Cheesy Potato Cups

Introduction

Cheesy potato cups are a savory, bite-sized treat that combines the best of crispy potatoes and melted cheese. These golden cups are perfect for a snack, side dish, or even a party appetizer. With their crispy exterior and creamy, cheesy interior, these potato cups are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. You can customize the filling with different cheeses and herbs to suit your taste, making them versatile and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Potato Cups:

• 4 medium potatoes (Russet potatoes work best)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Peel and slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. You can also use a mandoline slicer for even slices.
   • Place the potato slices in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, and toss until evenly coated.
2. Create the Potato Cups:
   • Grease a muffin tin or mini muffin tray with olive oil or non-stick spray.
   • Take one potato slice and press it into the bottom of each muffin cup, slightly overlapping the edges. Layer a few more potato slices on top of each other, creating a cup-like shape.
   • Repeat until all the muffin cups are filled.
3. Bake the Potato Cups:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the edges are golden and crispy.
   • After baking, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven.
4. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
   • In a small bowl, mix the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), shredded cheese, chopped chives, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Fill the Potato Cups:
   • Spoon the cheese filling into each potato cup, spreading it evenly.
   • Sprinkle additional cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) on top of each cup for an extra cheesy layer.
6. Bake Again:
   • Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once the cheesy potato cups are baked, remove them from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Conclusion

These cheesy potato cups are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic combination of potatoes and cheese. They are crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, making them an irresistible treat. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, they are sure to impress. You can even make them ahead of time and reheat them for a quick snack or side to any meal. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!