Cheesy Potato Cups are a savory, bite-sized treat that combines the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with the rich flavor of melted cheese. These crispy, golden cups are the perfect way to serve potatoes in a fun and delicious new way. Ideal as appetizers, side dishes, or even a snack, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
To make these cheesy potato cups, start by preparing a batch of mashed potatoes. You can use your favorite recipe or keep it simple with butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Once the potatoes are smooth and creamy, stir in plenty of shredded cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both works wonderfully. For extra flavor, you can mix in some cooked bacon, chopped green onions, or garlic powder.
Next, spoon the mashed potato mixture into a greased muffin tin, pressing down gently to form little cups. Top each cup with more cheese for a deliciously gooey finish, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
These Cheesy Potato Cups are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a hearty side dish alongside steak, chicken, or grilled vegetables, or use them as a fun appetizer for parties and potlucks. They’re even great for meal prep or lunchboxes, as they can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven.
The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheese, and a crispy exterior makes these cheesy potato cups a comforting and irresistible treat. Whether you’re serving them as part of a main meal or as a tasty snack, they’re sure to disappear fast!
Ingredients
- 2 cups potatoes peeled and grated
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons chives chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, shredded cheese, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Scoop the potato mixture into the greased muffin tin, pressing down slightly to compact them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before removing from muffin tin. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Meh, tasted like cardboard. Not worth the trouble. 🥴
I followed the recipe but mine fell apart. Did I miss somethin? 🤔
Super easy to make!! I didn’t have chives so used parsley instead. Still yum!
These are soooo good! I made them for my kids and they loved them!
Can I use mozzarella instead of cheddar?? Asking for a friend lol.
These are legit! Cheesy and crispy, perfect for a party! Definitely making again!
I don’t know… they seemed too greasy to me. 😒
I thought they were delicious! Maybe you used too much oil?
Great recipe! So easy to make! 😍
I gotta say, I’m not a fan of chives. Can I just use plain potatoes?
Not sure if I did it right, but mine turned out mushy. 😕 Maybe I added too much potato?
These Cheesy Potato Cups are a hit with my kids! They devoured them in no time. Will definitely make again!
Honestly, this is just home fries in a cup. Kinda lazy, if you ask me.
I disagree! These cheesy potato cups are a fun twist on home fries! 🙌
Yum! I can smell them now! Woke up my neighbors with that aroma, haha.
Haha that’s awesome! I’d love to wake up to that smell. Did they end up wanting some? 😄
Smell is one thing, but taste is another. Hope they don’t taste as burnt as they smell! 😅
These are just okay, nothing special. I was expecting more. 🤷♀️
A delicious twist on regular potatoes! I love how crispy they get. Perfect party snack!
These sound awesome! I always look for new snack ideas for parties. I’m definitely going to try making these! 😍
Awesome recipe, I added some garlic powder for extra flavor!
Garlic powder sounds amazing! I’m definitely trying that next time. Thanks for sharing!
I dunno, man. Garlic powder in potato cups? Seems a bit weird. Potatoes are good on their own!
I followed the recipe, but they turned out soggy. What did I do wrong?
These came out super crispy on top and cheesy inside—exactly what I wanted. I used extra chives and they smelled amazing while baking.
Why are these called cups? They just look like piles of mashed potatoes to me.
Lol, I thought the same thing! They should just be called potato blobs. But they taste amazing!
I think they call them cups because of the muffin tin. But I get what you mean, they don’t really look like cups 😂.
Simple and easy to make, plus you can customize it! I added some bacon bits, yum!
Kinda bland for me. I think i would add more spices next time. 🤷♀️
Cheesey! Potatoes! Need I say more? 10 outta 10!
Seems a bit too cheesy for me. Isn’t that unhealthy? I prefer less cheese, don’t you?
I can’t believe how good they are! Just made them and everyone loved it! 😍
5 stars! Can’t believe how easy these were. I’m not a great cook but anyone can do this!
Cheesy goodness! I burned mine a bit, but still tasty.
Not bad, but I’d prefer them with bacon bits for sure!
Bacon bits would definitely add some extra flavor! Great idea!
They turned out good, but I wish there was more cheese. Kinda bland without it.
I used smoked cheddar and added a tiny pinch of garlic powder. Total upgrade. Also my kids ate them immediately—no complaints.
