ULTIMATE STUFFED MASHED POTATO NESTS

Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown potato shell that gives way to a creamy, cheesy mashed potato center, all while discovering a hidden treasure of your favorite fillings inside – that’s the magic of Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests! This isn’t your average side dish; it’s a delightful culinary adventure that’s sure to impress your family and friends, and I promise, you’ll absolutely nail it.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potato Nests:

• 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling (choose your favorites!):

• Cooked and crumbled bacon
• Shredded cooked chicken
• Steamed broccoli florets
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Diced ham
• Chili
• Cooked ground beef
• Caramelized Onions

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Potato masher or ricer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Ice cream scoop or large spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started: The Potatoes

1. Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot.

Making the Mashed Potatoes: Creamy Goodness

1. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or ricer until smooth.
2. Add the warmed milk, melted butter, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes – this will make them easier to handle.

Forming the Nests: The Fun Part!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk the beaten egg. In another shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
4. Using an ice cream scoop or a large spoon, scoop out a generous portion of mashed potatoes (about 1/2 cup).
5. Gently shape the mashed potatoes into a ball.
6. Dip the ball into the beaten egg, then coat it evenly with the panko breadcrumbs.
7. Place the breaded potato ball onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining mashed potatoes.
9. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently make an indentation in the center of each potato ball to create a “nest.”

Stuffing the Nests: Your Creative Touch

1. Now comes the exciting part! Fill each potato nest with your desired fillings. Get creative! You can use a single filling or a combination of your favorites.
2. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the stuffed nests.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the nests.

Baking to Golden Perfection

1. Bake the Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

• Potatoes too watery? Make sure to drain the potatoes very well after boiling. You can also return them to the pot over low heat for a minute or two to dry them out slightly.
• Mashed potatoes too stiff? Add a little more warmed milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Nests not holding their shape? Let the mashed potatoes cool a bit more before forming the nests. The cooler they are, the easier they will be to handle. Adding an extra egg yolk to the mashed potato mixture can also help bind them.
• Panko not sticking? Make sure the egg wash is coating the potato balls evenly. Press the panko breadcrumbs gently onto the potato balls to help them adhere.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of these Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests is their versatility! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and fillings to create your own unique version.

Cheese Lovers’ Delight

Use a combination of different cheeses in the mashed potatoes and as a topping. Try Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of blue cheese for a bolder flavor.

Spicy Kick

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mashed potatoes for a spicy kick. You can also use jalapenos or other spicy ingredients in the filling.

Vegetarian Options

Load up the nests with a variety of vegetables, such as sauteed spinach, roasted red peppers, or grilled zucchini. You can also add vegetarian protein sources like black beans or lentils.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the mashed potatoes and form the nests ahead of time. Store the unbaked nests in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add the fillings, cheese, and olive oil, and bake as directed. You can also fully bake them and reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests make a fantastic appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a side of your favorite dipping sauce. They pair perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple salad.

Why I Love This Recipe

Okay, confession time: I’m a *huge* potato fan. I love the versatility, the comfort they bring, and the endless possibilities for flavor combinations. These Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests take everything I love about mashed potatoes and elevate it to a whole new level. They’re fun to make, customizable to your heart’s content, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover ingredients! It’s even more fun than whipping up a Cheesy Potato Gratin Casserole. You could even switch things up for the holidays and make a Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole but I think that this Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests recipe is easier to make. Speaking of comfort food, these nests would be a great side for Crockpot Loaded Steak And Potatoes. The best part? It’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken – even better than throwing it into a Creamy Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole! If you love the creamy flavor, you can also recreate this recipe using similar flavors as the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes. Or, if you’re craving a hearty meal, this recipe also tastes great with ground beef that rivals a Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my ultimate guide to making Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests! I hope you’re inspired to give this recipe a try and create your own delicious variations. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!