Irresistible Cheesy Potato Cups: The Perfect Individual Side Dish

Cheesy Potato Cups have quickly become a beloved staple in our potato-loving family. These delightful individual portions are incredibly versatile, making them an ideal choice for elegant dinner parties, festive holiday gatherings, or even a comforting addition to a busy weeknight meal. Their charming presentation and irresistible flavor are sure to impress every time.

This particular Cheesy Potato Recipe recently garnered enthusiastic praise at a family dinner. The spontaneous exclamations like, “How many can we have?” and “These are truly exceptional!” were unsolicited and a testament to their deliciousness. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly from the serving platter, leaving everyone wanting just one more.

Why These Cheesy Potato Cups Are a Must-Try

There’s something uniquely appealing about individual servings, and these Cheesy Potato Cups take that appeal to a whole new level. Not only are they incredibly flavorful, but their presentation is also effortlessly elegant, making them a fantastic addition to any menu.

• **Effortless Elegance for Any Occasion:** The inspiration for these individual potato bakes struck when a Cook’s Country magazine lay open on my counter, showcasing a tantalizing photo. My husband, Bill, walked by and immediately declared, “I’d eat those.” And he’s not alone! These cups transform a simple potato side dish into something special, perfect for entertaining guests or adding a touch of class to your holiday spread. Imagine them alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas roast – they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
• **The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser:** Baked conveniently in muffin tins, these are essentially individual portions of decadent, cheesy scalloped potatoes, but with a fantastic crispy edge that a traditional casserole simply can’t achieve. I proudly served these for Christmas Eve, and they were an undeniable crowd-pleaser. Every single cup vanished, and guests were eager for the recipe. Their compact size makes them easy to serve, eliminating the need for awkward scooping and ensuring everyone gets a perfectly portioned, delicious bite.
• **Versatility at Its Best:** While perfect for festive occasions, these Cheesy Potato Cups are also simple enough for a flavorful weeknight meal. They pair wonderfully with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken and pan-seared fish to juicy steaks or hearty stews. Their comforting, savory profile makes them a versatile companion to almost any dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Perfect Cheesy Potato Cups

Crafting the perfect Cheesy Potato Cups starts with understanding your ingredients. While the recipe calls for standard kitchen items, selecting the right varieties and preparing them correctly makes all the difference in achieving that irresistible flavor and texture.

• Kitchen Staples – You’ll need basic seasonings like Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes and cheese. Cornstarch plays a crucial role in binding the cheese mixture, ensuring a creamy texture and preventing it from separating during baking.
• Panko Bread Crumbs – For the best crispiness and adherence to the muffin tin, we recommend grinding Panko bread crumbs in your food processor. Panko, also known as Japanese bread crumbs, is lighter and flakier than traditional bread crumbs, creating a superior crunchy crust around each potato cup. This golden exterior is one of the hallmarks of this delightful recipe.
• Butter – Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This ensures it creams smoothly with other ingredients and coats the muffin tin effectively, preventing sticking and contributing to the rich flavor profile. Unsalted butter is generally preferred to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Russet Potatoes – The choice of potato is paramount. Always use Russet Potatoes, peeled, for this recipe. Russets are starchy potatoes with a drier, fluffier flesh, which absorbs the creamy liquid and cheese beautifully, resulting in a tender interior that holds its shape. Waxy potatoes, like red-skinned or Yukon Golds, have a higher moisture content and tend to become gummy or watery in this type of preparation, making Russets the superior choice for a light and airy texture.
• Half and Half – This dairy blend, a mixture of equal parts milk and cream, typically contains 10-12% milk fat. It provides the perfect balance of richness and lightness, infusing the potatoes with a subtle creaminess without making them overly heavy. Full cream or milk can be substituted in a pinch, but half and half offers the ideal consistency.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar – The robust flavor of Sharp Cheddar is key to the “cheesy” aspect of these cups. Whether you opt for yellow or white cheddar, ensure it’s a sharp variety for maximum impact. For the freshest taste and best melting properties, shredding your own block of cheddar is always recommended. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can slightly alter their texture and melting behavior.
• Grated Parmesan – Elevate your potato cups with authentic Parmesano Reggiano. Its salty, nutty, and complex flavor profile adds depth and sophistication. Steer clear of the pre-grated Parmesan in the green can, which often contains additives and lacks the nuanced flavor of real Parmesan. Freshly grated is always best for a truly gourmet touch.