I followed the recipe exactly, but they turned out soggy. What did I do wrong? 😩
I forgot to grease the muffin tin with oil like the recipe says… big mistake. They stuck like crazy. Flavor was good, but presentation was a mess 😅
Simple and cheesy. I used pre-shredded cheddar and it didn’t melt as well as I wanted. Also, 400°F seems high—kinda browned too quick on top.
Totally agree about the pre-shredded cheese—there’s usually anti-caking stuff on it, so it won’t melt as smooth. Next time I’d grate the cheddar yourself (or use a mix like cheddar + a little mozzarella) and maybe cover loosely with foil for the first 10 minutes so the tops don’t brown too fast.
I made these for my kids, and they loved it! Will make again!
I don’t think this is enough cheese. Gotta up the cheddar next time! 🧀
Cheddar cheese, huh? I subbed it for mozzarella and it was still bomb!
Honestly, I just winged it and they still turned out amazing! 😁
Wait, can I use sweet potatoes instead? Asking for a friend.
So good! Gonna make them again, maybe add some bacon too.
What if I use sweet potatoes instead? Would it change the taste alot?
I don’t know, they turned out a bit mushy for me. What did I do wrong?
I made these and they were OK, but my kids think they look funny lol!
These taste just like my grandma’s famous dish! So nostalgic. 🥰
Is it possible this recipe could use more cheese? Asking. 😄
Yum! My kids loved them. I added some bacon bits for extra flavor.
400°F for 20 minutes felt a little short for my oven—tops weren’t as golden as the picture. I baked them like 8 more minutes and then they were perfect.
I’m not usually a potato person, but the combo of grated potato + cheddar is addictive. One batch almost disappeared at dinner.
Same! I’m not big on potatoes either, but these turn out so crispy on top with all that cheddar. Mine definitely didn’t last past dinner 😅
Honestly, I think I overcooked mine. They turned out too dry. Not sure if I want to try again.
Not a fan. The potatoes turned out mushy. 🙁 Maybe I did something wrong?
Omg so good. I accidently forgot the chives but it still slapped. 10/10 would eat cold straight from the muffin tin 😅
Why do you need that much cheese?? Makes it too greasy. Less is more!
I think cheesy is the way to go! It’s called Cheesy Potato Cups for a reason! 😄
These cheesy potato cups are fantastic! They were a hit at my party. Will definitely make again.
Just wow. Can’t believe how easy and delicious these are! Thank you!
Eh, ok. But I could have just eatin a cheeseburger instead.
My oven is broken, so I tried frying these instead. They just fell apart. Fail!
Oh no! Maybe they needed more binding? Like an egg or something? Just a thought!
This recipe seems complicated. I just wanna eat potatoes. 😂
They looked like little cheese nests but mine stuck to the tin a bit. Next time I’ll grease more thoroughly. Flavor was still awesome though.
I never could cook. But even I can’t mess this up. Good recipe!
I thought this was going to taste weird, but I was wrong! They’re actually good!
I know, right? They look so simple but they taste amazing! Glad you tried them!
Really? I thought they would be bland. I might give it a shot now!
Pretty tasty, but mine didn’t get as crispy after 20 minutes. I think my muffin tin was too crowded. Next time I’ll spread them out a little and maybe bake 5 more minutes.
They were good, but I think they needed more cheese. Maybe try 2 cups?
Honestly, these are the perfect snack. Crispy, cheesy, and chives give it that fresh vibe. Will definitely make again.
Not bad, but 2 cups potatoes grated sounds like it’ll be thick. Mine were kinda dense, almost like little potato cakes. Still flavorful though with the cheddar + chives.
Honestly 2 cups sounds too much for a muffin tin unless the potatoes are really thinly grated. Did you squeeze out excess moisture? That’s usually why mine get dense.
Thanks! I’ve found the same—2 cups grated can turn a bit dense if you pack it too hard. I started pressing *lightly* just to hold shape, and they crisp more instead of getting cake-y.
These are so delicious! My kids loved them!
I think its missing something…maybe bacon? Just a thought.
Pretty good comfort food. I grated the potatoes a bit too finely though and they were slightly watery—next time I’ll squeeze out excess moisture. Still super tasty.
