Loaded Potato Cups Recipe

Savory Loaded Potato Cups Recipe: A Crispy Comfort Delight

Crispy potato skins cradle a creamy loaded potato cups recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Cheese melts into golden rivers over tender potato vessels packed with savory goodness.

Bacon crumbles add a salty crunch that elevates every single bite.

These bite-sized delights turn simple ingredients into an irresistible appetizer everyone will adore.

Each cup delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

The best part?

They come together faster than you can imagine and disappear even quicker at parties.

Serve these irresistible potato cups and watch your guests dive in with pure delight.

Loaded Potato Cups – Bite-Sized Comfort Food

  • Craft a Delicate Dessert: Indulge in a sophisticated treat that blends the subtle floral notes of lavender with sweet honey, creating a unique and elegant cupcake experience.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust the lavender intensity to suit your taste, making this recipe perfect for both lavender enthusiasts and those new to the flavor.
  • Impress Your Guests: Elevate any gathering with these stunning cupcakes that look professionally made but are surprisingly simple to prepare.
  • Sensory Delight: Enjoy a multi-sensory dessert that tantalizes with its delicate aroma, beautiful presentation, and complex flavor profile.

Ingredients for Loaded Potato Cups

Potato Base:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the crispy and delicious foundation of this appetizer.
Cheese and Meat:
  • Shredded Cheese, Salami: Savory ingredients that add rich flavor and protein to the potato cups.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste and help create a crispy exterior.
  • Sour Cream, Green Onions: Fresh toppings that provide a cool, tangy contrast and bright garnish to the loaded potato cups.

Instructions to Prepare Loaded Potato Cups

Instructions to Prepare Loaded Potato Cups

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F (200C), getting ready for some potato magic.

Step 2: Soften the Spuds

Zap potatoes in the microwave until they’re fork-tender and practically melting, about 5-8 minutes depending on their size.

Step 3: Shape Potato Vessels

Grab a muffin tin and gently press each potato into a cup shape using a small container, creating a perfect little potato nest.

Step 4: Enhance with Oil and Seasoning

  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Lovingly brush the potato cups with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper for an extra flavor punch.

Step 5: Create Crispy Edges

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

Step 6: Add Cheesy Goodness

  • Shredded cheese
  • Salami

Generously fill each potato cup with a blend of shredded cheese and salami pieces.

Step 7: Melt and Merge

Return the loaded potato cups to the oven and bake until the cheese transforms into a gooey, melted masterpiece.

Step 8: Garnish and Devour

  • Sour cream
  • Chopped green onions

Top each potato cup with a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onions.

Serve piping hot and watch them disappear in seconds!

Tips for Making Delicious Loaded Potato Cups

  • Use a fork to poke holes in potatoes before microwaving to ensure even, quick cooking and prevent potential potato explosions.
  • Press potatoes gently but firmly in the muffin tin to create a sturdy cup shape that holds toppings perfectly without breaking.
  • Choose a cheese that melts well like cheddar or mozzarella for the most gooey and delicious potato cups.
  • Experiment with different meats like bacon, ham, or chorizo instead of salami to customize your potato cups to your taste preferences.
  • Replace dairy cheese with vegan cheese alternatives and use plant-based salami for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version of this appetizer.

Flavorful Variations for Loaded Potato Cups

  • Vegetarian Potato Cups: Replace salami with roasted bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or crumbled vegetarian sausage for a meat-free version packed with plant-based protein.
  • Spicy Southwest Potato Cups: Swap cheese with pepper jack, add diced jalapeños, and top with salsa and cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Breakfast Potato Cups: Incorporate scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and cheddar cheese, making it a perfect morning meal for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Mediterranean Potato Cups: Use feta cheese, chopped spinach, and diced olives to create a Greek-style appetizer with rich Mediterranean flavors.

Pairing Ideas for Loaded Potato Cups

  • Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, savory flavors of salami and cheese in the potato cups.
  • Match with Crisp Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy pale ale or amber lager that cuts through the creamy cheese and provides a refreshing contrast to the salty salami.
  • Enhance with Tangy Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the potato cups' richness and add a bright, fresh element to the meal.
  • Complement with Pickled Vegetables: Add quick-pickled cucumber or cornichons on the side to introduce a zesty, acidic note that helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Storage Recommendations for Loaded Potato Cups

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm potato cups at 350F for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy edges return. Avoid microwaving to maintain crunchiness.
  • Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Crisp up cold potato cups in air fryer at 375F for 3-4 minutes for a fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Just ensure they are medium-sized and cook evenly in the microwave.

  • Is there a way to make these potato cups vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace salami with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or vegetarian bacon bits to keep the flavor and texture interesting.

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

Lightly grease the muffin tin with cooking spray or olive oil before placing the potato cups to ensure easy removal.

  • Can I prepare these potato cups in advance?

You can partially prepare them by baking the potato shells ahead of time, but add cheese and toppings just before serving to maintain crispy texture and melted cheese.

Print
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Loaded Potato Cups Recipe

Loaded Potato Cups Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Potato lovers rejoice with these mouthwatering Loaded Potato Cups that pack classic comfort into perfect handheld bites. Crispy potato shells filled with melted cheese, bacon bits, and green onions deliver irresistible flavor in one delightful package you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 baby Yukon Gold or russet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) salami, crumbled

Toppings and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 green onion, chopped

Garnish:

  • Sour cream, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a muffin tin for potato cups.
  2. Microwave potatoes for 5-8 minutes until completely tender, checking for soft texture.
  3. Carefully transfer cooked potatoes into muffin tin cavities, using a small container to gently press and create a hollow center.
  4. Drizzle olive oil over each potato cup, ensuring even coating, then generously season with salt and pepper.
  5. Bake potato cups for 5-7 minutes until edges turn golden and crispy.
  6. Remove from oven and immediately fill each cup with shredded cheese and thin salami slices.
  7. Return to oven and bake until cheese melts completely and becomes slightly bubbly.
  8. Finish potato cups with a generous dollop of cool sour cream on top.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for added flavor and color.
  10. Serve hot and immediately to maintain crispy texture and melted cheese appeal.

Notes

  • Swap out salami for vegetarian alternatives like mushrooms or bell peppers to create a meat-free version that’s just as delicious.
  • Try different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gouda, or blue cheese to add unique flavor profiles and personalize the dish.
  • Prepare potato cups ahead of time and reheat in the oven for a quick and convenient appetizer or snack that maintains its crispy texture.
  • Use small red or yellow potatoes for bite-sized portions perfect for parties or gatherings, ensuring each cup is a perfect one-bite treat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 115 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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