| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30–35 minutes |
| Total Time | 45–50 minutes |
| Difficulty Intensity | Easy (1 out of 5) |
| Effort Intensity | Low-Medium (2 out of 5) – Shaping the nests is the only hands-on step |
| Mess Factor | Low (one bowl, one muffin tin, minimal cleanup) |
| Waiting Time | None (no rising or marinating) |
Intensity Notes:
Difficulty refers to skill level required.
Effort Intensity accounts for physical work like mashing, grating cheese, and shaping.
Mess Factor is rated as Low, Medium, or High.
🥔 Ingredients
*Makes 12 nests (standard 12-cup muffin tin)*
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cold mashed potatoes | 4 cups (about 900g) | Leftover or freshly made & cooled completely |
| Large egg | 1 | Beaten, acts as binder |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 1 ½ cups (150g) | Freshly grated (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that reduce melt) |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup (50g) | Grated fine |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup (30g) | Optional, but helps if mashed potatoes are very wet |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Not garlic salt |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp | Optional but recommended |
| Paprika | ½ tsp | For color and mild smokiness |
| Melted butter | 2 tbsp | For greasing the pan and brushing tops |
| Toppings / Fillings (optional) | ||
| Sour cream | – | For serving |
| Chopped chives or parsley | – | For garnish |
| Fried or poached egg | 1 per nest | For a brunch version |
| Crumbled bacon | – | For extra savoriness |
🥣 Nutrition Information (per nest, without fillings)
Approximate values for 1 of 12 nests
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 195 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| – Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| – Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 32 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| – Sugars | 1 g |
| Sodium | 310 mg |
| Potassium | 340 mg |
| Calcium | 135 mg (13% DV) |
| Iron | 0.6 mg (4% DV) |
| Vitamin A | 320 IU |