I love cheesy anything, but I feel like 20 minutes isn’t enough for grated potatoes unless they’re squeezed dry. Mine were kinda watery. Maybe I’ll try wringing them next time.
Do I really need to peel the potatoes? Would it work with unpeeled ones? Asking for a friend.
More like cheesy potato lumps! They fell apart when I took them out! 😡
I messed up and cut the cheddar into chunks instead of shredding—still tasted okay but the texture was weird. Also I forgot to preheat lol, so… yeah.
These were sooo good! My kids devoured them and asked for more. Definitely making again!
These were good! My grandma used to make something similar. Nostalgia!
This recipe is too simple. How can something so easy be that good?
Not bad, but I think they could use a little more seasoning. Maybe some garlic powder next time?
I totally agree! A bit more seasoning would make these awesome! Garlic powder sounds perfect.
Really easy to make, but mine burnt on the bottoms. 😫
I had the same issue! Maybe try reducing the baking time a bit? They still taste great even if they’re a little burnt on the bottom.
You musta had your oven too hot! Just keep an eye on them next time. They should be perfect if you follow the time.
Very easy recipe. My kids ate them instantly. The only thing is I used less salt and it still tasted cheesy enough.
These cheesy potato cups are amazing! My family devoured them.
Cheesy goodness! Gonna try with bacon bits next time. Yum!
Bacon bits sound like an awesome idea! I might try that too! 😋
I didn’t have chives so I used green onion—kinda worked but tasted different. Still, it was easy and filling. Thanks!
Is it really enough cheese? I think it needed more for extra flavor.
I think it’s just right! Too much cheese can make it greasy, but I love a good cheesy flavor myself!
These potato cups are a big hit at my parties! Everyone loves them.
Do you have to use chives? I don’t like them.
You can totally leave out the chives! The cheese and potatoes are the main flavors anyway.
Cheesy potato cups? More like cheesy potato flops! Sorry, not sorry.
I dunno man, it’s just grated potatoes? How is that special?
I think it’s special because of the cheese and chives! Cheese makes everything better 😍.
Grated potatoes can be really tasty if you prepare them right! Just try them, you might be surprised!
I used sweet potatoes instead, turned out alright. Pretty good flavor but not great texture.
Sweet potatoes can be tricky! I’ve found they usually add a nice sweetness but can get mushy. Glad you found it alright!
5 stars for the concept, but the timing is kinda sketchy depending on potato moisture. I’ll adjust next batch. Also, my pepper tasted extra strong lol.
These are so delicious! Perfect for a snack. Will definitely make again!
I made these last week and my kids loved them too! Such a hit at our family gathering!
Super simple and quick recipe! Definitely a keeper!
Not gonna lie, I messed up—pressed too hard and they stuck to the tin. I should’ve greased more. Flavor is great though, and I can see how it would be awesome.
Ahh yeah, that happens—when you press too hard they can really glue themselves to the tin. Next time I’d grease a bit more (or even add a light dusting of flour) and try gentle pressing. Glad the flavor still came out great though—cheesy potato cups are always worth saving!
I followed the recipe exactly and mine didn’t crisp much, more like soft potato bites. Any tips on grating size or oven rack position?
These are awesome!! I made them for a party and they were gone in minutes.
I’ve been looking for a good party recipe! Can’t wait to try these out myself. Thanks for sharing!
Came out too crispy. My oven is probably too hot. Be careful with the temp!
Why not just make mashed potatoes instead? Seems pointless.
These were dangerously good. The tops got perfectly golden and crispy in my oven—would make them again as a quick snack.
Not sure why mine didn’t hold together well. Maybe I didn’t press them enough? Still tasted good though.
My first time with these was a mess too! I didn’t even have chives and they were still tasty. Keep trying!
Sounds like you might’ve needed to mash them down really good! The pressure is key. But glad they still tasted good!
Super easy and cheesy! My kids loved them.
I made these, and my kids were fighting over the last one! Definitely a keeper!
Sounds good, but isn’t it just glorified hash browns? Cheese or no cheese, they are still potatoes!
I tried it but didn’t like the texture. Too mushy for my taste!
Yummy! 🌟
I grated the potatoes, but I squeezed them too much (maybe?) and the mix felt dry. Still tasty, but they weren’t as crispy as I hoped.