Mastering the Art: How to Make Cheesy Potato Cups

Like many meticulously developed recipes from culinary sources such as Cook’s Illustrated or Cook’s Country, there’s a certain precision involved in making these Cheesy Potato Cups that ensures their outstanding results. While there are a few steps—including pan preparation, a microwaving stage, then filling the tin and baking—the beauty is that much of the work can be done in advance, streamlining your cooking process for a stress-free experience.

1. Prepare the Muffin Tin: This initial step is critical for preventing sticking and achieving those coveted crispy edges. Thoroughly grease your 12-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. Then, generously dust each cup with the finely ground Panko (Japanese) bread crumbs, ensuring an even coating. The Panko will create a delightful, crunchy crust. Set the prepared tin aside. This can be done hours or even a day ahead of time.
2. Microwave the Potatoes with Cream and Seasonings: Begin by cutting your peeled Russet potatoes in half lengthwise, then slice each half into three spears. Next, slice these spears into uniform ¼-inch thick pieces. This consistent sizing is important for even cooking. Place the potato slices in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Add the half and half, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and microwave for 12-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the potatoes are tender but still hold their shape. This pre-cooking step ensures the potatoes are perfectly cooked without becoming mushy during baking and allows them to absorb flavor.
3. Combine the Cheeses and Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, toss together the shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, and cornstarch. The cornstarch acts as a stabilizer, helping the cheeses melt smoothly and preventing them from clumping. Add the majority of this cheese mixture to the hot, microwaved potatoes, reserving about ⅓ cup for topping. Stir gently but thoroughly until the cheese is well mixed and begins to melt into the creamy potatoes.
4. Divide and Level the Potato Mixture: Evenly divide the cheesy potato mixture among the 12 prepared muffin tin openings. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently level out the tops as best as possible. A relatively flat surface will ensure even browning.
5. Top with Reserved Cheese: Sprinkle the reserved ⅓ cup of cheese mixture over the top of each potato cup. This final layer of cheese will melt and brown beautifully, creating a golden, irresistible crust.
6. Bake, Cool, and Remove: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the potato cups, covered with foil, for 10 minutes. Covering them initially helps the potatoes cook through evenly and prevents the cheese from browning too quickly. After 10 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 13-15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown and bubbling. Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for precisely 5 minutes. This brief cooling period is essential for the cups to firm up slightly, making them much easier to remove. After 5 minutes, run a thin knife around the perimeter of each cup, then gently remove them from the tin.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the Cheesy Potato Cups to cool for a few more minutes on a cooling rack or serving platter. This allows them to fully set before serving. Then, plate them warm and watch them disappear!

Top Tips for Perfectly Cheesy Potato Cups Every Time

Achieving outstanding results with these Cheesy Potato Cups is simple when you follow a few expert tips. These insights will help you prevent common pitfalls and ensure your potato bakes are nothing short of perfect.

