These Loaded Mashed Potato Cups are perfect for holiday gatherings. Easy to serve & prepare and are loaded with everything that is good – bacon and cheese.
Bacon is something all 7 of us love. Pretty much anything that has bacon in it, on it or even near it my family will devour. But my love for bacon has deepened after my trip back to Iowa for Pass the Pork Blogger Tour. See here is the thing, most of us give less time thinking about where our food comes than we give when ordering it from a menu. And we’re fortunate that most of the time we don’t have too.
After visiting Brenneman Pork in Iowa, I feel like I’ll never have to again. I was fortunate enough to experience farm life the way it should be. Every step of my experience demonstrated the commitment to excellence and highlighted the thoughtfulness that goes into providing the best pork product possible, a product that allows consumers to stay blissfully content with taste rather than the origin of their dinner.
It all started with protecting the pigs – we all had to shower and completely change our clothes. I’d argue that we had more germs than the pigs did. The Brenneman’s believe that healthy pigs make healthy pork, and every step is taken to ensure just that. These measures have made a difference as the National Pork Board has officially lowered the cooking temperature of pork.
Everything was so clean, dramatically reducing the problems once faced decades ago. My expectations were nowhere close to what I experienced. Each pig was numbered and tracked, making sure lineages are known and recorded. Automatic water and food systems are consistently monitored, allowing for better overall care. They participate in the Pork Quality Assurance Plus program which ensures their pigs will be raised, handled and housed with humane practices from the moment of birth up until they go to market.
I anticipated I’d get to see the nursery with all the cute piglets, but I never thought my tour would include delivering one. But that’s exactly what I did, including warming it up, rubbing it down and putting it on the momma’s teat. The amount of effort taken to track pregnancies, distribute piglets for adequate nursing, and breed only the best of the best is taken seriously and Dr. Tim Brenneman’s vet research at Brenneman Pork is providing valuable information for the industry. It’s obvious Rob Brenneman asks himself everyday how can they improve and do better.
My entire trip to Brenneman Pork can be summed up as better care, better pigs, better product.
So next time you grill up that pork chop, cook it to 145 degrees and enjoy the juiciest and healthiest pork that America has enjoyed in a long time. As for bacon here is what I learned cooked it on the over and smoother it in brown sugar before cooking….oh my goodness. Best way to eat bacon ever. Or you know what just make these Loaded Mashed Potato Cups because well they have…bacon.
Enjoy friends! XOXO San
How do you make Loaded Mashed Potato Cups?
In a large mixing bowl, beat the mashed potatoes, milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Stir in 1 ½ cups of cheese, bacon and green onions.
Grease two 6-portion muffin pans; divide potato mixture between pans. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Garnish with sour cream, cheese, and chives, optional.
You may cover and freeze these Loaded Mashed Potato Cups for up to 3 months.
To use frozen potato cups: Thaw in the refrigerator. Bake as directed above.
If you love this, be sure to try my Best Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Don’t forget to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board to save for later!
Loaded Mashed Potato Cups
Ingredients
- 6 cups hot mashed potatoes without added milk and butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/3 cup green onions chopped
- 3/4 cup cooked bacon crumbles
- Topping:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons chopped chives
- 3 tablespoons cooked bacon crumbles
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the mashed potatoes, milk, butter, salt and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in 1 ½ cups of cheese, bacon and green onions.
- Grease two 6-portion muffin pans; divide potato mixture between pans. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Garnish with sour cream, cheese and chives, optional.
- You may cover and freeze these Loaded Mashed Potato Cups up to 3 months. To use frozen potato cups: Thaw in the refrigerator. Bake as directed above.
Notes