These turned out way better than I expected—crispy edges, gooey center. I used sharp cheddar and the chives really make it pop. Will make again!
Honestly, 400°F for 20 minutes wasn’t enough for my oven. I had to bake like 28 min to get that golden crunch.
Potato cups? Why not just mashed potatoes?! This is crazy.
So easy and my kids ate them fast. The chives really make it fresh. Will be making these for brunch again.
Wait—20 minutes at 400°F? Mine weren’t really crispy at 20, more like soft potato. I think I should’ve squeezed out more moisture from the grated potatoes.
These were so good! I added a little garlic powder and they still turned out crispy on top. Great brunch idea.
Yumm! Made them for breakfast, they are crispy and delicious!
Pretty tasty, but 20 minutes felt a little short for my oven. I had to bake closer to 28 minutes to get that golden brown crunch.
20 min for 400°F seems too optimistic lol. I’d trust “golden brown and crispy” more than the time. I’ll definitely check yours way sooner and bake longer if needed.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve made these and noticed oven temps vary a lot—glad 28 minutes worked. Mine usually browns closer to 25, so your note is super helpful.
Pretty tasty, but I squeezed the potatoes too hard and they came out a bit dry. Next time I’ll just mix and press lightly. Still cheesy though!
Not bad, but my muffin tin sticking was a problem. I greased it like the recipe said and still had to pry them out. Flavor was good, texture was just annoying.
Yum! I added bacon bits and it was a hit! 10/10 would recommend!
Mine didn’t crisp as much as the picture—more like soft potato cheese blobs. I packed them well though, so I’m thinking my oven runs cool. Still tasted good.
These came out super crispy on top and cheesy in the middle—exactly what I wanted. I used a sharper cheddar and it really boosted the flavor.
These potato cups turned out way better than I expected—crispy edges and melty cheese inside. I added a pinch of garlic powder and they were gone fast!
Made these last night—so crispy on top! I squeezed the potatoes a bit after grating to get rid of extra water and it worked wonders. Kids loved them with ketchup.
These are amazing!! I made them for a party and they were gone in seconds!
Honestly I thought it wouldn’t work—potatoes + cheese in a muffin tin sounded like a gimmick—but it’s actually solid. The chives add a nice fresh touch.
Just made these! So cheesy and crispy. Perfect for a snack. Yum!
These cheesy potato cups are amazing! I made them for my kids and they devoured them. So easy and delicious!
Yummy and easy to make! My kids loved helping me mix the ingredients!
Pretty easy and tasty, but my cups stuck to the tin a bit even though I greased it. Next time I’ll use a little parchment or more oil. Flavor was still great.
Pretty good, but mine stuck to the muffin tin a bit. Next time I’ll use more oil or add parchment liners. Still tasted great.
I followed the recipe and they turned out kinda salty? Maybe my cheddar was saltier than expected. Would make again but reduce the salt a touch.
Too much chives, I couldn’t even taste the potatoes! Next time I will use less chives.
I think using pre-shredded cheese is fine but it doesn’t melt the same. Fresh cheddar is way better. Texture matters here.
Totally agree—pre-shredded cheese has that anti-caking stuff, so it can turn grainy instead of melting into a nice gooey bind. Fresh cheddar really does make a difference for the crispy-on-top + melty-in-the-middle texture.
Just cheese and potatoes??? Not healthy at all, very disapointed.
I don’t understand how to make these! Should I boil the potatoes first? 🤷♂️
oof not the best tbh. i did not like this at all. dont recommend.
Yummy!
Yesss these look seriously tasty—crispy tops + melty cheddar is a win. 😋
3 ingredients? seems too easy lol. I thought it would be bland but the cheese and pepper carried it. I also added a little garlic powder—highly recommend.
Not sure what I did wrong—mine were kind of mushy in the middle. The edges crisped, but the center didn’t set. Could be the potato moisture?
400°F is 400°C right? lol sorry—seriously though, I baked them way too long because I misread. Still edible, but not crispy. Learn from me.
400°F is 400°C? 😅 Nope, that’s like double the temp. If you baked longer it’ll dry out and go mushy—not crispy. Still, I guess cheese saves it. I’d try shorter bake + squeeze out moisture from grated potatoes.
Haha I’ve done the same thing—honestly 400 is a menace if you’re tired. But glad they’re still edible! Next time try checking around the 15–18 min mark for crispier tops.
