Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests (Oven-Baked)

🥔 Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests (Oven-Baked, Mediterranean Style)

🌿 Description

These oven-baked mashed potato nests are shaped like little cups, brushed with olive oil until crisp, then stuffed with a savory Mediterranean filling of spinach, feta, garlic, and herbs. They’re elegant enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights—and no frying required.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Potato Nests

• 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled & cubed

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp dried oregano or thyme

For the Mediterranean Filling

• 1 cup sautéed spinach (well-drained)

• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

• Optional: pinch of chili flakes

Optional Toppings

• Cherry tomatoes (halved)

• Extra feta or mozzarella

• Fresh herbs for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Potatoes
   Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (15–20 minutes). Drain well.

2. Mash
   Mash potatoes until smooth. Mix in olive oil, egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Let cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Filling
   In a bowl, mix spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes/olives, garlic, herbs, and chili flakes.

4. Shape the Nests
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
   Grease a muffin tin. Spoon mashed potatoes into each cup and press up the sides to form a nest.

5. Fill
   Spoon the Mediterranean filling into each potato nest.

6. Bake
   Brush edges lightly with olive oil. Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden and crisp.

7. Finish & Serve
   Let cool 5 minutes. Garnish with herbs and serve warm.

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🌟 Serving Ideas

• Serve with a Greek salad or lemony yogurt sauce

• Add a soft-baked egg on top for brunch

• Pair with grilled chicken or fish

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❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Q: Can I make them dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Use dairy-free feta and skip the Parmesan—still delicious.

Q: How do I make them extra crispy?
A: Use starchy potatoes (Russet), let mashed potatoes cool slightly, and brush edges with olive oil before baking.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes. Freeze baked nests, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until hot and crisp.

Q: What other fillings work?
A: Mushrooms & thyme, chickpeas & cumin, or roasted red peppers with hummus.