• Embrace Russet Potatoes: As emphasized in the ingredient notes, Russet potatoes are your best friend for this recipe. Their high starch content and fluffy texture after cooking are ideal for absorbing the creamy, cheesy mixture without becoming watery or dense. Avoid waxy potatoes, which can result in a gummy or heavy texture.
• Strategic Pan Preparation is Key: Don’t rush or skimp on greasing and dusting your muffin tin. A well-prepped pan ensures that each potato cup releases cleanly and effortlessly, maintaining its beautiful shape. The Panko bread crumbs contribute not only to easy release but also to a delightful crispy crust. You can prepare your pan hours in advance, even leaving it on the counter all day if you need to; this flexibility is a huge time-saver.
• The 5-Minute Cooling Rule is Non-Negotiable: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for easy removal. After baking, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the Cheesy Potato Cups cool for exactly 5 minutes before attempting to extract them. From extensive experience, I’ve learned that if you forget or delay this step, the cups will “sweat” in the tin, leading to inevitable sticking and making them incredibly difficult to remove without damage. The brief cooling period allows them to firm up just enough.
• Consider Creative Additions: While delicious as is, feel free to personalize your potato cups. A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions after baking adds a fresh, oniony note. Crispy bacon bits folded into the potato mixture or sprinkled on top before the final bake would also be a fantastic savory enhancement.
• Serving Suggestions: These Cheesy Potato Cups are incredibly versatile. They shine as a side to a holiday ham, roasted turkey, or prime rib. For everyday meals, they pair beautifully with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a simple pan-seared steak. They’re also a fantastic dish for potlucks or brunches, offering a sophisticated yet comforting option.
• Explore More Potato Delights: If you love the comforting appeal of cheesy potatoes, be sure to check out these Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes for another family-favorite side dish idea!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Potato Cups

More Delicious Potato Side Dishes You May Also Love:

If you’re a fan of comforting and flavorful potato dishes, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes that are perfect for any meal:

• Instant Pot Baked Potatoes from Shugary Sweets – For quick and perfectly tender baked potatoes.
• Twice Baked Potatoes – A classic, hearty side dish with a rich, cheesy filling.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Indulgently smooth and rich, ideal for a luxurious touch.
• Crispy Smashed Potatoes – Offering an irresistible crunchy exterior and soft interior.
• Don’t forget to browse our extensive collection of Side Dishes for even more inspiration!

Cheesy Potato Cups Recipe

These delightful cheesy potato cups, baked in a muffin tin, are perfect for dinner parties and family meals alike. They offer a gourmet touch with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• ½ cup panko bread crumbs, finely ground in a food processor
• 1 tablespoon butter, at room temperature, plus extra for greasing
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
• 1 ¼ cups half and half
• 1 ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ⅓ cups shredded sharp cheddar
• ⅔ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425ºF (220°C). Thoroughly butter a 12-cup muffin tin, then dust each cup generously with the ground panko crumbs, ensuring an even coating. Set aside.
2. Cut the peeled russet potatoes in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3 spears. Slice the spears into ¼ inch thick slices. Place the potato slices in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add the half and half, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and microwave for 12-15 minutes on high power, stirring once halfway through, until the potatoes are tender but still intact.
3. In a separate bowl, toss together the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and cornstarch. Add all but ⅓ cup of this cheese mixture to the hot potatoes and stir gently until the cheese is well mixed and starts to melt.
4. Divide the cheesy potato mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Use the back of a spoon to smooth out the tops as much as possible. Sprinkle the reserved ⅓ cup of cheese mixture over the top of each potato cup.
5. Bake, covered with aluminum foil, for 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 13-15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and bubbly.
6. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and transfer it to a wire cooling rack. Allow the potato cups to cool in the tin for exactly 5 minutes. This crucial step helps them firm up and prevents sticking.
7. After 5 minutes, run a thin knife around the perimeter of each potato cup to loosen it. Invert the muffin tin onto a baking sheet, tapping gently if necessary, to release the cups.
8. Cool for a few more minutes before serving warm. Enjoy your perfectly portioned Cheesy Potato Cups!

Notes

This recipe has been adapted from a trusted Cook’s Country publication, known for its meticulous testing and reliable results.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. These products are recommended for achieving the best results with this recipe.

• Panko Bread Crumbs
• Set of Glass Mixing Bowls
• Cupcake Tin

Nutrition Information

© Liz Berg

Cuisine: American / Category: Sides