These are the best! I made them for a party and everyone loved them.
Cheese and potatoes? Yes, please! Made these for a party and they were the hit of the night! Will make again!
Why muffin tin? I made them as a flat tray bake and it turned out better. The cups just felt like extra work.
But the cups hold the cheese better 😅 Without walls it kinda spreads. Still tasty though. Next time maybe do a smaller tray section so it crisps.
I get it—muffin tins are extra cleanup. I tried these once as a tray bake and it worked too, just less “cup” shape. Might need a slightly longer bake for crisp edges.
Easy recipe, but I think 20 minutes might depend on your muffin tin. Mine needed a few extra minutes to get truly golden. Still delicious though!
They were okay, but I expected more flavor. Needs some garlic or something.
Made these for brunch and they turned out super crispy on top—cheddar pull was real. I added a pinch of garlic powder just because, but the base recipe is already great.
Easy peasy! But I think I put too much salt. Next time I’ll reduce it.
I followed it but my potato cups turned out a bit soggy. Next time I’ll squeeze the grated potatoes with a towel to get rid of moisture. Flavor was still good.
Meh. Tasty, sure, but basically hash browns in muffin form. I’d rather just do a skillet version and save the effort.
Not bad for something that’s basically potatoes and cheese… but $-wise I don’t know if it’s worth it compared to regular cheesy potatoes.
I’m skeptical about grated raw potatoes holding together without an egg or something, but honestly they worked! Compacting helped a lot.
Same! I figured raw grated potato would just crumble, but compacting plus the cheese makes sense. Glad it worked for you.
Not bad. Next time I’m adding garlic powder because… why not.
Garlic powder sounds like a great upgrade—especially with the cheddar. Next batch I’ll try it too!
I dunno… garlic powder is a little much with already salty cheese. Maybe just a pinch? Don’t want it to overpower the chives.
Pretty solid side dish. I followed everything, but mine were a tiny bit salty—next time I’ll reduce the salt or use less cheddar since some brands are saltier.
I’m skeptical about only baking 20 minutes—mine needed closer to 28 to get actually crispy. But once they did, they were great with a little sour cream.
Totally agree—20 min is probably “golden” but not truly crispy. Mine went 28 too. Still, the flavor is spot on with the cheddar.
Okay real talk: 400°F seems high for potatoes in muffin cups. I overdid it and the edges browned before the inside felt set. I’d lower the temp and bake longer.
Totally agree—400°F is spicy for grated potatoes in muffin cups. I’ve had the same issue where the outside crisps but the middle stays kinda raw. Next time I’d go 350–375°F and bake longer.
Hmm I’ve done this at 400°F and mine set fine 🤷♀️ maybe it depends on how finely you grate the potatoes and how tightly you pack them. If they’re chunky or the muffin cups are overloaded, yeah, lower temp helps.
Not gonna lie, I expected them to be more “cup” shaped. Mine spread a little and ended up more like cheesy potato patties. Flavor was decent though.
Your oven temp might be too high or your potatoes too wet. Did you squeeze the grated potatoes in a towel? If not, excess moisture can make them spread.
Happened to me too 😅 I think pressing them a bit harder (and making the tin really well-greased) helps keep that “cup” shape. Still delicious as patties though!
Not gonna lie, I thought they’d be dry, but they actually stayed pretty moist. I did press them hard into the muffin cups and that helped a lot.
Too salty for me. Maybe my cheddar was already salty. Also, I didn’t have chives so I used green onion—tasted fine but not the same.
My kids called them “cheese muffins” and that’s enough for me. Will make again. Maybe try adding paprika for color.
Cheese muffins is the best endorsement 😂 Adding paprika for color is genius—I’ll try that next time!
I’m skeptical the potatoes will get crispy in 20 minutes, but the idea sounds tasty. Do you squeeze out excess water from the grated potatoes?
Could’ve used more seasoning in my opinion. Like the salt/pepper didn’t punch enough. Might be my potatoes were bland, though.
Totally hear you—400°F and only 1 tsp salt for 2 cups potatoes can feel a little mild. I usually bump the salt a pinch or two and add garlic powder too.
These came out super crispy on top and cheesy in the middle—exactly what I wanted. I added a pinch of garlic powder and it was even better!