard to resist at any party or casual dinner.

With their crispy exteriors and creamy centers, these potato cups offer a perfect bite-sized comfort food experience.

Reasons To Love Loaded Potato Cups

• Speedy Kitchen Magic: Perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen. These potato cups transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing appetizer in just 20 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Ideal for game day parties, potlucks, or casual family gatherings where people want easy-to-eat finger foods that pack maximum flavor in a compact, adorable package.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Requires minimal ingredients most people already have in their pantry – potatoes, cheese, bacon, and basic seasonings – making it an affordable option for feeding a hungry group without breaking the bank.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping bacon for vegetarian alternatives, using different cheese types, or adding extra herbs and spices to suit individual taste preferences.

Everything That Goes In Loaded Potato Cups

Main Ingredients:

Potato Bases: – Potatoes: Starchy and fluffy base that creates crispy edible cups, best with russet or Yukon gold varieties for perfect texture.

• Olive Oil: Helps create crispy exterior and adds subtle flavor to potato cups.

Filling Ingredients: – Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that adds richness and creamy texture, cheddar works best.

• Bacon: Provides salty, crispy protein that enhances overall flavor, preferably thick-cut and freshly crumbled.

Garnish and Finishing Touches: – Sour Cream: Creamy, tangy topping that adds cool contrast to hot potato cups.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds color and brightness to the dish, thinly sliced for best presentation.

Seasoning: – Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps draw moisture from potatoes.

• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the potato cups.

Simple Steps For Loaded Potato Cups

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) and get ready for some potato magic.

Step 2: Soften Potato Bases

Microwave whole potatoes until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork, around 5-8 minutes depending on their size.

Step 3: Shape Potato Vessels

Grab a muffin tin and gently press each potato into the cups, using a small container to create a cozy hollow center.

Step 4: Add Flavor Foundation

• Olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• Sprinkle of black pepper

Step 5: Crisp Up the Edges

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the potato edges turn golden and crispy.

Step 6: Load with Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy crumbled bacon bits

Step 7: Melt and Merge

Return to the oven and bake until the cheese transforms into a gooey, melted blanket.

Step 8: Final Garnish

• Creamy sour cream dollop
• Freshly chopped green onions

Step 9: Serve and Celebrate

Bring these cheesy potato nests straight to the table and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Quick Tricks For Loaded Potato Cups

• Microwave Magic: Choose medium-sized potatoes with similar shapes and sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent potato cups.
• Oil Brush Technique: Use a pastry brush to evenly distribute olive oil, creating a golden and crispy exterior that enhances flavor and texture.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Select a cheese that melts smoothly like cheddar or monterey jack to achieve the perfect gooey consistency inside the potato cups.
• Bacon Crispiness Hack: Cook bacon until extra crispy before crumbling to add a satisfying crunch and intense smoky flavor to your potato cups.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace bacon with crispy mushroom bits or roasted bell peppers for a delicious meat-free alternative that maintains the recipe's rich taste profile.

How To Save And Reheat Loaded Potato Cups

• Refrigerate: Store leftover potato cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm potato cups at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness and maintain texture.
• Microwave Option: Quickly reheat for 30-45 seconds, but note the potato skin might lose its crunch.
• Avoid Freezing: These delicate potato cups don't freeze well and can become mushy when thawed.

Yummy Sides For Loaded Potato Cups

• Complement with Cold Beer: Crisp lager or hoppy IPA cuts through the rich, creamy potato cups and balances the salty bacon and cheese flavors.
• Match with Fresh Salad: Light, tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty potato cups and cleanses the palate.
• Enhance with Chilled White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio offers a zesty, acidic profile that cuts through the richness and complements the dish's savory elements.
• Side with Crisp Coleslaw: Crunchy, cool coleslaw with a hint of sweetness adds texture and provides a cool counterpoint to the warm, cheesy potato cups.

Try These Versions Of Loaded Potato Cups

• Vegetarian Potato Cups: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for a plant-based version. Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free bacon or turkey bacon if needed.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, sprinkle chili powder, and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. Top with fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Cups: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets. Roast until tender and follow the same cheese and topping method.

Answers About Loaded Potato Cups

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Just ensure they’re similar in size for even cooking and consistent results.

• How do I prevent the potato cups from sticking to the muffin tin?

Generously brush the muffin tin with olive oil or use non-stick cooking spray before placing the potato cups to ensure easy removal.

• Is it necessary to microwave the potatoes first?

Microwaving helps soften the potatoes and reduces overall cooking time, making the recipe quicker and ensuring the potatoes are tender inside while creating a crispy exterior.

• Can I make these potato cups ahead of time?

You can partially prepare them by pre-baking the potato cups, then finish with cheese and bacon just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Crispy Loaded Potato Cups Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Savory Loaded Potato Cups bring comfort and creativity to classic potato skins with a crispy exterior and creamy center. Crisp bacon, melted cheese, and green onions crown these irresistible bite-sized appetizers you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 baby Yukon Gold or russet potatoes
• ½ cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) cooked bacon, crumbled

Seasonings and Flavorings:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Sour cream, to taste
• 1 green onion, chopped

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 400°F, preparing a crisp environment for the potato delights.
2. Microwave whole potatoes until they reach a fork-tender consistency, typically 5-8 minutes depending on their individual size.
3. Transfer the softened potatoes directly into a muffin tin, using a small cylindrical tool to gently press down and create a perfectly shaped hollow center.
4. Lavishly coat the potato vessels with a light brush of olive oil, then generously season with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor profile.
5. Roast the prepared potato cups for a brief 5-7 minutes, allowing the edges to transform into a delightfully crisp golden brown.
6. Generously fill each potato cup with a vibrant mixture of shredded cheese and crumbled bacon, ensuring maximum flavor coverage.
7. Return the loaded potato cups to the oven, allowing the cheese to melt into a luxurious, gooey blanket over the savory filling.
8. Crown each potato cup with a generous dollop of creamy sour cream and a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and zesty flavor.
9. Serve these irresistible potato cups immediately while they’re piping hot and at the peak of their delectable appeal.

Notes

• Choose medium-sized potatoes with uniform shape for consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
• Microwave time varies depending on potato size, so check doneness by piercing with a fork to prevent overcooking.
• Brush potatoes generously with olive oil to ensure crispy, golden edges and enhanced flavor.
• Customize the recipe by substituting bacon with vegetarian alternatives like crispy mushroom bits or smoked paprika for plant-based diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg